Hoggan says developing that resource “was a bit frustrating” early on. “I just didn’t know the trail network,” says Hoggan. “One of the first group hikes I went on, I actually got the group lost. We went 20 minutes in the wrong direction, because at that point, I hadn’t been mapping properly.” Since then, Hoggan and other volunteers have become incredibly familiar with most trails, and are continually looking to find new trail networks to map in the region. He calls hikingaddiction.ca, “the most comprehensive resource for trails in the area.” Hoggan’s personal favourite hike is Carrot Mountain, near Shannon Lake in West Kelowna. “It’s a really steep, uphill grind and it’s a good personal challenge—a benchmark from the beginning to end of season to see how well you’ve done.” The group also offers hikes during the week on most Tuesdays and Thursdays at Knox Mountain; although, the midweek hikes usually have a smaller turnout than the weekend hikes. The hikes offered by HikingAddiction are free, but tips and donations are appreciated. For more information, visit hikingaddiction.ca, or join the hikingaddiction.ca Facebook group.
Local group feeds the addiction of hiking BY WADE PATERSON
More than 60 people hiked together April 6, as they enjoyed a scenic trail in Rose Valley Regional Park. The individuals, who share a passion for hiking, were brought together by HikingAddiction: The official hiking group of Kelowna for young adults. What started as a small Facebook group between friends in May 2011 has gained a massive following, with about 2,500 people currently connected to the group. Josh Hoggan, founder of HikingAddiction, says only five to 15 people showed up for weekend hikes during the group’s first year. “This year we haven’t had a group hike (with) less than 25 people,” says Hoggan. Hikingaddiction.ca currently has information on 53 trails in the region. The website explains each trail’s approximate duration, length, elevation gain and difficulty, while also providing a GPS trail map for paid members.
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2014 Hiking Addiction schedule:
(Note: Dates are confirmed; however, exact times are subject to change) Hike #9: Thorne Mtn (Sun, June 1 @ 11am) Hike #10: Cedar Mtn (Sat, June 7 @ 4pm) Hike #11/Special Event: OK Mtn Park 1 Day 48km (Sun Jun 8 @ 6:30am) Hike #12: Mt. Drought (Sun June 15, 6pm) Hike #13: Spion Kopje (Sat, June 21, 11am) Hike #14: Black Knight Mtn (Sat, June 28, 3pm) Hike #15: Kalamoir Park (Sun, July 6, 1pm) Hike #16/Special Event: West Coast Trail (Sat Jul 12 - Sat Jul 19) Special Event: SkyTrek & Boat Cruise (July 20) Hike #17: Canyon Falls (Sun Jul 27 @ 6pm) Hike #18/Special Event: Manning Park Mt. Frosty (Sat&Sun Aug 2/3) Hike #19: Christie Falls (Sun, Aug 10 @ 1pm) Hike #20: Bear Creek (Sat, Aug 16 @ 1pm) Hike #21: Kal Lake Park, Vernon (Wed, Aug 21 @ 6:30pm) Hike #22: OK Mtn Park 3 Day Trek (Sat 30 - Mon Sep 1) Hike #23: Little White Mtn (Sun, Sep 7 @ 11:00am) Hike #24/Special Event: Enderby Cliffs & Float (Sat Sep 13th @ 10am) Hike #25: New Knox You’ve Never Done (Sun Sep 21 @ 4pm) Hike #26: Angel Springs to KLO Creek (Sat Sep 27 @ 10am) Hike #27: Mount Boucherie (Sun Oct 5 @ 2pm) Hike #28: Mystery Hike #1 (Sat Oct 11 @ 2pm) Hike #29: Mystery Hike #2 (Sun Oct 19 @ 2pm) Hike #30/Special Event: End of Season/Halloween Hike (Sun Oct 25 @ 2pm)