Something I haven’t seen mentioned in the replies are outdoors clubs, of which there are hundreds in the U.S. Most have a little website and/or Facebook page. T

Something I haven’t seen mentioned in the replies are outdoors clubs, of which there are hundreds in the U.S. Most have a little website and/or Facebook page. Try searching “hiking club” or “outing club” along with your general area or perhaps a major park or natural feature nearby. There are some big ones like the Sierra Club in CA, Appalachian Mountain Club in the northeast, the Mountaineers and Mazamas in the northwest, etc. They might have classes or trips that interest you, or be able to point you to smaller clubs in your area. Clubs are usually lower-key than classes, and they go out regularly. So you can get a lot of experience and advice for free, or a small membership fee. (And maybe make some new friends.) There are also activity-specific organizations and clubs out there. The American Alpine Club has local chapters of climbers. American Whitewater has a network of affiliate river running clubs. Etc.