There are few things more enjoyable than hiking in the beautiful outdoors. The sun shines warmly on your shoulders, you’re surrounded by nature and incredible views unfold before your eyes – even the trails become a true paradise. However, hiking can also be dangerous if you are not properly prepared. It’s important to be prepared for your hike and know what you’re going to do once you hit the trail.
Preparing for a Hike
Buy a local travel guide. To find the right hiking route for you, a hiking guide is essential. All the natural wonders around you can be found in local travel guides – from the wildflowers you see while hiking in different seasons to the species of birds flying overhead. You should be able to purchase local hiking guides at your local bookstore, outdoor adventure store, or park visitor center in your area. It can also be purchased online.
- You can also search online for local hikes. Even if you live in a central city like San Francisco, you’ll likely find a ton of websites detailing great hikes to do around you. (If you do live in San Francisco, look for one around the Marin Headlands!)
Start with a small trip. If it’s your first time hiking, you should choose a relatively simple trip. According to your ability, choose a short trip with a controllable distance. If you rarely get out into nature, you might stick to a smooth journey of one to two kilometers. For others who exercise regularly, a simple five-kilometer round trip may be more your style – it’s all up to you. It’s your first time going out, as long as you don’t make yourself too tired.
Bring plenty of water. In learning how to hike safely, it’s important to bring the right amount of water. It’s important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water before you go hiking. Bring more water than you think you’ll need – It’s better to bring too much water than not to bring enough and become dehydrated. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Each person needs to drink at least one liter of water every two hours.
Pack your backpack. Depending on the length of your hike, you’ll want to consider bringing different things. However, generally speaking, regardless of the length of the trip, you need to bring some snacks to replenish your energy (you can’t go wrong with assorted dried fruits), a knife (the Swiss Army Knife is a good choice), a compass and a map. A flashlight match or lighter, and extra clothing (in case the weather changes suddenly.)
- You may also consider bringing a first aid kit, compass, binoculars, etc. Just remember not to overwhelm yourself with unnecessary stuff. But keep water handy.
- If you’re going hiking during COVID-19, be sure to wear a mask; it’s a good idea to wear a mask whenever you’re with other people on the trail.
Avoid getting burned by the sun. In addition to the other things you pack in your bag, you’ll want to bring items that will keep you safe from sunburn. Includes sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Getting sun poison or skin cancer is no joke, so protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays as much as possible.
- Wear appropriate shoes. It is important to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. Skip flip-flops and wear lace-up shoes, which will provide better support for the soles of your feet. If you can, wear hiking or trail shoes—these are the best shoes for rough terrain.
- If you have a new pair of shoes that you’ve never worn before, try to break them in before going out. Otherwise, you may get nasty blisters on your feet.
Invite a few friends or family members to join you. Until beginners can travel alone, it is best to stay in a group or with experienced hikers. This is because if you have an accident while hiking alone, it will be harder to get help than if you are hiking alone. Once you have planned your hiking trip, bring your friends with you to not only add to the fun but also for safety reasons.
- If you decide to hike alone, at least let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to return. Tell them you will contact them when you are done traveling. Don’t forget to contact them when you come back, otherwise, they may call the police to find you.
Know what to do in an emergency. While your journey usually goes quite smoothly, always be prepared for the unknown. Carry a first aid kit and cell phone with you. Always be prepared, though, as you may not go into the forest at all. For more guidance on surviving in the wild, see “How to Survive in the Wild.”
After Hitting the Road
Start at the start sign. Every trail has a start sign _this sign usually indicates the name of the trail and the distance to the end (or the length of the loop.) Other start signs, like those in national parks, will have a sign showing all the information related to you. A map of the trail connected to the road you are on, and various other things to be aware of while hiking.
- If you can’t find the starting waypoint, you’re probably not in the right location. Ask others for directions. Some other roads may not be signposted – this will be mentioned in your guidebook.
Pay attention to road signs. When you’re hiking outdoors, you’re bound to hit intersections. Please follow the road names on the road signs to get to where you want to go. If there are no signposts (which is a rare occurrence), check on a map or look around for rock markers. Cairn markers are piles of rocks used to guide hikers on the correct path.
- You may find small forks off the road. Don’t follow these side roads – they are often trails for deer or other forest creatures, and they can lead you to unknown places. Park rangers and road maintenance crews often drag fallen branches to intersections to block the animals’ paths.
Follow all signs. If you see a sign that says “Get Off This Road” – you guessed it, you should leave. The sign is likely there because vegetation is returning to the area. If too many people enter this area instead of other roads, the vegetation could be severely damaged.
- You may also see signs prohibiting feeding wild animals. This is good advice because this behavior can affect not only the animal but also yourself. Never feed wild animals – no matter how cute they may look.
Take a break and rehydrate. Hiking is not a race, but an activity that can be adjusted to your own pace. If you feel tired, don’t worry, just slow down. Whenever you feel the need to drink water or sit down and rest while traveling, be sure to do so.
Be aware of small animals that may appear under your feet. Know that as you hike, you’ll pass by the homes of many, many different creatures—from the smallest bugs to as large as bears. Never try to get close to or interact with wild animals because – after all, they are wild.
- Be especially careful with snakes. Be careful when walking in rocky areas, which are common places for snakes to live – stepping on a snake is never a pleasant experience.
Leave only footprints and take only photos. This is what we were taught when we were young, and it is still true today. Wilderness is a beautiful place that must be respected. Don’t throw rubbish on the ground, and don’t let blasting music or hoarse voices break the tranquility of the wilderness. When you leave, don’t take any rocks, plants, or animals with you – if you do, you’ll disturb the beautiful ecosystem around you. To be a true hiker, one must respect nature.
Tips
- If the starting point has a record of the hike, please sign it. This will let park rangers know that you have departed from this trail. Once you complete this hike, be sure to mark your return.
- If you’ve never hiked before, don’t go on particularly difficult trails or any other extreme situations.