Barefoot Hikers of PA|Information

Group and Hike Information

There are no dues or membership requirements. We are open to ALL and don't discriminate!
Hikes usually last 1 to 3 hours and occur on Saturday or Sunday in the late morning or early afternoon.
Hikes are open to everyone, including families with children, and are usually designed for beginners.
Well-behaved pets are welcome, if permitted by the park where we are hiking.
We ask that all hikers begin the hike barefoot. However, shoes may be carried in a backpack if a new hiker feels they may be needed. Usually, we find that new hikers adjust quickly.
Hikers should bring a water bottle, appropriate weather clothing, and provisions for snacks or a picnic lunch.
Hiking is a physical activity done at your own risk. Hikers should be physically capable of light to moderate physical exertion and willing to accept the risks of the natural environment.
In the event of steady rain, hikes are cancelled. Check here or e-mail for definite decisions.

Going Barefoot is natural, comfortable, and healthy.
There is NO HEALTH CODE in ANY State of the USA that bans bare feet from public establishments, including restaurants. See confirmation from Health Departments in PA, NJ, DE, MD. (Click on state abbreviation to view confirmation for local states.)
There is NO LAW against driving barefoot in any state, despite a popular myth.
Many common foot ailments, including bunions, hammer toes, athlete's foot, and others are caused or made worse by the confinement of shoes, especially ill-fitting ones.
Bare Feet pose no liability risk (based on a survey of court cases and 5 major insurance companies that indicates that NONE have clauses in their business liability policies regarding footwear requirements).
People who choose to go barefoot are exercising their right to freedom of expression (or religion for some), as protected by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.

For more useful information on Going Barefoot, visit The Society for Barefoot Living's Barefoot FAQ .