HIKING IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS

FOR BOTH BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED FOLKS by George Owen

Require Full Vaccination

The first session covers the vast array of trails close to where the class is being held, types of hiking from beginners to experienced, handouts from Forest Service and Appalachian Trail Folks, etc. Includes basic requirements for comfort and safety. Subsequent course sessions will vary greatly from about long-distance trails to first aid kits, guide and reference books, seasonal variations, etc. I also plan to use friends and experts to help with various segments of the course, including an expert on basic equipment for both day hiking and backpacking.

I grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the woods near my home in Lakeland, Florida. I oversaw the nature lore program for three summers at the large FL Methodist Youth Camp, with some hiking, also helped run the rustic camps with tenting program. After grad school, I moved to GA, joined hiking clubs, and spent the rest of my life to date leading hikes, including group hikes out West. I am the former president of BMTA, and Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition, and current president of Mountain High Hikers. I have served the past six years on the board of the Len Foote Hike Inn owned by GA DNR. I also spent part of ten summers after retirement as a guide for day hikes in the Swiss Alps for two American companies.