Hiking Club makes its debut at FHN this year. The group has received a good turnout of approximately 20 students. They look forward to exploring and enjoying the outdoors together on periodic hikes.

“It’s great, it’s a positive use of time,”  junior and Co-Founder Maggie McNevin said. “It’s good exercise, good for your mental health, it’s nice because it connects you with the outdoors and you really grow to appreciate nature.”

The club offers a chance to get outdoors and away from everyday routines. Founders Carson Hackney and McNevin built on student interest and a common hobby to initiate the beginnings of the group. As well as hiking, activities like rock climbing,  herping, hunting for reptiles and amphibians and trash pick ups are also part of excursions.

“The goal is getting kids out into nature,” sponsor Matthew Howard said. “Getting them out of the grasp of technology and opening their eyes to what’s really out there and the beauty of nature.”

Informational meetings are usually held every other Friday morning in Howard’s room. Everyone is invited to come out and participate in the exploration and camaraderie.

“I like the environment of Hiking Club already,” McNevin said. “It’s lots of people loving the same thing. There’s no competition in Hiking Club. We’re all just there to have a good time, everyone is positive and encouraging.”

In the spring, the group is planning on overnight camping trips and possible collaborations with the Ecology club.

“If you can only come out to one hike, do it, because it’s better than nothing,” McNevin said. “It’ll be worth your time, and super fun, you’ll enjoy yourself.”