Walking on the Trail: How to Stay Safe While Hiking

Recently, there has been an increased push towards physical activity by individuals of all ages living in the United States. While there is a number of ways in which citizens can increase their physical activity, hiking has become one of the most popular. Hiking is not only a great form of exercise, but allows participants to enjoy the great outdoors. Individuals who are interested in learning more about hiking should first recognize common mistakes made during the activity; learn about hike preparation, and how to maintain safety during and after a hike. Park rangers or recreational professionals can be great resources when it comes to learning more about hiking safety.

Common Mistakes Made on the Trails

Though there is no question that hiking is an enjoyable, popular activity, it is not fool-proof. Individuals who have never participated in a hike before are especially likely to fall victim to some of the most common mistakes associated with the activity. Some of these mistakes include failing to identify a pre-determined hiking trail before starting out, running out of food or water, and getting lost. In most cases, these mistakes can be prevented with adequate, pre-hike preparation.

The Wrong Way: Top 52 Hiker Mistakes—Discusses some of the most common mistakes made by both beginning and experienced hikers.
Backcountry Mistake—Description of some common hiking mistakes made while in the backcountry.
7 Common Hiking Mistakes to Avoid—Explanation of some of the most common hiking mistakes, describes how these mistakes can be avoided.
Hiking the Right Way: Avoid These 25 Hiking Mistakes—Common hiking mistakes and how they can be avoided.
Coming Back Alive—Information related to common mistakes experienced by new hikers.
Hiking and Backpacking Safety—Tips and recommendations to ensure safety while hiking.
Night Hiking Safety – If you are thinking about going hiking at night, read this helpful safety manual.
Cycling Web Pages – Links to various articles on cycling.

Before Going on the Hike

As mentioned above, adequate preparation is essential for individuals who wish to achieve success while going on a hike. Before starting out, hikers should make sure that they are dressed properly for the event, have adequate amounts of food and water, and have access to a cell phone in case of emergency. In addition, hikers are generally encouraged to tell another person that they are planning to embark on the activity before starting the hike. This is especially important for solitary hikers, who may require emergency rescue.

Get Ready to Hike—Tips and recommendations for individuals who are planning on going on a hike.
Hiking Preparation—Describes the processes needed to get ready when preparing for a hike.
Discovery Hike Preparation Guide—Outlines recommendations for hike preparation.
Safe Hiking in New Hampshire—Discusses how to ensure safety while hiking in New Hampshire by following basic preparatory recommendations.
Day Hikers Checklist—List of materials and equipment that will be needed during hikes, aids in preparation of activity.
Hiking—Describes different knot-tying techniques that can be used to prepare for a hike.

During the Hike

While pre-hike preparation is essential to ensuring optimal results when it comes to hiking, the regular evaluation of physical and emotional status during the activity is also quite essential. Stopping to drink water—even if no signs of thirst are present—can be an effective way to prevent potentially life-threatening dehydration. Similarly, frequently stopping to check map location and destination points can be essential to avoid getting lost in unfamiliar hiking areas. Finally, endurance hikers should be sure to eat small snacks and meals over the course of the day to prevent hypoglycemia—or low blood sugar—which can lead to coma or death.

Safety While Hiking—Recommendations and suggestions designed to maintain safety during hikes.
Food Safety While Hiking, Camping, and Boating—Tips and facts related to the maintenance of food safety while hiking.
Park Officials Remind You About Safety While Hiking—Article outlines basic safety tips designed to prevent illness or injury while hiking.
Safety While Hiking: Clothing—Suggestions regarding the proper clothing to ensure safety while hiking in the outdoors.
Department of Environmental Conservation: Hiking Safety—Recommendations to maintain safety while hiking.
Hiking Tips for You and Your Dog—Safety tips for both humans and animals while hiking in the great outdoors.

Hiking Safety for Families

Hiking is often considered to be a solitary activity. While this may be true for some individuals, others prefer to bring all members of their family along for the hike. When hiking with the family, make sure that the chosen path is fit for all members of the family. Young children or elderly adults may not be able to complete some of the hiking trails that younger family members may prefer.

Take a Hike!—Hiking tips and recommendations to ensure fun and safety for the entire family.
Hiking Safety Tips—Suggestions designed to reduce the risk of injuries while hiking with individuals of all ages.
Families Go Hiking—Recommendations when hiking with the family.
Georgia State Parks and Historical Sites: Hiking Safety Tips—Discusses ways in which children and elderly members of the family can be kept safe while hiking.
Hiking with Children—Recommendations designed to decrease the risk of illness and injury, while maximizing enjoyment during family hikes.

After the Hike

The completion of a challenging hike is often a highly rewarding period of time. While many hikers will feel exhilarated, it is important to differentiate between signs of elation and those of fatigue. After a hike, consuming a high-quality meal is essential to nourish the body and restore depleted nutrient levels is important. In most cases, this meal should be balanced and contain protein, carbohydrate, and fat.