Chris

I’ll be the first to admit that hiking solo has a lot of great benefits. Nevertheless, I find hiking with a group to be a more rewarding experience. When I created my company, Adirondack Hikers, I intentionally focused on the plural form of the word hiker. Adirondack hikers are part of a community, and I believe hiking in a group builds strong connections and creates priceless shared experiences that each of us will cherish throughout our lives. Here are just a few of the benefits of hiking with a group:

1. Safety – Hiking comes with great physical demands and the wilderness, wildlife, and weather can be unpredictable. Having another person(s) with you when you fall ill or injure yourself on the trail is advantageous to getting out of the woods safely. A hiking newbie or less experienced hiker should always hike with a more experienced hiker to minimize the risk of getting lost or stranded in the woods.
2. Companionship – Humans are naturally social beings. Whether you prefer a more intimate conversation with one other hiking buddy, or you feed off the energy of a pack of hikers working toward a shared goal; it’s nice to connect with people in a peaceful environment with minimal distractions.
3. Making new friends – If hiking in the Adirondacks is one of your favorite activities, then who better to spend that time with than like-minded people that share your appreciation for that activity. Meeting friends of friends who share a love for Adirondack hiking is a great way to make new friendships and expand your social network.
4. Learning from one another – We’re all unique individuals and that makes us interesting. You can learn a lot on the trail since we each have our own opinions, perspectives, life experiences, and stories to share. I enjoy the random topics that sprout up on the trail and am grateful the woods are a space for those conversations.
5. Shared memories – While I will stop and take the occasional photos on a hike, it isn’t the amazing scenery that I tend to look back on. In actuality, how I felt during a particular hike is what comes to my mind. It might have been a grueling hike for the group where we shared a sense of accomplishment upon reaching a summit(s) and safely making the return trip to the trailhead. Upon a summit, we may have been reminded of how small each of us is in this world as we stared in awe upon the vast wilderness before our eyes. Within the forest, perhaps laughter was sprinkled throughout the hike as we reminisced about our childhood memories. There have even been hikes where we are afforded the opportunity to reconnect with those whom we’ve grown distant from. No matter what, I always think about the good times I shared with my fellow hikers. To no one’s surprise, my favorite photo from any trip is always a group picture capturing the people I experienced life with.

I encourage people to think about their intentions and expectations for an upcoming hike. If you’re in need of some intimate conversation and hope to venture into deeper discussions, consider sticking to a tight knit group between 2 – 4 persons. If you’re looking to connect with a variety of personalities, explore new acquaintances, and stick to more casual topics of conversation, then a larger group may be appealing. Keep in mind, the larger the hiking group, the more likely the group will get split up as the hike progresses. Members of a group will have different levels of fitness, and some may prefer a conversational pace while others may wish to move more quickly. Prior to any hike, the group should discuss their plans on how to reunite should gaps get created between hikers amongst a group. An experienced hiker should be designated as your group leader in order to minimize risks and help facilitate a positive hiking experience.

Think carefully about the company you keep when deciding to spend some extended time in nature. A little bit of thoughtfulness will increase your chances for happy memories and rewarding relationships. Don’t forget, we were all hiking newbies at one point of our lives, so be patient with those individuals getting acclimated with the wonders of Adirondack hiking.

For the experienced hikers out there, consider this list as a good refresher to ensure you’re still applying best practices for safe hiking adventures. If you find this list to be a helpful starting point for aspiring hikers, I encourage you to share it. As for the hiking newbies that have stumbled upon this list, take careful note of these points in order to minimize your risks and maximize your enjoyment while hiking in the Adirondacks.

