Club Rules • Hiker's Code • Organization • GATC Purpose

Thank you for your interest in the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.
We desire to build an active membership and to that end, we ask thatprospective
members participate in club activities prior to becoming full members.

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. To become a member of the GATC you must first participate in the Club's activities as a prospective member. To qualify for membership, you must participate in three GATC-sponsored activities within a twelve month period. Of the three activities one (1) must be a trail maintenance trip, one (1) must be a prospective member orientation meeting, and the other activity may be your choice. A Club hike would be an excellent selection. For more information, contact the Membership Director at: mem_dir@georgia-atclub.org

Club Rules
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.  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

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.

Organization/Activities
The club is governed by a Board of Directors composed of the president, secretary, treasurer, three directors at large, and six others directors who are responsible for the major committees of the club.

Many opportunities to participate actively in carrying out the purposes, goals and activities of the club are available through a wide range of committees.

Club activities, which include work trips, educational seminars, meetings, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities are scheduled throughout the year. Each activity is carefully planned and led by members who have full responsibility for that event. The schedule of activities is published in the annual GATC Yearbook and the Georgia Mountaineer, the monthly GATC newsletter.

GATC Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide for the protection, management, and maintenance of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, associated side trails, and designated trails primarily within the state of Georgia; to bring together persons interested in hiking and camping and to conduct outings for their recreation and enjoyment; to foster in its members and in the general public an appreciation of the outdoors; to teach and encourage public observation of conservation ethics; to collect and publish information concerning regions of interests to hikers in Georgia; to encourage the preservation of wilderness areas; to provide such advice and assistance as may be requested by the Appalachian Trail Conference, Inc.; and to encourage and assist the national and state governments in preservation and conservation of our forest and natural resources.