Don't be intimidated by their names. The Mountain Club of Maryland and the Appalachian Mountain Club don't use cleats, ropes, or picks to climb Mt. Everest or even Sugarloaf Mountain. They use sensible hiking boots, maps and sometimes walking poles to hike mountain trails and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Sometimes, they even hike in places that are flat.

The Mountain Club of Maryland is a volunteer-run hiking and conservation organization. Its primary focus is to enjoy and learn about nature through hiking and other outdoor activities, while observing conservation principles such as "Leave No Trace." The club offers hikes or related activities nearly every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The outings range from leisurely to strenuous and include day hikes, overnight backpacking, canoeing, bicycling or service trips. Typical hiking destinations are Patapsco Valley State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park and the Shenandoah National Park. Each activity is led by a member and listed at www.mcomd.org.

The Appalachian Mountain Club doesn't focus only on its namesake - the 2,150-mile-long Appalachian Trail. The Washington, D.C., chapter was established in 1984 and now boasts more than 2,000 members. This chapter schedules activities throughout Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Most of their hikes are on weekends and carpools are established to get everyone to the head of the trail. Typical hiking locations are the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Their trip schedules are posted on www.amc-dc.org.

Both of the clubs' appreciation for nature has led them to get involved with conservation efforts. The Mountain Club of Maryland is responsible for a specific section of the Appalachian Trail. They monitor the trail to prevent encroachment, clear the trail and trail-side shelters of trash and debris after storms or winter's destruction, and patrol the boundaries. They also volunteer to help construct and maintain local trails and participate in hiking related outreach programs.

The Appalachian Mountain Club is equally busy making sure the trails and parks are kept clean and accessible for all. In 2007, the Washington, D.C., chapter clocked in a total of 1,204 hours of conservation work. A look at their schedule shows them helping with everything from wetland restoration to invasive species removal. Both clubs work in cooperation with other conservation groups like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and various park agencies.

They both have an active social side as well, with annual picnics, trips to festivals and other fun events like boating and discovery field trips.

"I have been a member of the Mountain Club for 40 years. Not only have I visited many wonderful sights, trails and views here in Maryland and in various parts of the country, but I have made many friendships with great times hiking or just sitting around a campfire," said Bob Carson, vice president of the Mountain Club of Maryland.

The Appalachian Mountain Club is looking to broaden its base and has begun family events for stay-at-home parents with pre-school aged children. Both clubs are active year-round and both uphold the sentiment of the Appalachian Mountain Club's motto: "Have safe fun in the outdoors playing and conserving."