Our activities are wide ranging and quite varied. There is literally something for everyone of every interest, skill and fitness level. Be sure to read the activity announcements carefully and contact the activity leader with any questions or concerns you might have.

Each activity announcement possesses some of the following components.

• Title - Includes a Date Code (YY MMDD) and Activity Type (Backpack/Biking/Camping/Day Hiking/Paddling/Work Hike)
• Event - In bold, the type and/or location of the activity
• Dates - Actual starting and ending dates of the activity
• Description - Usually a brief tease about what to expect
• Rating (See below), Participation (Member/Non-Member/Guests) and Reservations (Required for most activities)
• Activity Leader - Name and contact information provided

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Activity Rating - Each activity has an indicator as to the expected difficulty of each segment of the trip. Please remember that our activities can be physically demanding and that we will be out of doors and interacting with Mother Nature. Each participant is responsible for their own safety and well being.

• Leisure - Implies that anyone in reasonable physical condition can participate. The pace is usually slow and leisurely allowing time to see the sites, visit with others and enjoy the experience.
• Moderate - Involves some sort of physical exertion beyond just normal walking or cruising. May involve some reasonable amount of extra effort to complete the activity. May require some prior experience or skill set to participate.
• Difficult - Will require some amount of physical exertion or outdoor skill set beyond what many people possess. Expect that this type of activity will offer some kind of physical or mental challenge if not both.

Remember that our activities are just that . . . . ACTIVE, and that they involve being outside and may require some previous outdoor experience. Wind, rain, insects, wild animals and especially temperature extremes must be expected. Be sure to plan accordingly and be prepared.  Activity itineraries are subject to change due to local conditions and are at the discretion of the Activity Leader.

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Activity Types - You are responsible for your own gear, safety equipment, food, shelter water, fees and reservations. Meals are sometimes taken at a local dining establishment and you must plan for the expense. Activities usually include one or more of the following.

• Backpacking - Usually involves at least one overnight stay on the trail if not more. Requires the participant to bring and carry in a backpack their own food, clothing, shelter & water. Typically rated moderate or difficult due to the physical requirements and skill set required. Contact the trip leader for gear and provisioning recommendations.
• Biking - Participants are required to provide their own bicycle and safety equipment. Rentals are sometimes available. Food and water are also the responsibility of the rider. Wind and weather can often make a leisurely bike ride into moderate or even difficult, so plan accordingly.
• Camping - Camping usually implies automobile camping where the participants are responsible for providing their own food, shelter and water. Parking is frequently adjacent to, or very near to the campsite. Reservations and camping fees may also apply and are the responsibility of the individual camper. Other activities are typically planned in conjunction with car camping.
• Day Hiking or Hiking - Day hiking requires foot travel and may have a specific goal or target planned. A day hike might take the better part of a day, as implied, or might be just an hour or two.  Participants are responsible for their own food and water. Other equipment may be required dependent on the activity.
• Paddling - Typically involves the use of either a kayak or canoe, and occasionally is limited to only one of these due to water conditions. The participant is responsible for providing their own boat and safety equipment as well as food and water. Rentals are often times available and the activity leader may have additional information in this regard.
• Work Hike - May involve clearing trails, making new trails, and/or installing benches, bridges or stiles. Could involve an overnight stay on the trail. Can be physically demanding dependent on the trail condition and the type of work involved. Contact the activity leader in advance to determine if specific skill sets or special equipment are required.

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Activity Leaders - Each activity has a leader and often a co-leader assigned. Their name, phone number and e-mail address are usually provided. They MUST be contacted in advance about trip specifics and to ensure that space is available. Activity leaders have the final say on all issues involving their specific activity. Please remember; always make reservations with the activity leader well in advance to ensure that you are prepared.

It is important to provide your activity leader with contact information for any last minute changes to the itinerary.  As a courtesy to your activity leader and other participants, please be sure to arrive well in advance of the start time and be prepared with the proper gear and clothing.

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Pets - Pets are not always welcome on Alligator Amblers activities. Please check with the activity leader prior to bringing your pet. Remember that we are frequently interacting with nature, and pets do not always do well in some outdoor environments. Also, the safety and comfort of other activity participants are vital to make any activity successful.

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