How to Start a Hiking Club
Hiking clubs connect outdoor enthusiasts, promote fitness, and build lasting friendships on the trail. This guide walks you through founding a hiking club, from planning your first group hike to handling waivers and member management.
Last updated: March 2026
Estimated Startup Cost
$200–$800 first year (insurance $200–$600, supplies, permit fees $0–$200)
Min. Members to Launch
6
Steps to Formation
8
How to Start a Hiking Club: Step-by-Step
- 1
Define your hiking focus and difficulty range
Decide on hike difficulty levels (easy, moderate, strenuous), typical distances, and geographic range. Clubs that offer multiple difficulty tiers attract more members and retain beginners who might otherwise feel excluded. - 2
Scout and document regular hiking routes
Build a library of 10–20 documented hikes with elevation gain, distance, trailhead GPS coordinates, and trail conditions notes. This content forms the backbone of your trip calendar and can be shared on your club website. - 3
Establish a trip leader program
Recruit and train volunteer trip leaders who can safely lead groups. Define leader responsibilities: pre-hike route assessment, weather monitoring, first aid kit requirements, and post-hike check-in procedures. - 4
Draft a liability waiver and safety policy
All participants should acknowledge risks by signing a waiver before their first hike. Define minimum gear requirements (water, navigation, emergency whistle), and your club's policy on turning back in unsafe conditions. - 5
Choose a legal structure and get an EIN
Small informal clubs can operate as unincorporated associations. Clubs collecting dues should get a free EIN and open a bank account. Larger clubs with paid staff or significant assets benefit from 501(c)(7) nonprofit status. - 6
Obtain liability insurance
Group liability insurance for outdoor clubs typically costs $200–$600/year. American Hiking Society and some state hiking associations offer group insurance programs. Many public land managers also require proof of insurance for permitted group events. - 7
Set up membership management tools
Use a platform like GatherGrove to manage member sign-ups, collect dues, publish trip calendars, and track RSVP counts. Knowing headcounts in advance is critical for trip planning and carpooling logistics. - 8
Plan and lead your first club hike
Choose an accessible moderate hike for your launch event to maximize turnout. Promote it through local outdoor gear stores, Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and Nextdoor. Capture photos and testimonials to use in future promotion.
Legal Requirements
No mandatory legal structure for informal clubs. Recommend signed liability waivers for all participants. Some permit-required trails need proof of liability insurance. Optional: EIN, club bank account, 501(c)(7) filing for clubs with meaningful dues revenue.
Note: Requirements vary by state. Consult a local attorney for specific guidance on your organization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗No liability waivers before hikes
- ✗Trips too advanced for the membership base, leading to safety incidents and attrition
- ✗No trip leader training or standards
- ✗Not checking permit requirements for group hikes on federal/state lands
Tools You'll Need
- ✓Membership management software (GatherGrove)
- ✓Trail mapping app (AllTrails, Gaia GPS)
- ✓Group communication platform
- ✓Online waiver collection tool
Software Built for Your Club Type
Hiking Clubs
Organize group hikes, manage trail information, coordinate carpools, and track member experience levels.
Running Clubs
Organize group runs, track member participation, manage race registrations, and coordinate training schedules.
Cycling Clubs
Plan group rides, manage member safety information, coordinate events, and track ride participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large should a hiking club be before formalizing?
Most hiking clubs should consider formalizing — getting an EIN, opening a bank account, and drafting bylaws — once they have 20+ regular members or start collecting dues. Before that, a simple liability waiver and a shared communication channel are usually sufficient.
What permits do hiking clubs need?
Requirements vary by land manager. National Forest and BLM lands generally require a Special Use Permit for organized groups of 25+. National Parks have their own permit systems. State parks vary by state. Check with each land manager before organizing group hikes on their land.
Ready to manage your Hiking Club?
GatherGrove gives you member management, dues collection, and event tools in one place. Start with a 30-day free trial.