Walk Slowly.
See Everything.
Guided day hikes for all skill levels through New River Gorge, Monongahela National Forest, and Juneau, Alaska. No summit lists. No pace records. Just the trail ahead and the company beside you.
Begin Your JourneyA Different Kind of Guide Service
We believe the best moments on trail happen when you stop trying to get somewhere and start being where you are.
Unhurried by Design
Our itineraries build in time to linger. To watch light shift through a canopy. To sit by a stream without checking a watch. The pace is the point.
Small Groups, Easy Conversation
Six guests maximum. No megaphone needed, no yelling over a crowd. Just quiet trails, personal attention, and the kind of easy conversation that happens naturally when the group is small.
Place Over Peak
We measure a trip by what you noticed, not what you conquered. The hidden waterfall, the bear tracks in the mud, the way fog rolls through a valley at dawn.
Inspiration
Books that shape how we see the trail and the world around it.
The Living Mountain
A quiet masterpiece about knowing a landscape not by conquering it but by being present in it. Shepherd spent decades walking the Cairngorms and wrote about seeing, listening, and feeling the mountain rather than simply climbing it. Her approach is at the heart of what we do.
The Peregrine
Baker spent ten years following peregrine falcons through the English countryside, watching with an intensity that borders on devotion. This book is a reminder that the most extraordinary encounters come from patience and attention, not from chasing.
Walden
The original argument for slowing down. Thoreau went to the woods to live deliberately, and that single idea - that the pace of your days shapes the quality of your life - is the thread that runs through every hike we lead.
Have a favorite book that changes how you see the outdoors? We’d love to hear about it - share it with us.
Where We Wander
Two landscapes, one guiding philosophy. Each region offers its own rhythm, and we know both intimately.
Appalachia
Some of the oldest mountains on Earth, worn smooth by half a billion years. Rhododendron tunnels, mossy coves, and ridgelines that roll to the horizon. Southern West Virginia carries a deep coal mining history that shaped these communities and this landscape - you’ll see it in the hollows and along the rivers. We hike the high spruce forests of the Monongahela National Forest and the dramatic gorges of New River Gorge National Park - trails that carry the weight of deep time.
Prices are estimates. We’ll provide a few itineraries to choose from, and final pricing depends on the trail, duration, and time of year you select.
Southeast Alaska
Tongass rainforest meets tidewater glaciers. Brown bears fish salmon streams within earshot of the trail. The scale here humbles you in a way that never gets old. We offer hikes for all abilities and coordinate with cruise ship passengers visiting Juneau - we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point and get you on the trail. We guide in the inside passage where temperate rainforest runs right to the water’s edge.
Prices are estimates. We’ll provide a few itineraries to choose from, and final pricing depends on the trail, duration, and time of year you select.
What a Trip Feels Like
Forget checklists. Here’s what you’ll actually remember.
Morning Light on the Ridge
We start early to catch the best light. Coffee at the trailhead while mist burns off the valley below. The day unfolds at its own speed.
Reading the Forest
Jeff shares what the landscape is telling you — animal sign, plant communities, weather patterns. You start seeing the forest as a living system, not scenery.
Trail Conversations
Stories traded between strangers becoming friends. The kind of easy conversation that only happens when you’re walking side by side through quiet country.
Wildlife on Its Own Terms
We don’t chase encounters. We position ourselves thoughtfully and wait. When a bear appears on the opposite bank or an eagle drops to the river, it happens on nature’s schedule.
The Pace You Forgot Existed
Most guests say the same thing by the second hike: they didn’t realize how fast they normally move through the world. Slowing down changes what you see.
Leaving Lighter
Leave No Trace isn’t a rule here, it’s a practice. We travel gently and leave each place better than we found it. The wilderness is the host.
Meet Jeff
Founder & Lead Guide
After a career in tech, I started Deliberate Pace because the outdoor industry kept telling me that faster, harder, and higher was the only way to measure a life in the mountains. I disagreed.
A native of southern West Virginia and the heart of the Appalachians, I’ve spent my life learning the rhythms of these mountains - not just the trails, but the ecosystems, the weather patterns, the stories the land carries. My hiking experience in Southeast Alaska has deepened that connection to wild places. I guide because I believe that walking slowly through wild country with a few good people is one of the best things a person can do.
Your safety is my first responsibility. Your experience is my second. Everything else takes care of itself.
Popular Expeditions
A few of our favorite trails, each one chosen for what it reveals when you take your time.
Endless Wall Trail
New River Gorge National Park, WVA rim-top trail tracing the edge of one of the most dramatic gorges in the East. Sandstone cliffs drop hundreds of feet to the New River below, framed by hemlocks and hardwoods. We stop often to take in the overlooks, study the rock formations, and watch climbers on the wall faces far below.
