Hiking Safety: Part 2

By Christine Whitmore

        Harvard Recreation Personal Trainer & Hiking Enthusiast  

        People all over the country (& world) of all hiking levels and experience are flocking to trails seeking respite from being stuck at home. Like any other sport, there are rules and basic etiquette to follow, as well as some fun tips that make the experience better for you and those around you. In the previous article I discussed the essentials to make your hiking experience safe- The Ten Hiking Essentials are universal guidelines for equipment to carry with you on any hike. In Part Two I am covering basic trail etiquette and other helpful tips. 

1. PLAN YOUR TRIP/READ TRIP & WEATHER REPORTS: 

Besides looking at maps for mileage and elevation, a great resource is other people. There are several ways to find out what the conditions are like on the trails. You can check various hiking groups on social media (Facebook has all kinds of groups) as very often there are discussions about what is going on on particular trails; be it bear sightings, tree “blowdowns”, mud, height of water crossings, trail maintenance, even hornets nests. Another great site is newenglandtrailconditions.com. Here you can find daily reports on trails throughout New England. An app called “All Trails” app (alltrails.com) is helpful and may have some recent reports, though the mileage is not always accurate, so double check a paper map to be sure of your intended distance. New England weather can certainly be unpredictable. Mostly notably so in the White Mountains in Northern New Hampshire. It is absolutely essential to respect the weather there especially in the higher elevations. Depending on where you are hiking the accuracy of forecasts may vary. You can find updated forecasts for both base and summit at mountain-forecast.com. Toggle through the choices to find reports from specific areas around New England. 

2. START YOUR DAY EARLY: 

There are a lot of reasons for this, most notably as we get further in the season- the shorter days. While some folks like hiking in the dark, this may not be your goal. Leave plenty of time to do your full trip with daylight to spare. Oftentimes, parking at most trailheads is full by 7am. This is likely not only because hiking has become more popular, but because of fewer people carpooling. Many places require a nominal parking fee to be placed in an envelope. Be sure to bring a small amount of cash and check signage before leaving your car.

3. RIGHT OF WAY: 

Yes, there is a right of way on trails. The person heading UPHILL always has the right of way, or quite simply the right of first refusal. This is because the hiker heading uphill has a smaller field of vision and also may have a harder time stopping a hiking rhythm or cadence. I say “right of first refusal” because the person(s) going uphill may say that they need a break and step aside to let the descending person(s) pass, I find that is often the case. However, it is their call to make. Now that we are in the time of social distancing it has become ever more important to communicate with fellow hikers. Look ahead at where you can make room safely. Some traditional rules may come down to who has the most room to safely step aside and give space. Especially in areas of fragile alpine vegetation it is important to stay on the designated trail as much as possible. Being patient and wearing your mask as people pass allows for safety for both you and the plant life. 

4. MUSIC and general loud talking: 

Don’t play it, don’t shout it. It is pretty simple. You and your friends may like having music on speaker while you hike, but there is a 100% chance that the folks around you don’t want to hear it. Most people hit the trails for peace and quiet and certainly don’t need to hear your playlist or your conversations. Be respectful of others around you. 

5. CRITTERS: DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS: 

Of course you wouldn’t, it isn’t a petting zoo. But that apple core, or banana peel, or dropped almond may seem like nothing. After all they are biodegradable. But those very things will attract the critters, including bears to areas where hikers frequent. If the food is easily accessed they will continue to return and be less afraid of humans. You certainly don’t want to be approached by an unafraid black bear (as has been reported more recently) because she knows she can get snacks nearby. And this is where tip number four goes out the window. If you are in an area where there have been bear sightings, by all means be loud. Talk loudly, be big, bang your hiking poles, wear a bear bell and jing-a-ling your way up the trail! IF in the event you do see a black bear approaching you. BE BIG!!! FACE HIM/HER directly, do not run away and spread your arms wide and make a lot of noise. You do not want bears to be used to humans because as I mentioned before how you act on the trail can affect those that follow you. You don’t want that bear or other critter bothering the next group.

