Only 20,000 hikers have successfully traversed the Appalachian Trail’s 2,190-mile route since 1948. Weaving their way through 14 states over 5-7 months. Very few nature enthusiasts can even handle the slightly tamer 14-day Ozarks Highland Trail either.
But your hiking itinerary doesn’t have to be treacherous.
No rushing stream crossings.
No 100+ story tall “stairways to heaven.”
No slithering rattlesnakes threatening your route.
If you’re a novice hiker craving a scenic overlook or picturesque valleys, preparing for the trail (and elements) is key.
Here’s everything you need to know about hiking safety and gear!
Don’t Hike Complex Trails Alone
The further away those city lights, honking horns, and cell towers get, the more dangerous that “innocent” nature walk becomes.
While peaceful, those self-reflecting solo hikes run three potentially life-threatening risks:
- Encountering a shady nomad on the trail (rare, but it happens)
- Navigating away from the blazed trails and out of park ranger territory
- Injuring yourself and having no way to signal help
Always follow the buddy system!
Join a local hiking group led by skilled survivalists and trail experts (a park ranger, for instance). Bring a pal with you and stick to the tame and looped trails. If you must go alone, enable a location app like Life360 on your phone for emergencies!
Leave Yourself Time Before Dusk
Most hiking experts suggest leaving 30 minutes per mile for a flat terrain hike. That’s assuming no pit stops (ex: swimming hole excursions), lunch breaks, or rests. But even though that three-mile hike should take 90 minutes, that doesn’t mean it will!
That creeping sunset is downright terrifying when you’re miles away from the lot with no flashlight or warm jacket in tow.
Always leave extra time before dusk.
Check when the local sunset is (it changes by 1-2 minutes per day) and give yourself a few hours of leeway to return safely. Or set a turnaround time. If you’re not halfway through the loop by a certain time, turn back instead of trying to haul it out.
That trail looks very different when it’s pitch black.
Dress for the Elements
Weather forecasts are only accurate until they’re not. And that breezy 70°F weather in the trail parking lot at dawn might reverse course in 120, 60, or even five minutes.
Always prepare for Mother Nature to let loose.
Dress in lightweight and moisture-wicking gear, and make sure you either sport (or pack) the following hiking must-haves:
- Waterproof and insulated hiking boots
- Extra pairs of socks
- Polyester or nylon clothing (warning: cotton absorbs sweat and rain)
- A hooded rain jacket
- Cold-weather gear (ex: ear warmers, a hat, and gloves)
Don’t forget to research the trail’s terrain before you plan your hiking trip. Mountainous, seaside, or higher elevations tend to be breezier and chillier than a downtown afternoon. And let us assure you — nothing ruins a relaxing hike like chills and goosebumps.
Stay On the Trail & In the Loop
Every skilled nomad knows that those unmarked trails are a hiker’s holy grail. There’s always a rushing waterfall, man-made swimming hole, trout-stocked water, or mildly dangerous overlook at the end. But getting lost or falling is never worth the risk!
Always stay on the marked trail.
Better yet, become a self-proclaimed trail master.
Learn what those painted tree markings say about the stretch ahead. Save a PDF-version (to save battery) park map on your phone to follow the path as you go along. Or check the website for park alerts the morning of the hike!
You can’t fully predict the unknown, like a flooded path or torrential downpour. But there’s no excuse for being willfully naive and putting yourself in harm’s way.
Stock Up on Food & Water
An eight-mile hiking route might get you home well before dinnertime, but even the tamest trails will drain your body of its nutrients. And dehydration and dizziness can turn a once peaceful voyage into an unexpected E.R. visit.
Always pack high-calorie snacks and water in your backpack.
Stock up on 200-calorie nutrient-rich snacks, like granola bars, energy gels, trail mix, and even fresh fruits. Of course, don’t forget the sealed (or locked) Tupperware to keep bugs out and your snacks fresh as time passes.
For water, you have two options:
- Bring along 32 ounces of water per 1-2 hours on the trails, which adds about two pounds of pure bulk to your backpack
- Invest in a hiking water filtration system (like the LifeStraw) so that you can sip on stream waters along your journey without weighing you down
Remember trail etiquette! Stash your empty water bottles and snack wrappers in your backpack after you finish them, and don’t leave them behind on the trails.
Take Note of the Landmarks You Pass
There’s nothing fun about burying your head in a park map as you trek 15 miles and completely miss the picturesque scenery. But taking mental note of the landmarks you pass can help you navigate the journey back without becoming stranded.
Look for things that’ll jog your memory on the return route.
Maybe it’s graffiti on a large boulder, crossing three streams, or mile markers on a straight run-through. Or, you can “save” coordinates on Google Maps if the trail includes a slew of forks and zig-zags.
Don’t forget to snap photos of these natural landmarks too.
Pack Extras
The hiker’s dilemma is not wanting to pack too heavy where your calves burn by mile three, but not wanting to pack too light where you don’t have the essentials.
Depending on where, when, and how long you’ll be on the trail, think about packing extras like:
- Sunscreen, a visor (or hat), and sunglasses
- Bug spray (cannot emphasize this one enough)
- A mini first aid kit
- A folded small-blade pocket knife
- A portable GPS device (save that phone battery!)
- A compass
- A power bank
- Bear spray
- A rechargeable flashlight
You might log 100 successful hikes before a head-worn flashlight becomes necessary. But it’s better to return home without using them at all than to wander the great wilderness wishing you had them on-hand.
Only Venture Safe Terrain
Chasing that Instagram-worthy shot will leave you face-to-face with the unpredictable Mother Nature.
Trust your instincts while on the trail, and err on the side of caution with:
- Slippery ice — especially iced-over water crossings — prone to melting
- Rushing waters and rapids
- Steep cliffs and rocky ledges
- Hot springs, deep waters, and marshes
- Near vertical ascents or descents
Before you take that death-defying risk, remember that not all trails are loops!
Will that thick icy sheet still be solid by noon? If the only way down the mountain was slipping and sliding, how do you expect to scale it or catch your footing?
Know What to Do In Worst-Case Scenarios
On top of loading your DIY hiker toolkit (or first aid kit), it helps to learn more about the park and the worst-case scenarios you might encounter on the way.
Do black bears, venomous snakes, bison, or disease-carrying ticks roam the area? If so, do you know what to do if you cross paths with one?
Is the area a poison ivy or poison oak haven? If so, how will you prevent (or treat) this itchy skin condition as you scavenge through several miles of brush?
Do you know what to do if you become lost or disoriented?
Conclusion
Now that you know how to navigate your first hike, it’s time to choose a scenic (or tame) destination worth exploring.
What better place to start than:
- AllTrails (over 100,000 trail maps & descriptions)
- Hiking Project (more than 238,974 trail miles logged so far)
- TrailLink (discover 40,000 miles worth of local trails)
- U.S. National Park Service (learn more about America’s 423 national parks)
Lace up your waterproof hiking boots, load your backpack with the necessities, and shift the car into “drive.” Adventure awaits!
Author bio
Ryan Sundling is a Group Marketing Manager at Cardinal Group Management. He has over ten years of experience in the student housing industry and works with Sakara on a daily basis to grow their online presence.