Long Point Trail
New River Gorge National Park, WVA wooded walk that opens to one of the most iconic views in West Virginia - the New River Gorge Bridge spanning the canyon from a jutting sandstone point. The trail itself winds through quiet second-growth forest full of wildflowers in spring and rich color in autumn.
East Glacier Trail
Juneau, AKWinding through Tongass rainforest along the edge of Mendenhall Lake, this trail offers views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. The temperate rainforest here is dense with moss, ferns, and Sitka spruce. Black bears and bald eagles are common sightings along the way.
Custom Expedition
Appalachia or Southeast AlaskaDon’t see the right fit? Let’s build one together. We’ll work with you to design a hike tailored to your abilities, time constraints, and whatever else matters most to you - whether that’s wildflower photography, birding, waterfall chasing, or simply being somewhere quiet for a few hours.
Get in TouchFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before hitting the trail.
How do I know this is for me?
If you’ve ever felt rushed on a group hike, wished your guide would stop and point out the things you’re walking past, or just want to spend a day outside without pressure to perform - this is for you. Our guests range from seasoned hikers looking for a more intentional experience to first-timers who want a knowledgeable guide and a comfortable pace. If the idea of slowing down in wild country sounds appealing, you’re already a good fit.
What fitness level do I need?
Our hikes are designed for a range of abilities. Most day hikes are at a relaxed pace on well-maintained trails. If you can comfortably walk 3–6 miles on uneven ground, you’ll do great. We’re happy to recommend a specific trip based on your comfort level.
What should I bring?
We’ll send a detailed packing list after booking, but you can check our packing list for the essentials. Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate layers, water, snacks, and sun protection are the basics. Food and water are not provided, so please bring enough to keep you fueled for the day. We’ll let you know if any specialized gear is needed for your trip.
Do you provide gear?
No, and that’s intentional. Bringing your own gear is part of the deliberate pace. Your boots, your pack, your layers — these are things you know and trust. If we supplied gear for you, the trip wouldn’t truly reflect your abilities or what you’re comfortable with. Hiking in your own gear helps set an honest pace and makes the experience genuinely yours. That said, I’m always happy to offer gear advice and will provide an ideal gear list based on your chosen itinerary. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
I do bring first aid gear, bear spray, and a satellite communicator for the whole group, so you don’t need to worry about that.
How large are the groups?
We keep groups between 1 and 6 guests in Appalachia, and between 1 and 4 guests in Southeast Alaska. This ensures a personal experience where everyone can engage with the landscape and each other without feeling like part of a crowd.
Are your hikes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are newer to hiking or returning after time away. Our pace is deliberately unhurried, and Jeff adjusts the experience to match the group. No prior experience is necessary.
Are kids welcome? Is there a minimum age?
Guests must be at least 14 years old to join a hike. The trails we cover and the pace we keep are best suited for teenagers and adults who can comfortably handle a full day outdoors. If you’re planning a family trip, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you choose an itinerary that works for everyone.
How long are the hikes?
It depends on your chosen itinerary. Every trip is different, and we’ll work with you to find a length that fits your schedule and comfort level.
How do I get to the trailhead?
In Appalachia destinations, we’ll provide directions and meet you at the trailhead. In Southeast Alaska, we’ll coordinate transportation details with you in advance.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor conditions closely and will adjust the itinerary if needed for safety. Light rain is part of the experience in both Appalachia and Southeast Alaska — we hike in it and often see the most beautiful moments because of it. In the case of severe weather, we’ll reschedule.
Can I book a private hike for my group?
Of course. Private expeditions are a great option for families, friends, or corporate groups. Reach out through the contact form and we’ll put something together.
How do I book, and what’s your cancellation policy?
Booking is easy — just reach out through the contact form and we’ll get you set up. For full details on payment, cancellations, and rescheduling, please see our Policies & Terms page.
What if I’m just planning my own trip?
Send a note anyway. Even if you’re not booking a guided hike, I’m happy to share trail picks, itinerary ideas, and good spots to eat in the area. No obligation, and no upsell. If you’re heading to Appalachia or Southeast Alaska and want a local perspective, that’s reason enough to get in touch.
Will we see wildlife?
It’s always possible but never guaranteed. Seeing wildlife depends on a lot of factors — time of day, time of year, weather, and more. That said, our small group size and unhurried pace give us the best chance of spotting animals, and Jeff knows where and when to look. Deer, birds of prey, and black bears are common in Appalachia. In Southeast Alaska, brown bears, bald eagles, and salmon are frequent sightings. Either way, we never chase or approach wildlife - we let the encounter come to us.
What safety training do you have?
Jeff is a NOLS certified Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid provider, and carries a comprehensive first aid kit and a Garmin inReach satellite communicator on every hike. Guest safety is always the top priority.
Start a Conversation
Every trip begins with a conversation. Tell me what you’re looking for — or what you’re looking to leave behind — and we’ll find the right trail together.
Even if you’re planning your own trip, send a note. Happy to share trail picks, itinerary ideas, and good places to eat in the area.