Any social group for hiking/cycling/activities

Hi All, 

I just moved to S. Orange. Wanted to check if there are any social groups for hiking/cycling/other outdoor activities. I like outdoor activities, hiking, and road biking/cycling, and looking to meet people with similar interests. Will appreciate pointers and advice. 


Meetup has a social hiking group.

What is your level of ability for hiking?


Tri-state ramblers

There is also a Union County hiking club but I don't know the formal name.

Sierra club

Hunterdon County Hiking Club (Older folks(


If you're looking for something very local, you probably have to organize something or just post invites for individual hikes. If you're OK with clubs of broader geographic reach like north jersey, check out the web site of the New York New Jersey Trail Conference.  We pay dues and it's a worthy organization.  They do trail maintenance and advocacy, among other things.


Meetup.com is a good place to check out, because they have so much more than just hiking.  You'll find cycling, walking and all kinds of activities there.  And iirc you can limit geography.


There are group rides from a lot of the local bike stores. Check out Urban Cyclery on Springfield Avenue, which may have one. 

The Major Taylor cycling club from Newark rides through our towns a lot on the way out west: https://majortaylorclub.com/

And there's a MAPSO Triathlon club here: https://www.mapsotriclub.com/


Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey: It may not be what you are seeking, since they do mostly longer tours/trips, and not a local focus. You can see the types of trips/tours they do on their site, and links to other groups: 

https://btcnj.com/


Thank you all. All these pointers are great. Really appreciate it. I’ll explore these. Also considering suggestion from @bub to organize something of my own. You guys are awesome. 


Another suggestion is to check out the calendar of events at REI.


Moammar said:

There are group rides from a lot of the local bike stores. Check out Urban Cyclery on Springfield Avenue, which may have one. 

The Major Taylor cycling club from Newark rides through our towns a lot on the way out west: https://majortaylorclub.com/

And there's a MAPSO Triathlon club here: https://www.mapsotriclub.com/

I used to swim, bike, and run with the MapSo tri folks. They are a big group with all different levels, from elite age-group iron-distance triathletes to new folks hoping to survive their first sprint tri. Check them out. Say hello to Ali and Howard for me if you do reach out. There are some incredible routes in this area and a lot of good people running and riding them.


The South Mountain Conservancy has Meet Up groups for hiking and other events. I think you have to be a member.


Free walkers: https://freewalkers.org/

Risa Olinsky, who is a Maplewood resident, is the president. They do long hikes. I've always intended on doing one, but haven't pulled the trigger.



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