About Us
Cleveland Hiking Club was founded in 1919 to promote and encourage hiking for health and recreation. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, CHC is one of the oldest, most active, and most diversified hiking clubs in North America. In 2008, 780 of our nearly 1000 members hiked at least once and our most active member hiked 3689 miles. Eighty members hiked at least 365 miles (mile a day recognition).
Our Hikes
CHC publishes a monthly schedule of hikes, available to our members, potential members, and visitors. Hikes are held in the Metroparks systems in Cuyahoga County and many other Northeast Ohio counties, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and on sidewalks around many neighborhoods. CHC scheduled 2770 hikes in 2008, an average of 7.6 hikes a day, with at least one hike on every day of the year. Hikes vary from an easy stroll to strenuous, from three miles to 40 miles, at various paces, as described in our monthly schedule. Individuals of any age and physical condition are encouraged to participate.
Our Hikers
Our all time most prolific hiker has hiked over 60,000 miles. The club recognizes member achievements, with patches awarded starting at 100 miles. New hikers are encouraged to note that the first award for our most prolific hiker was his 100 mile patch and that the club still retains its original purposes of hiking for health and recreation.
Our Other Activities
CHC sponsors trips within the US and to other countries for hiking, culture, education, and sightseeing. We raise funds to introduce children to the outdoors and maintain trails. For many years we have contributed scholarships for disadvantaged children to attend overnight camps in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Joining CHC
Annual dues are $30 for an individual or $45 for a couple. Our website and monthly newsletter are used to communicate mileage records and inform members about social events, our excursions / trips, and other club activities. We are a volunteer organization with no paid staff. To become eligible for membership, an individual must complete six hikes within 365 days. Talk with the hike leader on your first hike to learn the process for recording your first six hikes.
Our Welcome to You
Hike leaders place safety first. On a hike, many hikers talk with other hikers, but some choose to hike alone within the group. Please consider joining us on a hike. You will be welcomed and you will not be pressured to join CHC.