This is a women's only hiking group. Please see the rules and guidelines below.
1. Only women are allowed to be members of the group. If you would like to bring another adult female with you to an event, please have them sign up to also become.
2. The only time men are welcome to join an event is when the event specifically states it will be a co-ed event.
3. All levels of fitness are welcome to join each of the organized group hikes. You must, however, do your own research of the trail to determine if it will match your own comfort level.
4. All organized hikes inside the Heylo "Hikes with Laura" group will only be scheduled in the Events section by Admin only.
5. Friendships are encouraged! If you meet another member you'd like to hike separately with, feel free to coordinate privately between each other, and not in group chats. Any independent hikes are not considered affiliated with this group.
6. While safety at events is Laura's top priority, Laura is not a licensed guide. Members are responsible for their own health, gear and decision-making while on the trail or any organized event. Unless it is planned otherwise, members are also responsible for bringing their own water and food.
7. This is a supportive and encouraging space for women. Bullying, harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated whether it be inside the group on Heylo or at an organized event.
8. No promotion or self-advertising. Please do not promote businesses, services or outside events. If you have an idea you'd like to share for a possible group event, please send Laura a DM or email at lauralearnstohike@gmail.com for approval.
9. If the trail is dog-friendly, members are welcome to bring their dogs. You will be fully responsible for your dog and researching the trail to see if your dog may have difficulty on the trail. If your dog typically does not get along with other dogs or groups of people, please keep them at home.
10. The group hikes are meant for adult women, but if you would like to bring your kids along with you, it is acceptable. Members will be fully responsible for their children.
11. Make sure you RSVP to any event you plan to join. Once you arrive, mark yourself as Checked In. If you are no longer able to attend any event you have signed up for, you must change your status to Cancel. If you have difficulty changing your status, send a DM to Laura ASAP.
Laura's goal when forming the group was to build a community of women interested in hiking in the Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia and the Western North Carolina region. It was created as a women only group to help take away the intimidation of hiking for beginners and help women to connect to other women.
If you are positive, encouraging and passionate about hiking and the outdoors, you're in the right place! Laura is thrilled that you're here, and the rest of the women can't wait to meet you! In order to protect the integrity and safety of this group, membership may be reviewed and adjusted as needed.