Our mission is to empower individuals and families to explore and connect with the outdoors through hands-on education, guided adventures, and gear rentals.
By providing the skills and tools needed, we instill people with confidence, ensuring that outdoor exploration is inclusive, attainable, and enriching for all.
What sets us apart?
With Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC it’s not just a hike or a paddle. Our goal is to connect everyone with nature and build fundamental outdoors skills to make sure our clients are safe and confident when heading outside. We want to help individuals and families grow and be successful in their outdoor pursuits. Making sure your adventures form memories that last a lifetime.
Community Partner- We work with local municipalities to provide outdoor education to their residents. We realize that some areas have limited outdoor space. We specialize in adapting our curriculums to fit each community’s individual needs and allow residents to utilize green spaces that are readily available and easily accessible.
Promoting the Benefits- We understand the importance being outdoors plays in our lives. Being in nature improves our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Everyone should share in those benefits.
Preserving Nature- This is the only planet we have and its important to protect it. In addition to volunteering our time for trail improvements and cleanups, 10% of our profits are donated to local community organizations, land and water conservation groups, and outdoor education partners.
Meet Our Team
Megan Hood
Owner
Instructor
Megan is passionate about introducing others, especially families, to the joys of the outdoors. A Pediatric Physician Associate (PA), she holds a B.A., M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies, and an MBA in Healthcare Management. Megan is the President of The Abby Outdoor Initiative, Inc.– A non-profit supporting outdoor access for those in need. She loves working with kids and is dedicated to promoting outdoor exploration. She is a Leave No Trace Level I instructor and a Black Folks Camp Too Certified Partner. Megan is deeply committed to making outdoor experiences accessible to all. She believes in the transformative power of nature and strives to provide opportunities for everyone to connect with the outdoors, regardless of background or experience. Megan’s work blends her medical expertise and scientific background with her passion for outdoor education, creating a unique platform for families to bond, learn, and grow together in nature.
Andy Hood
Program Director
Lead Instructor
Andy, originally from Kentucky, holds a B.S. in Forestry and is a certified Pennsylvania fishing guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace Level II instructor. He’s a member of the Access Fund, American Alpine Club, and American Mountain Guides Association.
Andy has adventured in more than 15 countries across three continents, enjoying activities like fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition, with over a decade of experience in outdoor specialty retail, he has deep gear knowledge to help others prepare for their adventures.
Committed to conservation, Andy volunteers for trail cleanups, serves on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance of Climbers and The Abby Outdoor Initiative, Inc. , and is on the Parks and Recreation Board for Delaware County Council (term ending May 2028). He’s also a volunteer Trail Ambassador with Friends of the Wissahickon.
His passion for the outdoors drives his work to connect others with nature responsibly and sustainably.
Adelaide
Youth Outreach
Nik
Outdoor Adventure Team
Leo
Outdoor Adventure Team
Sassafras
Mascot
Aldo
Head of Chaos
Jess G.
Yoga Instructor
Anne
Outdoor Adventure Team
Ben
Community Outreach
Abby
The Inspiration
“The Hiking Hound”
2008-2023
Why Hiking Hound? Our company is named in memory of our dog, Abby. We had fifteen awesome years with her and she will forever be remembered. Although HOUND is in the name, people are our focus! We work with kids, families, individuals, and groups. Our programs see people from all age groups and all walks of life. Everyone is welcome here!
Our Qualifications & Commitment to Safety
At Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC, our team brings together a wide range of outdoor experience and professional training. Each member of our staff is an experienced outdoor educator with a strong background in hiking, paddling, camping, and general wilderness skills. We share a passion for helping others explore the outdoors safely, responsibly, and with confidence.
Through our training, experience, and dedication to best practices, Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and educational outdoor experiences for individuals and families of all ages.
Outdoor Experience and Training
Our instructors combine years of field experience with ongoing education to deliver high-quality programs on both land and water. From trail navigation and backcountry travel to canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, our team is equipped to guide participants through a variety of outdoor environments while emphasizing skill development and environmental awareness.
Safety and Medical Preparedness
Every employee with Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC is certified in CPR and First Aid. Many also hold advanced medical credentials, including Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR), providing additional expertise for remote or backcountry settings. Safety is the foundation of every course and guided program we offer.
Environmental Ethics
We are proud to have Leave No Trace Level 1 and Level 2 Instructors on our team. These educators are trained to teach and model responsible outdoor practices that help protect the natural areas we explore. Respect for the environment and stewardship of public lands are central to our mission.
Act 153 and Background Check Compliance
Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC maintains full compliance with Pennsylvania Act 153. All employees, regardless of role, complete background checks prior to employment. Employees who have direct contact with minors also meet the additional requirements of Act 153, including:
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check (PATCH)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI Criminal History Background Check (fingerprint-based)
We maintain accurate records of these clearances, renew them within the required timeframe, and ensure that all staff meet mandatory reporter requirements.
Our Life Outdoors
We are family and friends with a passion for the outdoors! Spending our time exploring the woods, climbing rocks, summiting peaks, and paddling waterways is core to our identities. We practice what we preach and know first hand the value of being outdoors. We love our wild spaces and strive to protect them and share the magic of nature with everyone we can.
We Support These Great Organizations
We use outdoor spaces everyday so it is important that we protect them. Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC is proud to donate 10% of our profits to local community organizations, land and water conservation groups, and outdoor education partners. Below are a few of the amazing organizations we support.
Proud Members
Breaking Down Barriers to the Outdoors
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the outdoors. Through our partnership with the Abby Outdoor Initiative, Inc., Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC helps create pathways for individuals, families, and groups who may not otherwise have the means to participate in outdoor recreation, education, and adventure. Guided by the shared belief that adventure builds confidence, community, and lifelong connections with nature, this partnership works to break down financial barriers and expand access to meaningful outdoor experiences.
Need Assistance Getting Outdoors?
Learn more about available assistance and how to apply.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”
Edward Abbey
Don’t just take our word for it!
