2nd Annual Backcountry and Outdoor Ethics and Hard of Hearing Awareness Hike

Piazza Rock

Please join us Saturday, July 11, 2026 for a Backcountry, Outdoor Ethics (BOE), and Hard of Hearing Awareness Hike at Piazza Rock! 

Please join us for the second annual Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) and Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA). This is an outdoor experience, led by Julia Neumann, designed to support and empower those new to hiking or outdoor adventures. Alongside learning about background and outdoor ethics, Debra will lead a thoughtful discussion on hearing loss and hiking, including an introduction to basic sign language for trail communication. This hike welcomes individuals with hearing loss as well as anyone interested in learning more.

Total Hike: 4.03 miles, 627ft elevation gain (about 2 hrs 30 mins) 

Parking: Piazza Rock Trailhead, Rangley, ME. GPS: 44.8868, -70.5407 

The itinerary for this hike is approximately 5-6 hours long. 

Parking: Meet in parking area at 9:45 am (15min) 

Briefing: What to expect, intro to BOE, trail etiquette, Debra intro (15min) Hike In (~1.5 hrs) 

BOE Topic: Traveling and camping on durable surfaces, discuss at bridge (15min) Day in the Life of a Ridgerunner (if available): Visit the MATC Caretakers dwelling for an interview with Henry about what it’s like being an MATC Ridgerunner (20min) View Piazza Rock: Side trail (25min) 

Lean-to for Lunch: Bring your own bag lunch (privies available here) (30min) 

Hearing Loss and Hiking: Discussion on hearing loss and hiking by Debra Bare-Rogers and an introduction to basic sign language for trail communication (25min) 

LNT Activity: Leave No Trace Crime Scene. Participants will arrive at the scene of a “campsite crime.” This scenario simulates the resulting chaos from a group of campers who have failed to “know before you go.” Participants will step into the role of environmental investigators tasked with documenting infractions and identifying the LNT principles that were violated (40min) 

LNT Activity: Trash timeline. Participants will engage in a hands-on exercise to learn how long it takes for improperly disposed of trash to decompose in the environment (25min)

Hike Out (~1hr) 

Debriefing & Departure 

Rain Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 9:45 am 

RSVP: Please email Julia Neumann, americorpoutreach@matc.org

Contact Julia: americorpoutreach@matc.org or Debra: ALDASouthernMaine@gmail.com if you are interested in attending, need communication accommodations, or have any questions.

There is no cost to participate in this trip. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the trailhead, gear, water, and bringing a bagged lunch and must have an adult chaperone over 18 years of age.

Piazza Rock