Club Rules & Hiker's Code

All members and guests shall recognize the authority of trip leaders and abide by any additional rules the leaders set up for their outing or activity, as well as the GATC Hiker's Code. A trip may be canceled or modified at the discretion of the trip leader.

Firearms are prohibited on all Club outings. Pets are prohibited on group activities. The use of radios 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 the outing for other people.

All members and guests will leave a clean trail and an unlittered camp.

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.

Non-members may participate in Club activities as guests of active members or after applying to the Membership Director. 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 the Club rules including the Hiker's Code. Spouses of active members may be extended guest privileges without limitation.

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.

GATC Hiker's Code

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 miscredit 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.