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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