Additionally, your favorite critter is something to consider. Most trails require dogs to be leashed at all times. However more often than not dogs are hiking on their own near their humans. If yours is a well behaved “off leash” dog, please, at the very least, keep them within eyesight and verbal control at all times. Too often off-leash dogs can startle not only other hikers, but other dogs as well.

6. LEAVE NO TRACE: 

This really should be number one. Leave No Trace means exactly that. The trails should not show that you were there, except by your foot prints. PACK OUT ALL OF YOUR TRASH! Even those bits of micro trash and tissue paper make a huge difference on the environment. As much as possible stay on maintained trails. If a tree has blown down, climb over or under it. Do not go around. You’ll see this on trail and think it is ok because so many others have done this. When enough people do it another bit of trail has been made and that vegetation has been damaged. Same goes for mud. Very often you can rock hop over muddy spots or use what are called the bog bridges put in place by organizations who build the trails. You can use hiking poles or a long stick to poke around to find where there is a rock or a stump to step on to avoid being in mud up to your knees. Don’t disturb the cairns. These are rock piles that are used as trail markers. They are not for decoration. More often you will see these as a trail guide above tree line or to mark a summit. Do not add or take rocks from these piles. 

7. BUT WHERE IS THE BATHROOM?: 

We all need to do it at some point and sometimes we are outside when it happens. In this case think 200 feet. That is about 40 steps off trail, away from camp, and away from water, as long as it is safe to do so. If you are becoming aware of the need for a bathroom break, begin keeping an eye out for a good spot to venture off trail before it becomes an emergency. You certainly don’t want to be caught with your pants down right as a group of boy scouts is passing by. And if you need to do the dreaded “ number two”? Dig a hole. Yes. A hole to make your deposit. It must be 6-8 inches deep and covered well when you are finished. If you can think ahead you’ll have time to find your perfect spot for the privacy and time you need. Bring any tissues out with you. LEAVE NO TRACE. 

8. SUMMIT IS ONLY HALF WAY: 

GREAT! You made it to the summit. You feel great. But now you have to go down. Always leave some energy in the tank for the return trip. Even pacing can help ensure you haven’t wasted all of your energy in the first half of your adventure.

9. BE FRIENDLY: Say hello to fellow hikers. There are so many reasons for this. It is a just plain nice thing to do. It also gives an opportunity to give a short trail report. “There is a bit of ice ahead” or “the bog bridge is rotted” or “summit is just around the corner”. Also, and especially if you are hiking alone or they are, it is an extra layer of safety. Someone knows you are there. If in the unfortunate event something happens and you are injured, the more people that have seen you, the easier it is for rescuers to find you. 

10. GEAR: This could be its own article. Truly the best thing to do is talk to an outdoor outfitter and discuss what your goals/plans are, and they can help you with equipment. Having well fitting gear be it a pack, shoes/boots, and clothes can make the experience either great or miserable. Each time you venture out you may learn of something you need or something you want to leave at home. Perhaps you prefer hiking shoes over boots. Maybe a lighter pack. You may choose a water bladder with a tube as opposed to only bottles. There are too many schools of thought when it comes to equipment when often it will come down to personal preference and general comfort. 

11. HAVE FUN AND KEEP LEARNING: As with any sport or activity there is a learning curve. You’ll make mistakes and change it for the next time you are out there. Don’t be afraid to turn around. If you are tired, hungry, or the weather is starting to turn for the worst, turn around. There is nothing wrong with abandoning a hike because you just feel off. Listen to your gut instinct whatever it is telling you, learn from it, and head out again. It is way more fun to be out there when you feel comfortable and prepared. Enjoy the views if you have one, or take in the scenery and smells in the woods. Soak your feet in that water crossing and just enjoy being outside.