Spring is finally here and the weather is warming up. It’s the perfect time to get outside and explore nature! Buds on the trees, a breeze of fresh air across your face, and the Earth pressed against your feet. Not only does hiking provide physical benefits, but emotional and mental relief as well. There are so many hiking trails here in Pennsylvania within just minutes from our homes. These trails provide an outlet for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced hiking enthusiast. If you’re a beginner, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips to know before you go!
Get Your Gear
Hiking doesn’t have to be expensive. There are only a few items necessary to ensure safe hiking. Shoes are the most important. Not only is a fit and comfort important, but you want to make sure they have the appropriate tread for the types of trails you will be hiking. There are three main trail shoe categories: light, rugged, and off trail. Light trail shoes are designed for well-groomed trails. Rugged trail shoes have more protection and support than light trail shoes and are appropriate for a wider variety of trail terrains. Off trail shoes have a more rigid exterior and offer more protection for more technical (rocky) terrains. For more expert advice on trail shoes be sure to visit Brush Mountain Running and Outdoors, Inc in Altoona and Rapid Transit Sportswear in State College.
Start Small
Choose the right trail for your fitness level. Easy, moderate, and difficult are the three general classifications for hiking trails. This classification takes into consideration distance, elevation and terrain.
Easy: Well-maintained trail; little to no elevation gain
Moderate: Steady ascent with some roots and other obstacles
Difficult: Longer, steeper ascents that likely include roots, rocks and debris (Valenti, 2014)
You may be wondering how to know a trail’s difficulty before getting to the trail, which brings us to the next tip - Plan It Out!
Plan It Out
Familiarize yourself with the trail. There are many ways to plan out your hike before you go. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) website is a great resource to find various trails across the state. You can view and print maps and read descriptions of the trails before you go. Maps can also be found at each state park’s office. The internet and apps are also great places to plan out your hike. My personal favorite is the AllTrails website and app. AllTrails allows you to search for trails nearby and choose filters to narrow down the type of trail you’re looking for.
Don’t forget to check the weather before you go. This will help you to dress appropriately. Not only do you want to consider if the weather will be decent on the day you’re hiking, but you also want to keep in mind what the weather has been a few days prior. If it had been raining substantially in the days prior to your hike, you can expect more mud on the trail than you may be used to.
Depending on how long you think you will be hiking for, you will want to pack appropriately. Only pack the essentials and keep it light. Make sure you have your navigation tools either electronic or a paper map. If you’re using an app, make sure your phone is fully charged. Another essential is a water bottle or something equivalent to keep hydrated on your hike. Snacks are optional depending on how long you plan to be hiking - take any garbage with you, do not leave any garbage in nature. Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to pack a small first-aid kit.
Safety first
As with any undertaking in the wilderness, safety is extremely important. Here’s a few tips to help keep you safe while you’re hiking:
- Find a hiking buddy - hiking can be a great way to spend time with your friends and/or family.
- Even if you’re hiking with a buddy, tell someone who is not hiking with you, where you will be and when you anticipate being done with your hike.
- Know when hunting season is if you are using multi-use areas. You can either avoid these trails during hunting season, or make sure to wear bright orange when hiking trails that route through multi-use areas.
- Stretch before and after your hike.
- Stay hydrated! Make sure you have a water bottle with you on your hike.
- Pace yourself - there’s no medal for finishing under a certain time. Pace yourself and take breaks when you need to.
- Watch your step - watch out for rocks and tree roots that you can easily trip over. Be careful of piles of leaves and areas of mud as you can’t be sure how deep these areas are and they can be extremely slick.
Trail etiquette
Know the hierarchy on the trail
Horses have priority, followed by hikers, and then bikers.
Yield to uphill traffic
Hikers traveling uphill have the right of way.
Keep to the right, pass to the left
When passing someone, make them aware by stating out loud, “On your left.”
Be friendly
A simple “hello” when passing a fellow hiker is an easy way to be friendly
You can usually bring your pup along but...
When planning your hike, ensure dogs are allowed to be on the trail before taking yours. Your dog must be leased at all times and always clean up after your dog.
Be courteous when using technology on the trail
Always be aware of your surroundings - even if you are listening to music or taking pictures/videos. Avoid playing music through the speaker. Earphones are okay, but make sure you can hear your surroundings too. If you must take a phone call, lower your voice and keep it short.
Leave no trace
Leave the trail how you found it. Do not leave any trash or food waste behind and stay on the trail to avoid damaging the surrounding environment.
References:
Hazzard, C. (2019, September 27). Hiking For Beginners: 11 Essential Tips (2020). Retrieved March 27, 2020, from https://hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/hiking-for-beginners-11-essential-tips
Valenti, M. (2014, February 20). How to Choose the Right Hike. Retrieved March 26, 2020, from https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/how-to-choose-the-right-hike
Wiggins, E. (2018, July 24). Hiking for Beginners: 10 Essential Tips. Retrieved March 26, 2020, from https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-beginner-hike
