What we’re about
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM - P.S. Hikers
If you'd like to be apart of our DISCORD channel please text MERB at 704-224-8559
We are a community of experienced hikers who enjoy exploring trails that range from moderate to challenging levels. While we welcome hikers of all backgrounds, our group typically gravitates toward more advanced adventures that require a solid foundation of hiking experience, endurance, and preparedness.
To support a wide range of skill levels, our hikes and trips are clearly categorized as Beginner/Easy, Moderate, Hard, or Expert. We offer plenty of variety in our schedule, so even if a moderate or hard trip doesn’t align with your comfort level, there are still opportunities to join us on easier adventures and grow at your own pace. We believe it’s essential for every hiker to take personal responsibility for knowing their own abilities and limitations—and to choose trips accordingly. Safety, preparation, and respect for the trail and fellow hikers are our top priorities.
Please note: For Expert-level hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, our leadership team may reach out directly if we feel the level of difficulty may not be a safe or appropriate fit for someone signed up. These conversations come from a place of care and commitment to ensuring a positive and safe experience for all.
We love nature deeply and believe everyone should have the chance to experience the joy, healing, and adventure it offers. Through our hikes, we’re not just exploring trails—we’re building a strong, inclusive outdoor community where all people are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to connect with the natural world.
** Special Notice: This group is NOT run by certified or professional mountain guides. The group leaders, Merb and Food Lion, do have a combined experience of over 20 years in the woods and on trails but are not held liable for any incidents, accidents or issues while on trail. PLEASE make sure you are able to handle the walk and read the disclaimer on every post **
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Virginia's Triple Crown- EXPERIENCED BackpackersNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message us or comment below! **
Take home your VA TRIPLE CROWN. This hike is for experienced backpackers only, please read all pertinent information before RSVP'ing. This is going to be heavy mileage days and a challenge, so be prepared!
Let's tackle Tinker Cliffs, McAfee and Dragons tooth in one weekend. But guess what?! We are taking it UP A NOTCH. We will be doing the first 10 miles or so in THE DARK as a glow party. We will all meet at the Andy Layne trail head at 9:15pm on Friday, May 2nd and hike to Pig Farm campsite in the dark while sporting our colorful glow paints, bracelets, and crowns!
If you are worried about what you will need please text MERB at 704-224-8559. This hike is completely self sustained so you will be responsible for all of your own food and water carries and providing your own gear.
Day 2 - We will hike from Pig Farm up to McAfee and then all the way to dragons tooth. Day 2 will be a long day but we will take many breaks and enjoy the scenery.
Day 3 - We will hike the remaining miles back to our car at Andy Layne. Be prepared for big hike days on Day 2 and 3!
If possible try to carpool. Unfortunately Food Lion's car is at max capacity so we can't carpool anyone for this backpacking trip.
Trail: Virginia Triple Crown
Difficult: Hard
Distance: 34.5 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 8,015
Estimated Time: 3 days, 2 nights, tramily style - night hiking on Day 1
Meet up time: 9:15pm
Hike start time: 9:30pm
Meet at Trailhead use link here to access the trail head.“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
- Cinco De Mayo - Singles EventMonday Night Brewing Garden Co., Charlotte, NC
** Follow us on instagram or Tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you want to join our community discord message MERB at 704-224-8559 to be added**
This event is being held by our favorite brewery, Monday Night Brewing near uptown Charlotte. We've included the link below so you can purchase your tickets singularly. Tickets including all fees are $82.
Come out and hang out with us as singles to enjoy some tequila, cocktails and a TACO bar! Monday night does over sober living options such as THC beers. So you don't be left out!
Remember, you must click the link below to purchase your ticket from Monday night so you can enjoy the fun. We did NOT pre-purchase tickets.
What: Cinco De Mayo - Singles Event
Where: Monday Night Brewing
Time: 6pm-8pm
Parking: This ticket includes free parking!
Link for Ticket Purchase: Cinco De Mayo Event - Charlies Bunion via the AT - ModerateNeeds location
** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message me at 704-224-8559*
This absolute beautiful stretch of the AT in the Great Smoky Mountains will blow your mind. It's about 4 hours from downtown Charlotte but is a hike you don't want to miss.
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail is a great day hike along the summit Great Smoky Mountains. The route traverses multiple peaks including Mount Ambler, Mount Kephart, Masa Knob and terminates at Charlie’s Bunion. In this group we may go an extra mile or two before heading back.
It is highly recommended to carpool as parking is limited! Anyone who is attending this hike and driving will need to buy a parking tag for the GSNP parking time. You can pre purchase your parking pass by clicking here.
This hike is led by Merb. If you've regularly hiked with us the "moderate" level on this is compared to hikes such as the chimneys and dragons tooth. Please note any appalachian trail hiking is not easy.
Trail: Charlies Bunion via Appalachian
Difficult: Moderate
Distance: 8 miles - but we will likely add 1-2 miles making this 10-12.
Type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 2200 with the other mileage
Estimated Time: 4-6 hours depending on or group.
Meet up time: 9am
Hike start time: 9:15am
Meet at Trailhead: Use link here to access the trail head.“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”