1. Be honest with yourself about your physical fitness. Hikes can range from mild to strenuous; therefore, you want to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation should you attempt a hike beyond your fitness level. Start with easier hikes and gradually build your way up to more challenging hikes. The High Peaks aren’t going anywhere. Be patient and work your way up to them. When you’re more experienced hiking friend(s) suggest tackling Cascade and Porter Mountains for your first hike, politely suggest hiking a trail that is less likely to be crowded yet still offers a stunning summit view that will get you hooked on hiking. An easier hike that is less trafficked will provide you the space to converse amongst your group throughout the hike, and that results in a better hiking experience.
2. Bring more water than you think you will need. Sure, water adds weight to your hiking pack. Minimalists will likely argue that you should only pack as much water as you’ll need. That’s really tough to predict, and the fact is, there are too many factors that can impact your water intake during any given hike. Things you need to consider include: your hydration levels prior to the hike, your sodium levels, the temperature, the amount of time you’re in the shade verses in the sun, the degree of difficulty of the hike, etc. The more you hike, the more familiar you’ll become with your own hydration needs so that you can pack accordingly without over doing it. On the bright side, an adequate water supply helps to eliminate the fear and panic of running out of water when there are miles left to complete your hike. It also offers you some peace of mind that if for some unforeseen reason you didn’t complete your hike, you’d have some water on hand to help you survive. Staying hydrated for the duration of a hike certainly wards off cramps that make it painful and difficult to complete a hike. All in all, having enough water helps you avoid a lot of potentially dangerous situations and it might even come in handy should you need to assist a hiker who is showing signs of dehydration.
3. Drink the water you’re carrying. Seems obvious right? Some folks go overboard with rationing their water supply so much that they dehydrate themselves while they’re still carrying plenty of water. A dehydrated hiker could exhibit signs of diminished strength and motor skills, sluggish cognitive abilities, and severe fatigue. Failure to rehydrate could ultimately result in death. It’s important to drink when you’re feeling thirsty as to avoid symptoms of dehydration. Take smaller sips throughout the hike to continually hydrate and drink more as you ascend to higher altitudes. At higher elevations, your mind can trick you into thinking that you’re not thirsty, when in reality, you’re at a greater risk for dehydration due to lower oxygen levels and sweat evaporating more quickly.
4. Wear adequate footwear. Trails are not sidewalks or bike paths. Hikers need to pay attention to where they step. Anticipate sharp rocks, solid boulders, hidden tree roots, loose stones, mud, standing water, stream crossings, etc. You need to protect your feet and ankles from injury to maintain your mobility. The inability to stand, walk, leap, or potentially run while deep in the wilderness puts you in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation. Taking the proper preventive measure to wear appropriate footwear such as well-fitting hiking boots is important. At the very least, you’ll avoid painful blisters that can turn a great hike into a day of misery. Packing a second pair of clean hiking socks and some moleskin to apply to blisters or broken skin is a wise decision. Ankle injuries are one of the more common injuries for hikers. To prevent ankle injuries, focus on strengthening and stretching your ankles. The stronger your ankles, the more options in footwear you have when hiking. Since many hikers overlook training for the trail, a member of your hiking group should consider bringing an ankle brace in their pack.
5. Prepare for the unexpected. Just like being prepared for an unexpected ankle injury, lots of other unexpected and unwanted surprises can occur on the trail. As annoying as it may be to add weight to your pack, bringing a First Aid Kit is a must when hiking. At the very least, it signifies that you have some concept of the risk you’re undertaking by opting to venture into the wilderness where access to medical assistance is not readily available. Is there an asthmatic in your group? He or she better have their inhaler with them. Is someone at risk of a severe allergic reaction triggered by something they could encounter on the trail? That hiker best be packing his or her EpiPen. What happens if someone begins to experience an impending heart attack on the trail? If they’re not allergic to Aspirin, they’ll be grateful you have some in your First Aid