WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Active Southern West Virginia, a non-profit organization providing an ecosystem of physical activity for the residents of southern West Virginia by offering programs led by trained volunteers, has announced its schedule of guided hikes in and around the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve for this month.
Those looking for free-guided hikes that go at a leisurely pace need to look no further than those hosted by Active SWV.
Active SWV Volunteer Community Captains will be leading guided hikes at Babcock State Park on December 11, Endless Wall on December 13, and Red Ash Island on December 31.
Those interested can sign up for the hikes from the Active SWV social media pages or their website. Participants must fill out an online waiver before going on the hike. If one forgets to signup or decides to join the hike last minute, it is not a problem as waivers can be filled out on-site if the event does not require specific equipment.
The hikes are not a race nor meant to put one out of their comfort zone. “We try our best to hike to please the group,” said Active SWV Community Captain Jacki Wright. “We will never make a hiker feel bad for being too slow, our goal on all of our hikes is safety, and we will never put anyone in a dangerous situation.”
Not only do the Community Captains lead leisurely and informational hikes, but they also provide a sense of personal safety to those hiking.
“We have had ladies tell us that they like hiking with us because at times they are afraid to hike alone,” Wright explained. “We have had older couples tell us they like hiking with us [be]cause they always wonder what would happen if one of them got hurt on one of the many trails that have no cell service.”
Besides hiking, Active SWV hosts refit classes, yoga, pickleball, stand paddle-boarding, and biking.
Those interested in the guided hikes or other events hosted by Active Southern West Virginia can find more information by clicking here.