Hiking is an awesome way to get a nature fix while being on the move. Not sure where to go? Check your local parks department, Chamber of Commerce or do a search for a local hiking group. Or, hit a local bookstore and you might find detailed maps of the best trails around.
When you're ready to head out into the great outdoors, keep the following information in mind so you can have a fun and safe hiking adventure.
Safety Tips
Because most hikes take place off the beaten path (so to speak), make safety a priority. Here are some tips to keep your hike safe and enjoyable:
Never attempt a trail that’s beyond your ability. Trails can range from pleasant, pine-needle-covered dirt paths to rocky, nearly vertical scrambles. Make sure that you know what you’re getting into before it’s too late. After all, you can’t exactly hail a cab if you become too exhausted to continue...
Plan your route. Bring maps and directions. Have some indication as to how long the round-trip hike will take (including rest stops and lunch breaks). Start early enough to make it out of the woods by dusk. Always let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. If there's a trail book, be sure to sign in.
Check weather reports. Take the weather seriously and prepare for the worst. You don’t want to get caught unexpectedly in a sudden thunderstorm or heavy snowfall. Bring extra rain and/or snow gear along just in case.
Bring along a first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic and a snake-bite kit. Many people scoff at this advice, especially if they plan to be out for only an hour or two. But it has saved lives.
Bring snacks and plenty of water. Drink frequently and fuel up to keep your energy steady for the trail ahead. Many hikers like to munch on granola or a mix of peanuts and raisins known as "gorp" (short for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts).
Never hike alone. It takes so little for something to go wrong. You may lose your way or fall and injure yourself. If you’re alone, there's no telling when you'll be found.
What You'll Need
Hiking requires highly specialized equipment that differs from the equipment you need for other types of fitness walking. Here’s some advice to help you get started:
Hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are more substantial in the forefoot and a bit stiffer overall than walking shoes. The rigidity is required for traction, foot stability and protection from rocks and other debris. Even if your hiking shoes are waterproof or water-resistant, it never hurts to treat them with a waterproofing product to ensure that your feet don’t get soggy.
Hiking clothes. Poison oak, poison ivy and ticks carrying Lyme disease are a big worry in a large part of the country from March through November. That’s why most experts recommend covering as much of your body as you can, even when it’s hot. Be sure to tuck your pant legs into your walking shoes or boots. Wear a cap to prevent ticks from embedding themselves into your scalp. Remember to always bring rain gear.
Bug repellent. Wear plenty of bug spray. Test it out on a small area of your skin first, and see whether you develop a reaction. When in doubt, read the label on the product you’re using.
Hiking pack. For one- to two-hour hikes, you can probably get by with a simple fanny pack that cinches around your waist. For longer hikes, wear a day-hiking backpack and stock it with snacks, extra socks and a first-aid kit. If you're hiking for more than a day, get a larger, sturdier hiking pack with a frame.
Walking poles. These are optional, but you may find them very beneficial. Walking poles help you power up hills and steady yourself on loose gravel and dirt, downhill slopes and rocky trails. Good poles are adjustable in height, offer some sort of shock absorption and have comfortable grips.
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