Kit. Things can suddenly take a turn for the worse, so you want to be prepared. While you might not have regular cell phone service, sometimes you’re able to call emergency services or your phone will send a ping signal to a cell tower which can help a rescue team determine your location. Bring a cell phone just in case. Bring a whistle too while you’re at it. Blowing a whistle can notify your rescuer(s) of your whereabouts, especially if you’ve ventured off the trail. A flashlight or headlamp is definitely advisable to have in your pack, as is something warm to wear should the temperature drop. Depending on the season, you may need to pack a more extensive set of survival gear in case you’ll need to survive in the woods overnight.
6. Let an emergency contact know where and when you’ll be hiking. A trusted family member or friend that is not joining you on the hike should be kept in the loop. Tell them the route you plan to hike, and your approximate hike start and finish times you’re shooting for. Likewise, always sign in and out of the trail registers found at the trailhead. If you do not return from your hike based on your intended trip plan, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) should be notified. Carrying some form of ID during your hike is a good idea in case you’re unable to communicate or are unconscious. Upon the completion of your hike, it’s your responsibility to call or text your emergency contact to notify them you’ve safely completed your hike. This avoids unnecessary worry as well as wasting time and resources associated with sending out a search and rescue team. Such a misunderstanding could put other people’s lives in danger, especially during harsh weather conditions.
7. Be mindful of the weather. A lot of tragedies and other unpleasant experiences can be avoided if you’re mindful of the weather. You’ll need to pack more water for hotter temperatures, warmer clothing for colder temperatures, and the proper footwear for wet or snowy conditions. If there is a potential for a storm or other hazardous weather, you’ll want to reschedule your hike for safer conditions. You’ll be grateful you postponed a hiking trip for more accommodating weather. There are countless stories about Adirondack hikers whom died, got injured, or became severely ill after unexpectedly facing harsh weather conditions or simply because they were unprepared for the hiking conditions of the day.
8. Fuel your body with the proper food. While it is a good idea to carb load the night before a strenuous hike, you will still want to bring along lightweight snacks, such as granola bars, dried fruits and nuts. It’s best to avoid sugary or starchy snacks that your body will quickly burn up. If you’re on a day hike, you won’t need a bear canister to store your food. Nonetheless, it is still recommended to keep your food in tightly fitted containers so aromas won’t attract curious animals. An inquisitive and courageous chipmunk is the most common critter to attempt to steal your food during a day hike. Hikers that are camping overnight in the wilderness are recommended to use bear resistant canisters. Anyone camping in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness is required to use a bear resistant canister. Never feed the wildlife. If you carry it in to the woods, you’re expected to carry it back out.
9. Do not hike alone. Stick to hiking in a group. This rule of thumb especially pertains to novice hikers. Even experienced hikers should be hiking with at least one other person in their group. Mishaps can occur to even the most experienced hikers since humans cannot control what is going to happen. The stakes are too high when you’re in the wilderness. Getting lost and/or injured are two of the biggest risks of hiking; therefore, it helps to have hiking companions with you. If you’re injured, someone else can go ahead and get help, and ideally, an additional companion is available to hang back with you. To minimize your group’s chances of getting lost, be sure to bring a map, guidebook trail descriptions, and a compass that everyone knows how to use.
10. Be aware of your surroundings. Ditch the earbuds and portable music player. You might not hear your hiking companion fall and injure themselves. You’ll come off as inconsiderate to the hiker that is politely notifying you of their attempt to pass you on the trail. Or, perhaps you won’t react appropriately should you be the unfortunate soul to encounter a timber rattlesnake or mama bear warning you that her cubs are nearby. Either scenario is rare; however, it’s best to have all your senses working to keep you safe. Heck, you may find yourself to be someone’s hero when you come to their aid after hearing them blow their whistle for help. Regardless, the best part of being aware of our surroundings is being able to enjoy the unique sounds of Mother Nature during your hike.

