First Coast Trail Forgers Walking Club

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to go for a walk? The clubs of the American Volkssport Association host a whole different kind of walk.

What is Volksmarching? A volksmarch is a non-profit, non-competitive 5 kilometer 3.1 mile) or 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walk. It's not a pledge walk. It's not a race. It is a fun activity you do with a club, with your family, with your pet, or all by yourself. Volksmarching received its name from its origins in Europe. Today there are thousands of Volkssport clubs around the world, allied in the International Federation of Popular Sports.

What do local Volkssport clubs do? There are over 350 volkssport clubs throughout the U.S.A. and many thousands around the world. Local clubs host the walking events. The club members select a trail for safety, scenic interest, historic areas, natural beauty and walkability. They then invite everyone to come and enjoy it in a weekend day or weekday evening.

Do I have to join a club? Clubs welcome new members, but you don't have to join a club to enjoy the volkssport events. All events are open to the public.

What is Involved in joining the Trail Forgers walking club? While there's a $4 charge for a walk. If you decide to join, it's $10 a year, $15 for a family.You get a lot for joining. We offer an introductory packet for $5 that has an event book, a distance book and vouchers for three walks. That's quite a deal as the books go for $6 each and walks are $4 each. Our dues are very low! We collect dues every September, but if you joined after June first you don't have to pay that first September.

What kind of trails? The trails are marked or maps provided. Trails may be in cities, towns, parks, forest, rural areas - anywhere there is a pleasant or interesting places to walk.

How long do you walk? Most people take about 2 hours to complete our 10k trails. Many events now have a shorter distance trail that is perfect for beginners and should take only an hour to complete at an easy pace. Some like to run or jog, others enjoy walking a leisurely pace and stopping to sight see, picnic, or even shop! You go at YOUR own pace, and you are always a winner at the end.

What are the duties on each walk?

• Walk Leader -- This person will lead the walk using the directions provided. You need to be familiar with the route. Many walk leaders walk the route on a previous day.
• Walk Sweep -- You walk behind your group and make sure nobody gets lost. You need to be generally familiar with the walk so you know where you're going. Have the walk leader's cell number in case you need to talk.
• Registration, Stamper, Welcome Table -- you will be responsible for one of the positions needed to get people signed in, and get their books stamped. It's pre tty simple: you have to be there approximately 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the walk to get everyone signed in.

What is a Year-round Event? A Year-round Event is a self guided walking event available most days of the year. The local club selects a trail, draws a map and writes detailed walking instructions, and sets up a permanent start point. You arrive during the stated open hours, register, take a map, and enjoy the trail. These events include series of state parks in several states, great tourist attractions, national parks and good daily exercise routes in hundreds of communities. Some are scenic, some are historical, some are just for exercise. Call the club to find out which events suit your interests.

What do the trail ratings mean? Trails are rated for difficulty so you can more easily choose which one will suit your walking style.

When are club meetings?: Club meetings are held periodically after club walks.  You need not be a member to attend. Please call or e-mail our president for date, time, and location.