There are few things better than taking a few hours to get outside and enjoy a nice hike. Whether you’re hiking up towards a peak with a view or heading towards a hidden waterfall in the woods, you’ll love breathing in the fresh air and stretching your legs. As great as hiking is though, it does come with some risks. Here are 7 hiking safety tips everyone should know:
1. Don’t Hike Alone
While we understand the draw that solitude and peace and quiet can have, we recommend not hiking alone if you can help it. Hiking without a partner or group can be bad news if you get hurt or lost for any reason while you’re out. It helps to have someone with you at all times in case of an emergency. If you can’t have someone hiking with you, we suggest at least giving your location to a family member or friend.
2. Check the Weather
It is essential that you check the weather for the day before a hike. If it begins to rain, snow or the heat rises, you’ll want to know beforehand so you can dress and pack accordingly. You don’t want to be caught in a snow or rain storm unprepared. Common weather dangers include thunder and lightning, as well as changes in the terrain. If you find yourself in the middle of a storm with thunder and lightning, you should get to shelter as soon as possible.
3. Wear Proper Gear
In addition to wearing clothes that work for the weather, you need to be wearing proper footwear at all times. One of our biggest hiking safety tips is investing in quality closed toe shoes with good cushioning and grip. This way, you’ll avoid issues like sore feet or rolling your ankles. You also want to wear hiking socks made from wool or synthetics that wick away moisture. Socks made from cotton hold in moisture, causing blisters and sweatier feet.
4. Pack a First Aid Kit
Whether you’re going on a day hike or plan to be out and camp overnight, you need to have an emergency first aid kit on you at all times. From a minor bug bite to a more intense cut or scrape, you always want to be prepared in case you or your hiking partners are hurt. If you have any allergies to certain plants, bugs or anything else you may encounter on your hike, make sure you’ve packed an EpiPen or medicine to help alleviate potential reactions.
5. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important hiking safety tips is remembering to pack and drink lots of water if you’re going on a hike. It doesn’t matter what season you hike in or what time of day, you need to have plenty of water on hand at all times. You also need to make sure you’re drinking all throughout your hike, not just when you’re physically thirsty. Side effects of dehydration can kick in quickly, so you want to make sure you’re continuously drinking throughout the day.
6. Wear SPF
The idea that sunscreen is only important on hot summer days couldn’t be further from the truth. You should wear at least an SPF 30 every day, but especially if you are planning on being outside. The sun’s rays still impact you at peak hours of the day, regardless of if it’s 20 degrees or 80. By always remembering to wear sunscreen, you’ll avoid heat illness and sunburns.
7. Account for Time
Before you venture onto your hike, make sure you have planned for enough time to be back to your campsite or off the trail by nightfall. You do not want to be stuck on a trail in the dark. If you’re planning a full-day hike, you need to begin earlier in the morning so you can be done by later afternoon or evening.
Now that you know a few more hiking safety tips, you can begin planning which trails you want to try on your next trip to the Smokies. Looking for new places to explore in the national park? Browse a few of the fan-favorite locations that you have to see on your next adventure!
