Founded by Kellie Carlisle in 2007, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a very active 23K+ member strong mission-driven nonprofit 501(C)(3) charitable organization (Tax ID: 47-514183) dedicated to promoting the enjoyment and health benefits of reconnecting people with the natural world. In nine years, MAHG has hosted over 5000 hikes ranging from 2-mile newbie sneaker social hikes all the way up to 50+ mi
le one day super hikes. We are a diverse group filled with members who enjoy a wide variety of activities including - but not limited to hiking and educational opportunities related to the natural world. MAHG also promotes the importance of being good outdoor stewards through environmental awareness activities. We enjoy exploring an incredible variety of locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (MAHG) appreciates Mother Nature’s diversity as well as the diversity that our broad membership base has generated, ALL are welcome to join. Whether you are a newbie or a very seasoned hiker, we are sure to have a hike for you on our very active and varied calendar. Our focus is on safety, camaraderie, and having a ton of fun while out on the trails -- so a sense of humor is a must with us!
***WARNING! — Our Calendar is VERY Active ALL Four Seasons and Can be Beneficial to Your Health***
Today’s fast-paced and technologically dominated society can take a toll on a person’s psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. Many people are trapped within an indoor and plugged-in lifestyle that is overwhelming and very stressful. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group promotes reconnecting people with nature by providing plentiful and varied opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s events are a healthy and fun way to relieve stress and “unplug” while enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Decrease stress - get fitter - get healthier, and get nature empowered!
• Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers many opportunities to give back by helping with maintaining trails throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and hosting in addition to participating in other environmental stewardship and community building events and workshops. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers educational classes and certifications in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and our own highly regarded Outdoor Leadership Certification program. Additionally, MAHG has an active outreach program to help with educating others regarding the many health benefits of hiking and the importance of taking care of our trails and our overall environment.
• Youth Education and Re-Connecting with the Natural World - We are currently preparing to expand our program that benefits under-represented and inner-city youth by combining connection with nature and education. The two-part program structure provides more than a "band-aid" fix of bringing youth out on a hike only for them to return home with no idea when or if they might ever return. Our solution-based approach begins with a full immersion experience of hiking and other fun, unplugged and screen-less outdoor activities. We combine this experience with educating tomorrow's workers regarding the plentiful employment opportunities the outdoor world offers in the booming field of green collar jobs. " For references and more, please visit our main website. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides opportunities for increased confidence, self-esteem, and hope for a better tomorrow. Today's youth will be the earth's stewards of tomorrow, so it is imperative that they become familiar with the world outside of their screens. Why Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — As a registered charitable organization, when you choose to hike with MAHG, you are also benefiting others. In addition to you receiving the health benefits of hiking, because all money raised by our hikes are put towards serving our mission, you are also hiking for the recipients who benefit from our initiatives and programs! We bring people together to have good times and make friends while enjoying the many health benefits of the great outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. Hiking not only connects people with nature, but it also fosters an appreciation and respect for the environment and overall sense of community. Whether you are looking to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or are looking to rise to the challenge of hiking 30 or miles in one day, we have a hike for you, all seasons. Remember, we were all newbies once, and we enjoy introducing others to hiking and other outdoor pursuits - in fact, it is a core part of our mission to re-connect people with the natural world. Who Can Hike with Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group? — Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, single, in a committed relationship, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy, recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive hiker, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is for you. We do more than embrace our diversity — we thrive on it! When We Hike? — We do it in the morning, afternoon, after work, evening, darkest of night, every weekend day, and all year ‘round and average 20 times a week. Get your mind out of the gutter because we are talking about hiking, stewardship, and outdoor education here. Seasonally, we offer weekday day hikes in addition to our variety of after work hikes. Where We Hike? — We hike throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend day. MAHG hosts cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes. How We Hike — Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is mission-driven charitable organization. Click Here to learn about our mission and our accomplishments! We are committed to connecting people with the natural world, community building, giving back/stewardship, and providing educational opportunities. MAHG is a well-established group and known for its excellent camaraderie — all with safety in mind while emphasizing having fun out on the trails! We limit our hikes to small groups for the comfort and consideration of others and to better enjoy and respect the environment. Hiking in large groups is not fun for you or anyone else on the trail or our volunteer leadership team. As a partner with Leave No Trace (LNT), we practice, encourage, and educate others about the importance of practicing proper outdoor ethics. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is proud to be a Gold level Alliance Member of the American Hiking Society. MAHG participates in the "Adopt and Acre" program by adopting land in the Appalachian Mountains to support The Nature Conservancy. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group provides volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities and other community-building events throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. Our leadership team consists of qualified, dedicated, and very appreciated volunteers who are some of the best in the region! We hope to see you on the trail soon and let’s have great times while enjoying the many health benefits of hiking together.…
I hope to see you on the trail soon! Kellie Carlisle, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Founder
In addition to our main website at midatlantichikinggroup.org, view our calendar of events on our Meetup page at midatlantichiking.com, follow our activities via Twitter, and socialize with your fellow hikers and see select events on our page.