Not everyone enjoys hiking which is good news for those of us that hike. Let’s look at some of the common reasons a person might be put off by hiking.

1. Hiking requires physical exertion and depending on the hike, can be strenuous.
2. There’s a good chance you’re going to work up a sweat and be stuck wearing sweaty clothes for an extended period of time.
3. Unless it’s winter, you’re guaranteed to encounter insects.
4. You’ll likely need to wake up early so you can drive to the mountains and afford yourself enough daylight hours to complete your hike.
5. There is a high probability of no cellphone service where you’re hiking.
6. You can’t just leave a hike if you’re bored, tired, too hot, etc.
7. You are grossed out at the thought of stepping through mud.
8. You are uncomfortable with quietness.
9. You don’t enjoy conditions that require face-to-face communication.
10. If mother nature calls, there are no restrooms in the woods.

I’ll be the first to admit that several points from the list above were excuses that kept me from hiking during my childhood. I eventually embraced hiking at the age of eighteen, and even then, I struggled with waking up early for a hike or encountering muddy trail conditions. Today, it’s the Adirondack black fly season that keeps me out of the woods. Besides that, I’m excited about the prospect of venturing into the forest and potentially hiking up a mountain.

For those of us who love hiking, what exactly is it that attracts us to spending hours in the woods and ascending mountains? I’ve put together a list of 10 reasons to love hiking.

1. Spending time in nature provides a sense of peace and contentment while enabling you to disconnect from work, chores, technology, and so forth.
2. Hiking is a great way to discover and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, from sparkling lakes, to charming brooks, pretty cascades, towering waterfalls, gigantic boulders, lush forests, and mesmerizing summit views. You may even spot some wildlife.
3. Hiking is a confidence booster. Depending on the hike, you may be challenging yourself mentally and physically. Standing on a summit after a challenging ascent feels amazing, but so does reaching the “finish line” after you’ve dug deep to find that hidden bit of energy needed to propel you through that final Adirondack mile in route to your car.
4. A hiking trail is a great atmosphere to experience quality time with others. People tend to be less guarded and more open while hiking. This enables you to get closer with your hiking companion(s) and that kind of bonding has a positive impact on how a relationship functions off the trail too.
5. Hiking is a great alternative to other forms of physical fitness. You’re breathing fresh air in the wilderness, you’re utilizing different muscle groups including your core, and you’re getting a cardio workout while not being focused on the fact you’re exercising.
6. Hiking is a form of play. You’re playing outdoors, sometimes hopping from one rock to next, climbing up giant boulders, crossing wooden bridges, and occasionally scaling a strategically placed ladder. The suspense of trying to stay dry while crossing a stream is quite fun.
7. The variation of hikes keeps hiking fresh. Some hikes are flat, some have gradual ascents and descents, others can have steep inclines and/or declines. Some hikes keep you in the forest until you reach a summit, while other hikes offer constant vistas from a ridgeline or rockslide. Then there are hiking destinations such as those found in the Southwest USA where the warm dry climate has you hiking through an entirely different type of terrain.
8. Hiking is more often than not, free. Granted, some state and national parks might hit you up with an entrance or parking fee; however, a little research and you’ll be on your way to hours of free hiking. It’s recommended to invest in some proper hiking gear if you’re venturing through more challenging terrain. A comfortable and durable pair of hiking boots should be a top priority followed by a comfortable daypack to hold your water, first-aid supplies, etc.
9. Hiking connects you with your spiritual side. I often refer to the Adirondacks as my temple. Whether deep in the forest or atop of a mountain, I’m reminded of how vast and beautiful our world is. I’m also reminded of how tiny I am within this infinite universe. When you’re surrounded by wildlife and the wilderness, you’re reminded of the other beings you share the planet with. Hiking gives you the space to contemplate your life, dreams, and relationships. The quietness and lack of distractions offers hikers the opportunity to seek clarity.
10. A hiking trip often comes with cherished traditions. Perhaps you drop-in at a favorite bagel shop in the morning on the way to the mountains or cap off a successful hike by replenishing yourself with a burger and pint of beer at a local brew pub. Maybe you swing by the local rustic furniture store to admire the latest handcrafted wooden pieces or stand in line to get a scoop of delicious ice cream. Common courtesy after a long day hike is for the driver to let his or her passengers nap on the trip home.

Although this list is not intended to be exhaustive, I hope it inspires individuals considering this recreational activity to take the next steps toward experiencing the rewards of hiking. For those of you that are experienced hikers, consider how you might help a new hiker learn the ropes of safe and responsible hiking so they too can build a lifetime of wonderful memories from their time on the trail. Happy hiking!

