Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Inc.
All membership sales are final.
Membership Requirements
Membership is open to everyone who shares the Club’s commitment to the Appalachian Trail and is interested in the club’s activities. There are two types of membership: active membership for those 18 years of age or older and junior membership for those 14-17 years of age.
I. HIKER'S CODE
The Hiker's Code shall be the standard ethic by which the Club Membership is generally governed:
My recreational standards shall be such that while hiking, either with the club or independently, I shall strive to enhance the pleasure of others who walk the Trail with me and leave no sign of my passing for those who follow.
I shall conduct myself in such a manner as to bring no inconvenience or embarrassment to my fellow hikers or no discredit to the good reputation of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.
I shall obey all Club rules as well as the regulations of the Forest Service and the National Park Service in areas where they apply.
I shall use discretion in my hiking and camping activities so as to minimize my impact on the environment and protect nature's beauty and wildlife from damage and destruction.
II. CLUB RULES
- The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club welcomes everyone as members or participants in our events regardless of race, creed, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disabilities, or similar considerations. Bigoted, abusive, or impolite behavior or speech by anyone at any of our activities is prohibited.
- Safety during club events requires all participants to follow the instructions and directions of designated trip leaders. All members and guests shall recognize the authority of the trip leaders and abide by any additional rules the leaders set up for their outing or activity. A trip may be cancelled or modified at the discretion of the trip leader.
- The Board holds safety of participants and the public to be of paramount importance. All members and guests shall comply with Club requirements and USFS rules regarding safety, including proper use of tools and safety equipment during outdoor events
- Trip leaders and co-leaders must be members of the club.
- Firearms are prohibited on all Club outings.
- Pets are prohibited on group activities.
- The use of external speakers on Club outings is discouraged. In general, all members and guests of the GATC should conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as not to detract from the enjoyment of outing for other people.
- Members and guests shall share equally with the driver in gasoline expenses when traveling as passengers to and from Club activities. It shall be the responsibility of all members and guests to provide for his/her transportation to and from GATC activities.
- The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes and performs stewardship of the AT and all activities related to preserving the trail. All members and guests are required to follow the Board’s directives and standards relating to conserving the trail and surrounding areas. Any behavior which is destructive to the trail or surrounding areas is prohibited.
- All members and guests will follow common Leave No Trace principles and leave a clean trail and an unlittered camp.
- Non-members may participate in club activities as guests of active members, or after applying to the Trip Leader. If a guest attends with a member, it shall be the duty of that member to register the guest with the trip leader and inform the guest of Club rules including the Hiker's Code. Spouses of active members may be extended guest privileges without limitation.
- Any participant in a club activity under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- No member will make any statement as being official GATC policy unless that member is authorized by the Board of Directors to do so, or unless that policy has been published at the direction of the Board of Directors.
- Criminal activity of any nature is not allowed on any club activity. The Board shall determine whether any non- club related criminal activity by a member poses a threat to the club’s activities or integrity and shall take appropriate measures to respond and address such behavior.
- Access to and use of any club assets, whether financial or physical, is governed by the Board, and no member shall possess or use such assets without express approval of the Board.
Liability Waiver
I would like to participate in the activities of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Inc. (GATC). My goal is to fulfill the membership requirements shown above and become an active member of the GATC. I have read and agree to abide by the club rules and the hiker’s code. I also agree to waive and release the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Inc., its officers, trip leaders and members from all liability relating to my participation in the Club’s activities.
