We're an all-volunteer gay men's outdoor group, organized to enjoy  well-planned, safe, non-competitive activities. These include both day and overnight wng_trips all over the Southeast, and sometimes longer treks to exotic places. Some wilderness-related events - like museum visits, backpacking clinics, or our quarterly potlucks - are right in town. Check our Calendar of Events for more examples.  

We aren't a nudist or sex club (though skinny-dipping at a secluded swimming hole or remote beach is occasionally a nice option). The fellowship is sincere and down-to-earth, friendships form naturally, and relationships do sometimes develop - just as in any other large social group. There is no pressure to be or do anything that doesn't suit you - except to participate, as our state, "in a spirit of good will, mutual respect, and discretion."

Not very. Because we know gay men can't always afford to be open about their sexuality, we respect individual comfort zones and needs for privacy. Hugs are sometimes exchanged at events when people say hello or goodbye, but we don't announce that we're a gay group, and members tend to be very discreet. We're actually hard to distinguish from any other group of people enthusiastically involved in an outdoor activity. If you don't want your information printed in the Membership Directory, it won't be. All the information you give us is confidential and kept within WNG. No one outside our group need even know you're a member.  

The state, "Membership in WNG is open to all gay and bi-sexual men at least eighteen (18) years of age...", but we rarely have teenagers. Some of us are in our twenties, but most are in our thirties and forties. A number of us are in our fifties and sixties as well. We've been described as the "post-bar" crowd, but everyone is welcome. We enjoy many varied and satisfying activities, but we don't go in for excessive partying.

No. We aren't an exclusive clique at all. On a typical hike or overnight, maybe half of the group will be old friends or recent acquaintances and half will be new members or first-time visitors. We almost always have a few couples as well as a number of single guys. Different men prefer different types of activities, and every group is unique.

Group size varies greatly depending on the event, but an average trip may have a dozen people. A few trips have size limits because of space available in campsites, cabins, rafts, etc. A few trips, like Horsepasture River or Sapelo Island, attract and accommodate very large groups.

They vary from things practically anyone could do to things you'd need to be rather fit to do. Generally our outings are low-stress and moderate in difficulty. Reading the description of the event will tell you a lot about how demanding it might be. Always check with the trip leader if you are unsure of the difficultly level. Whenever possible, trip leaders are eager to accommodate participants with physical limitations.

Not a problem.  If you're willing to give it a try, we'll help you. We like to introduce beginners to day-hiking, car camping, canoeing, backpacking, whitewater rafting - and even caving, rockclimbing, or whatever we think of next. You needn't have any experience or gear. We'll show you what you need to know, loan you equipment, or tell you where you can rent it. Usually someone else will have what you need anyway.

Ask about any  trip posted on the Calendar, and you'll be put in touch with the trip leader who'll gladly give you  details. If it sounds good, sign up as a visitor and go, alone or with a friend you'd like to bring. You're expected to join before going on a second trip, but that isn't a strict rule. Another good option that will acquaint you with many other visitors and members is to attend one of our quarterly potluck/planning meetings, the location is announced in the calendar quarterly. The food and the fellowship are outstanding, as you might expect.

For dues of $20 a year you get a quarterly newsletter with access to many varied events - most of them on weekends,  some during the week.  You can also send and receive e-mail messages via the WNG Listserv which posts upcoming events, changes, cancellations, and other matters of interest to members. You get a membership directory with names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of over 300 other members who wish that information to be available only to our group.

You're eligible (and encouraged) to offer any wilderness-related event of your choosing and post it on the calendar and on the Listserv. Leading a trip is really the best way to become part of the network and get the most out of WNG, and co-leading with a more experienced member is a great way to start. We're also eager to have you volunteer in other ways - perhaps to help set up for potlucks, to take a shift at the WNG booth at Pride each summer, to serve on the Executive Committee, or to hold an office. We have a normal turnover of volunteers, and we continue to need new people and ideas.

Simply go to membership page and follow the instructions provided there. We hope you'll soon be discovering that WNG is a great way to enjoy wilderness experiences with a fine group of guys.