Opt Outside at Ocmulgee Mounds at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park – Macon, GA

We will be avoiding the crowds and stores by choosing to Opt Outside and hiking the trails at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. We will meet at the visitor center. Parking is free.

The hike distance will be determined by those in attendance. We are able to do 1 mile to 5 miles and anything in between. The trail is moderate due to a couple of short but steep hills and the trail has rocks, tree roots, and bridges. If needed, this trail can be done with a cane or trekking poles. The pace is always determined by the slowest person, this is why I will always show extended timeframes for hikes. They may not last as long as posted. The idea is to enjoy and be mindful rather than racing to the end. No one is left behind.

What to bring:

Water - always bring more than you think you'll need

Closed-toe shoes - tennis shoes work just fine

Moisture wicking clothing, layers if it is cooler - workout clothing works well

Tick preventative - I always have spray to share

Sunscreen if needed

Pack to carry it all - this doesn't have to be anything fancy, it just gets annoying to carry a water bottle through the whole hike. Plus, how else will you carry your snacks?

There are restrooms in the visitor center. If you have the need of one while hiking, you'll have to find a tree. We practice Leave No Trace, which means we pack out anything we pack in, including toilet paper. I always have wipes, dog poop bags, and hand sanitizer for these moments. Another good reason to bring a pack.

This link will take you to a liability waiver - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c28dKFe1wYnQWW9p9ZnOMqANLA13OFs-kPaV3GmrNCg/edit?usp=sharing By signing up, you agree to the waiver.

My hikes are meant to get people outside and experience the healing power of nature. To curate this, I ask that all speakers be left at home. There is no diet talk or any other topics that assign a morality to our bodies or movement. This group is inclusive and meant to be a safe space so please understand that there will be people from every way of life. Hatred, bigotry, or any other discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated. If you think this applies to you, I can point you to some other hiking groups.