Louisiana may be more famous for bayous than backpacking, but that didn't stop this grassroots trail club from getting out more.
When we tabulated groups participating in q our 2001 Bag Night 5 that popped up in the Top 10 surprised us— the Louisiana Hiking Club (LHC). The bayou hikers finished just behind the Appalachian Trail Conference and ahead of the Sierra Club in total bag nights. We polled LHC members for tips on how other clubs can get out more, and here's what they said.
Use the Internet. By using e-mail and a free online message board, organizing a lastminute weekend hike is as simple as choosing a trail and a time, and hitting enter.
Encourage diversity. LHC leaders invite all outdoor enthusiasts—backpackers, dayhikers, paddlers, spelunkers—to join. The result? Everyone gets out more.
Invite beginners. Club members teach am introductory class called "Backpacking Louisiana Style" at 1ocal universities.
Be creative. When the Louisiana summer makes daytime hiking a sweat fest, club members lead night hikes.
Explore your backyard. Says one LHC member: "Even hiking in flat terrain (which Louisiana has plenty of) can be unique, because of the beautiful cypress lakes and impressive stands of hardwoods."
Schedule slide shows. Giving members a chance to brag about their best trips gets them excited about what they've accomplished, and inspires others to come back with their own bragging rights.
For more information, check out www. Iouisianahikingclub.org.