TAKAHIK Rules & Policies

TAKAHIK RULES & POLICIES

1.   BE ON TIME

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Hikes leave at the posted time. Contact the leader if you are running late.

2.   BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED

Know the hike's distance, difficulty, elevation, terrain, and duration. Decide honestly whether you are prepared.

3.   NO ALCOHOL, SMOKING, OR DRUGS

No alcohol, smoking, vaping, or illegal drugs during group hikes. Do not participate while impaired.

4.   STAY WITH THE GROUP

Do not leave or separate without notifying the hike leader. Never intentionally hike off alone.

5.   FOLLOW THE HIKE LEADER

The leader has final authority regarding the route, pace, stops, safety decisions, and cancellation or modification of a hike.

6.   BRING THE ESSENTIALS

Bring adequate water, snacks, proper footwear/clothing, trekking poles, personal medications, a charged phone, and navigation/lighting equipment when appropriate.

7.   SAFETY FIRST

Use good judgment. Do not take unnecessary risks for photos or viewpoints. Use extra caution around cliffs, waterfalls, steep terrain, caves, streams, and slippery rocks. Report problems immediately.

8.   LEAVE NO TRACE

Pack it in — Pack it out. No littering. Do not damage plants, trees, rocks, trails, or historic sites. Do not remove artifacts or natural objects. Respect private property.

9.   RESPECT WILDLIFE

Never approach, feed, chase, harass, or attempt to handle wildlife. Maintain a safe distance.

10. RESPECT OTHERS

Treat fellow hikers, landowners, officials, and the public with courtesy and respect. No fighting, bullying, harassment, threats, or disruptive behavior.

11. WEATHER & CONDITIONS

Hikes may be delayed, shortened, rerouted, or canceled because of severe weather, flooding, extreme temperatures, fire, or unsafe trail conditions. The leader's safety decision is final.

12. CHILDREN & PETS

Children and young adults (18 years or younger) must have responsible adult supervision. Pets are allowed only when permitted by the leader and applicable trail regulations.

13. NO RECKLESS BEHAVIOR

No dangerous climbing, jumping from waterfalls or cliffs, entering unsafe structures or caves, or any activity that unnecessarily puts yourself or others at risk.

14. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Hiking involves inherent risks. Each participant is responsible for preparation, equipment, decisions, and safety. Lock your vehicle when parked and take any valuable items with you. TAKAHIK

River Valley Hikers (a club), its officers, other members, or group leaders, are not responsible for any injuries.