About
the HHC
The
Hoosier Hikers Council was organized in 1994 out of a
recognized need by Hoosier hikers and backpackers to "do
something" about deteriorating hiking trail conditions
in Indiana. The HHC was incorporated in 1995 as a non-profit,
fully tax-deductible, organization.
The
HHC has made its mark, not by talking, but by contributing
more than 1,000 hours per year of volunteer labor improving
and building foot trails since its inception. Because
of the HHC, hikers don't get lost at Morgan-Monroe State
Forest anymore, there are 20 more miles of trails than
before at Yellowwood State Forest and Brookville Lake,
and the 140-mile Knobstone Trail is on its way. The HHC also has become
effective by employing an executive director to develop
and follow through policy initiatives and to recruit and
manage volunteer trail building efforts.
Objectives
of the Hoosier Hikers Council are to:
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Help maintain and improve existing Indiana hiking
trails, and build new footpaths where needed. The
HHC is a hikers' advocacy group. The HHC works
with other user groups to develop single-use trails,
and is not anti-horse or anti-bicycle.
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Work to extend Indiana's premier foot trail, the Knobstone Trail, to its full potential 140-mile
length. We expect that the Tecumseh Trail eventually
will become the northern section of the Knobstone
Trail. The original section of the 45-mile trail,
following the Knobstone Escarpment northward from
the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky, was begun in
1971 and completed in 1981.
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Promote adequate funding for trail development and
maintenance.
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Keep hikers informed of developments and needed actions
on statewide hiking trail issues.
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Support hiking groups within the state, and work with
national groups.
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Pass on the love of hiking and the satisfaction of
trail work to a new generation through work with youth
and Scout groups. The HHC:
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Supervises Eagle Scout projects (three to date.)
Contact the Executive Director for information
[email link]
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Provides slide shows for Scout, Service Club and
Library programs. To inquire about a date for
a program: [email link]
Members
come from most counties in the state. Volunteer HHC trail
crews are made up of members of all ages and occupations;
many of the most regular participants are early retirees.
However, the large majority of HHC members contribute
only financial support, not having the time for trail
improvement. Learn more about joining or donating to the HHC.
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