Take A Hike! 9 Tips for Hiking Safely

Spring, Summer, and Fall (and in some places, even Winter!) are great times to go on a hike.

Whether you’ve been hiking your entire life or you’re just getting into hiking, there are some

precautions that should be taken to avoid getting caught in a potentially dangerous situation. Follow the tips below to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hike.

Make a Plan

Think about where you want to go and estimate how long you expect the total hike to take,

then add some extra time in. Be sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. You want to choose a trail that fits your skills, experience, and

capabilities. Remember, most trails are not loops. You will probably have to walk back the

same path you came in on. When I’m going down a steep hill, I always think to myself “I’ve got to go back up this sucker on the way back”! If you are taking a long hike, or going somewhere you’ve never been before, bring a buddy (or even a group) with you.

Consult a Park Ranger

Your safest bet is to go to a state or national park to hike. These are usually staffed by rangers who can provide you with pertinent information that can help you stay safe in that particular location. Call the park office before your hike, look on the official National Park Service (NPS) site, or stop by the office before you leave the trailhead. I live near the Harpers Ferry, WV portion (close to the middle) of the famous Appalachian Trail, which starts in Katahdin, Main and ends at Springer Mountain in Georgia. It is not uncommon for people in this area to hike a portion of the trail. This is the link to their Visitor Center to get more information for this area: https://appalachiantrail.org/our-work/about-us/contact-us/harpers-ferry-visitor-center/.

Check the Weather

Next, you want to check the weather report for the area that you are planning to hike at. You

obviously do not want to go for a hike if they are calling for severe weather in that area. Even

with a great weather forecast, big storms can come up unexpectedly.

Thunder and lightning are common dangers. If you are caught out in a storm with thunder and lightning, the NPS advises you to try to make your way towards shelter and if you are in a

group, spread out in the event a person is struck (unlikely, but better to be safe than sorry, right?!). Avoid high areas and open areas such as boulders or fields, trees and other tall objects, bodies of water, and metal.

What to Wear

You will want to carefully consider what you will wear. Dress in layers, wearing breathable

clothing that is not restrictive. Your feet are going to get a pounding, so footwear is especially important. Hiking boots provide more support, but for a short, day hike basic low cut trail shoes are great. Whichever you wear, make sure they fit properly.

Note: Never wear brand new hiking shoes/boots on a long hike. You are just asking for blisters! You should break them in by wearing them around the house or on shorter hikes first. Avoid wearing cotton socks because they retain moisture from sweaty feet and cause skin toblister more easily. Instead wear socks made from materials such as wool or synthetics made to wick away moisture and ease friction. They make specific socks for hiking.

Note: Never wear brand new hiking shoes/boots on a long hike. You are just asking for blisters! You should break them in by wearing them around the house or on shorter hikes first. Avoid wearing cotton socks because they retain moisture from sweaty feet and cause skin to blister more easily. Instead wear socks made from materials such as wool or synthetics made to wick away moisture and ease friction. They make specific socks for hiking.

What to Pack

After that, pack the essentials you may need while on your hike. You will want to pack some

healthy high-energy snacks and plenty of water, to keep your energy up and prevent

dehydration. A small first-aid kit is essential for any minor issues, such as blisters, cuts, and

scrapes. You should always have a knife or multi-tool with you in case there is a need. Keep a

flashlight with fresh batteries with you, as well as matches or a lighter. Another good thing to

have with you is a whistle. You will want to have a raincoat, just in case.

Stay on the Trail

It is vital that you stay on the trail. This is for your own safety, the safety of others, and the

safety of a potential search party, as well as to protect the natural resources of the area. Think you can’t get lost going off-trail? Think again! I recently read an article about Geraldine “Gerry” Largay, a retired 66-year-old, retired Air Force nurse who regularly hiked and even took a course on hiking the Appalachian Trail. She got on the trail in 2013 with her friend, but her friend had a personal emergency and had to go home. Gerry wanted to continue her trek. A few days later, she went off the trail to use the bathroom, but she became disoriented and couldn’t find her way back to the trail. Two years later her tent and remains were found alongcwith a journal that described her last days. It’s a very sad story, but let it be a lesson. DO NOT LEAVE THE TRAIL!

Know Your Limits

While on your hike, know your limits and listen to what your body is telling you. Take breaks as needed. If you can talk while walking without losing your breath, you are probably hiking at a good pace. If you are with a group, make sure not to leave anyone behind. If you would like, you can use hiking poles during your hike to give you more balance and stability, while also giving your upper body more of a workout.

Watch Your Step

When on a hike, be careful of where you are stepping. Loose rocks and cause sprains or broken ankles, and tree roots can cause trips and falls. Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes, including waterfalls. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning.

Make an Emergency Plan

In the event of an emergency situation, you want to have a plan already in place. Before you

head out, decide how you will call or send for help in the unlikely event that something bad

happens. In this case, think about the Boy Scout’s motto “Be Prepared!” Know how you will call for help in the event that something goes wrong. Have the answers to these questions in

advance:

1) Did someone bring a fully charged phone (a portable charger would also be an excellent

investment).

2) Does the park service have its own emergency number, or should you call 9-1-1?

3) Will there be reliable cell service? If not, which one of you will go to get help?

When embarking on a hike, there is a lot of prep work involved. But if you plan carefully, you

are much more likely to have a safe and enjoyable time whether it’s your first hike, or your

thousandth. So, go ahead and take a hike!