The Hudson Valley and upstate New York offer some of the best hiking trails in the country, but a beautiful day of hiking can turn into a tragedy if proper precautions are not taken when hiking. Safety is important whenever you a participating in outdoor activities. Follow these tips to stay safe on the trails this season:
- Before You Go
- Plan ahead. Learn about the trails you plan on hiking along.
- Prepare yourself physically.
- Let someone know where exactly you plan on going and what your schedule is.
- Go with a group or at least one other person.
- Learn how to identify common poisonous plants so you know what to avoid.
- Know the rules and regulations of the area in which you are visiting.
- If hiking in the Adirondacks, consult DEC’s Adirondack Trail Information webpages.
- What to Wear
- Wear light-colored, non-cotton long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Wear appropriate hiking shoes or boots.
- Wear a watch so you will be aware when sundown approaches.
- Avoid wearing scents that can attract insects.
- What to Pack
- Bring a map of the trail, a compass and a topographic map of the area.
- Pack warm clothing, high energy food, a pocket knife, a whistle and some sunscreen.
- Bring matches or something that can start a fire.
- Rain gear.
- Water.
- Flashlights and extra batteries.
- On The Trail
- Stay with your group.
- Drink water regularly. Rest and snack occasionally.
- Don’t drink water from ponds or creeks.
- Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters.
- Sign in at any Department of Environmental Conservation trail register you may pass.
- Don’t build fires when the risk of forest fires is high.
- If You Get Lost or Injured
- Keep calm, stay dry and keep warm. Stay put.
- If you think you will need to spend the night, build a campfire for heat, light and comfort. The smoke can also help a search party find you.
- Build shelter out of branches and leaves if the weather is bad and you need to stay the night in the woods.
- If you feel you can try and find your way back, remember that following streams downhill will nearly always lead you back to signs of habitation.
- Any person knowing you are overdue should contact the New York State Forest Rangers in the area of your trip.
- If the person you are with is injured, remain with the injured person and know basic first aid techniques.
Contact us 24/7 for a free case appraisal. To learn more hiking safety tips, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.