Trails Club Walks, Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to be a member to come on a walk?
• Short answer: No! The Club leads these walks as a service to the community, to introduce folks to the trails we have in town. Everyone is welcome to come along. This is somewhat complicated to answer because the Trails Club doesn’t really have members per se. The closest thing we have to “members” is a small group of folks who organize/lead the Club’s activities (walks, workdays, etc.).
• How long/tough are the walks? Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
• We purposefully call them walks, not hikes. If you can walk, you can walk with us. Typically, they're about 2 miles long and last 1.5-2 hours. We take our time, stop to talk about the land or trail, and make sure no one gets left behind. The walks are usually mildly to moderately strenuous. If the route is expected to be tougher, we’ll mention that in the notices.
• Where are the walks?
• The majority of our walks are on trails within Hopkinton. There are more than 30 trail systems in Hopkinton (and new ones added regularly), and we love to show them off. We want to help people get to know about the wealth of paths and open spaces we have in town.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
• Unless the weather is REALLY bad (thunderstorms, blizzards, tornados), we’ll still go on the walks. We figure people can handle a little foul weather. If we do need to cancel or postpone a walk, we’ll post notices (webpage, Facebook, Twitter) and will send out an email. If there's no notice, the walk is on!
• How do I find out about upcoming walks?
• The Events page on the website always has the most current info, and we also create Events on our Facebook page for each activity. If you'd rather have the information pushed to you, subscribe to our email list. We generally send out one email each month with info about upcoming activities. 
• Can I suggest a walk?
• Absolutely! Send us an email with your suggestion or talk to us during one of our events. If you’d like, you could even help lead the walk!
• What do I need to wear/bring for a walk?
• Sturdy, comfortable footwear is the primary need. You can get away with sneakers on most trails, but trail runners or light hiking boots are also good. The trails can be a mix of dirt, rock, mud, and running water. Many participants bring hiking poles as well, to help with stability and balance. And of course, dress for the weather, whether it be snow, rain, or heat.
• Can I bring my dog/kids?
• Yes. We’ve had walks with as many dogs as people. Dogs must be leashed, and bring bags to clean up any messes. If a walk is held someplace where dogs aren’t allowed (the Waseeka Audubon sanctuary, for example), that will be noted in the event description. As for kids, also yes. We love the perspective they bring to our walks.