Most maps and guidebooks give an estimate of how long it will take to complete a trail segment, and they may seem ridiculously long. They aren't - so plan for that much time.
Even if you are speedy, you may want to take the extra time to appreciate the natural environment - soak in the scenery, take photos, appreciate the birds and deer and squirrels. Time in the woods and mountains and deserts should be spent observing and enjoying rather than hurrying to a destination or through a workout.
Hills
Hiking up and down hills and mountains requires care, especially on slopes covered with loose gravel or loose dirt. Keep your knees bent and use side-stepping maneuvers on the steepest parts. A hiking stick or even a pair of hiking poles can give you an extra stability. Take your time, breathe, turn around and enjoy the views while catching your breath. Remember that you may have gained altitude where the air is thinner and has less oxygen.
Stream Crossings
You may have to cross where there are no bridges or the bridges have not been replaced after seasonal floods. These are not my favorite things to do. Rocks and debris in the river may seem like stepping stones but in fact be slippery hazards. It can be wiser to move down to where the stream has fanned out and is shallow and just accept wet feet rather than crossing at the narrow point where it is rushing and can sweep you off your feet.
Water
Mom was wrong - water running over rocks is NOT SAFE in most areas. In our mountains it is usually contaminated with the Giardia parasite. Carry a water filter or water purification tablets if you plan to drink out of streams or springs.
Waste
Leave no trace - take only memories and leave only footprints. And when nature calls, remove yourself from the trail and away from any running water. Dig a trench at least 6 inches deep. Do your duty and bury it. As for all other trash and apple cores, etc. - take them out with you. You may think an orange rind here or there is just compost, but most trails are used enough that if each hiker left one they would smell like garbage dumps.
Kids
A day out as a family is wonderful and makes memories. But please - use this as a chance to teach respect for nature rather than letting your kids or pets run wild. I have been enraged at seeing a young girl with fists full of wildflowers she picked along the trail, and Mom seemingly not caring. Meanwhile Junior was throwing rocks down on the trail from above while Dad just smiled. Teach your kids respect for the environment - do not pick the flowers. Do not throw the rocks. Do not leave the trail. Do not slide down slopes and speed up erosion.
Dogs
Dog owners may see this as a great time for Fido to run wild. I'm sure the squirrels get enough exercise without his help, and having a beast charge around the corner of a narrow exposed trail is not what I need in my nature experience. Keep your dog under control and EXPECT that there are other hikers and dogs and llamas and horses on the trail who Fido might encounter. I've had friends whose dogs were killed when they were hiking off-leash and got into a fight with other dogs on the trail. You don't need that sorrow.
Now where should you hike? Kathleen Ann Cordes has a guide to National Scenic Trails - plan a day hike or take a year off to do a through-hike.
Next> Trail Shoes for Hiking
More of This Feature
• Hiking vs. Walking and National Trails Day
• Hiking Essentials
• How to Hike vs. Walk
• Book Review: America's National Scenic Trails
• Wildflowers Clip Art Photos