I’ll be the first to admit, I got hooked on hiking after successfully completing my first Adirondack high peak, Big Slide, in Fall 2000. I wasn’t in hiking shape by any means, but it was a beautiful autumn day with little to no bugs. This fact, plus the gorgeous foliage, was the perfect recipe for a memorable introduction to the High Peaks.

Our group consisted of four best friends that attended high school together and were reunited over Fall break of our freshman year in college. Our group leader, a relatively experienced hiker, was wise enough to introduce us to Adirondack hiking via Big Slide, as opposed to starting us off on the more heavily trafficked trails of Cascade and Porter mountains which hikers new to the high peaks typically begin with. While I’m sure we would’ve enjoyed the summit views of the latter, the journey up and back the Big Slide trail provided our group plenty of private stretches to reminisce about high school and converse about trivial topics that college freshman have on their minds. When we reached the summit and gazed upon the Great Range, it was apparent that the three newbies to Adirondack hiking were hooked…on the High Peaks.

Sure, there were some non-high peaks we would hike the next few years; however, we were less enthusiastic about those trips than venturing up a high peak where we were sure to experience a similar high to what we felt atop Big Slide. The wiser and experienced hiker of our group quickly realized that to increase the likelihood of getting the gang to commit to a hike, there would have be a high peak on the agenda.

At the time, I jokingly referred to the non-high peaks as molehills and anthills. I exclaimed that I wanted to attempt “big kid hikes”, not “hikes for kindergartners” as I would teasingly say to our group leader. Our buddy would chime in with remarks about non-high peaks being “child’s play” or “Nickelodeon hikes”. While our comments were in jest, there was no denying that the three newest hikers were High Peaks addicts. To our group leader’s dismay, we would continue to make long day trips over the years completing various high peaks while he yearned for more quiet, peaceful hikes away from the crowds.

Fast forward to present day and it’s been years since I’ve attempted a high peak. Granted, I’m not over the High Peaks; however, it took the love of my life to help me shift my attitude toward Adirondack hiking. My wife had very little hiking experience before we met and struggled with the first few hikes we attempted, non-high peaks. Eventually she worked her way up to completing a few high peaks; however, she preferred the less strenuous hikes of many of the non-high peaks. Likewise, she is focused on the journey and not the destination, thus, mind-blowing summit views take a back seat to stress-reducing, mind clearing, rejuvenating hikes.

Slowing down, having a greater awareness of my surroundings, and attempting less strenuous hikes offered me a much different and arguably more rewarding hiking experience. The amazing but short-lived high of summiting a high peak did not provide the same sense of calmness, peace, and serenity that these non-high peaks were able to deliver throughout an entire trip. Likewise, my wife and I encountered significantly less hikers on these trails, so much so, that there was an impressive period of time where we enjoyed the summit all to ourselves.

With these non-high peak trips, the two of us never felt rushed to get on the trail in the early morning hours, nor did we ever worry about whether or not we’d find reasonable parking. Furthermore, the shorter journeys enabled us to hike at a comfortable pace and pick-up on more nuances of the forest and spot more wildlife. By the end of the hike, we had enough energy and time to grab a good meal before it turned dark. There were many instances in the past where my hiking group completed a high peak and the driver was chauffeuring a car full of sleeping passengers home.

AdirondackHikers.com is committed to highlighting some of the wonderful hiking opportunities beyond the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. There are hikes that will deliver breathtaking scenery, greater solitude, and even some summit views that rival those of the High Peaks. Regardless if you’re an aspiring 46er, there are dozens of amazing non-high peak hikes you need to experience. I would go so far as to say you’d be missing out if you bagged all 46 High Peaks prior to checking out some of these top-rated Adirondack hikes. Don’t get me wrong, becoming a 46er is certainly a great achievement. Nonetheless, it’s a lot less common these days to meet an Adirondack hiker that has explored multiple regions of the Adirondack Park and has a diverse array of hikes under their belt than it is to run into an aspiring 46er who will feign their enthusiasm for hiking Couchsachraga Peak. There are plenty of wonderful “molehills” I could recommend that would provide a significantly more memorable and enjoyable experience.