Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails. Let's Go Hiking!
Here are 4 steps to having an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.
1. Know the area you will be hiking in to. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.
2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.
3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:
- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.
- Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.
- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.
- Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.
4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that's appropriate for the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics:
- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.
- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.
- Suntan lotion.
- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).
- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.
- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.
- A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies.
It's a good idea to pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.
Using these tips, your next hiking adventure should be quite comfortable, safe, and enjoyable!
Additional information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.dohiking.com/art icles/56/4-steps-to-an-enjoyable-hike/
© 2005 This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com
This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More
Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More
Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More
Back from our family's vacation to Costa Rica, I am... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians... Read More
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More
Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled.... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
How many of you take the time to just relax... Read More
My favorite outdoor related quote comes from John Muir, the... Read More
Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More
Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat... Read More
How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More
Today Bookpleasures and Sketchandtravel are pleased to have as our... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More
Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating... Read More
Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More
The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More
|