As of 10/25/25 TAKAHIK has had 767 Hikes; had 13769 Hikers; hiked 3337 Miles.

TAKAHIK Logo Copyrighted VAu-482-430, 8/25/99

HISTORY: TAKAHIK (Pronounced "take-a-hike")

        Danny and Brenda Hale and their friends, Steve and Becky Hern, had been tossing around the idea about starting a local hiking club for several years. They were finally convinced to do so, during a slideshow presented by Tim Ernst and William McNamara, a nature photographer/hiking enthusiast and a nature painter respectively, on November 5, 1998, at Gardner Junior High School Auditorium, in Russellville, where a sign-up sheet was signed by over 50 people expressing an interest in such a club.

        Being encouraged by the response, an organizational meeting was held on January 26, 1999 in Russellville.  A large crowd attended and after discussing some of the goals, projects and benefits of a club, TAKAHIK  River Valley Hikers, was officially organized.  Their first hike was to Pedestal Rock Scenic Area on February 20, 1999, with 28 in attendance. 

Officers

President -  Danny Hale     Sec. Treasurer - Steve Hern     Scholarship Coordinator - Mary Ann Rollans

Trail Maintenance Coordinator - John Bearden     Events Coordinator - Rusty Taylor     Backpacking Coordinator - Jill Skaggs