| Hiking and mountain biking western Nebraska trails... |
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Hiking means many things to many people. But, in our American society, it generally implies walking in rural
or wilderness areas, often in forests, along lakes or streams, or in hills, mountains, or canyons. Few people
consider walking around a paved walking track to be "hiking". The reasons people hike are varied, but often
include fitness, an appreciation for nature, spirituality, or just for recreation.
Risks - For those new to hiking, it's important to be aware of any risks for a hike being planned. Being aware
of these risks should play a part in what is selected for equipment to take on the hike. Some of the most
common hazards that hikers encounter, include injuries or illness, inclement weather, getting lost, sunburn
and deydration, or frostbite and hypothermia. There are risks from nature, as well. A wise hiker will take
steps to minimize his or her risks, whether they are the small things like poison ivy and mosquitos, or
potentially more serious things like tick diseases, snakebites, or attacks from wild animals. According to
forest service officials and seasoned hikers in this area, such encounters with snakes or aggresive animals
are quite rare. But, one should be alert, nevertheless.
Precautions -For hikers planning on hiking solo into remote areas, it is wise to take extra precautions -
especially if you are going off-trail. While a cell phone may be of some help, one should certainly not assume
it will be a sure solution to getting lost or injured. If injured, one is not always conscious to make a call. And,
even if they are, cell phones are notorious for not working in remote areas, due to interference from steep
hills or canyon walls. One precaution a solo hiker can take, is to make a written route plan, along with an
expected return time, then leave it with someone very dependable who will check for a safe return. A hiker
may also be able to advise the local sheriff's office of any solo trip plans, along with expected return time
and contact information. By doing this, the chances are greatly increased of actually rescuing a missing
hiker. Another option, relatively new, is to register with TrailNote, a hiking safety site that has a free
auto-notification system if a hiker or hikers do not return at the designated time - well worth your time to
check out!
Equipment - There is a large variety of equipment that hikers select from in planning outings that will last for
at least several hours, or longer. These things would include, but not be limited to: water, backpack,
compass, good trail map, sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm, light rain gear, a super lightweight space
blanket, extra clothing if it is cold out, a hat, sunglasses, first aid kit, and food. Other gear that are favorites
would include cameras, GPS equipment, a radio for weather updates, and cell phones. Some hikers that go
into areas where there are mountain lions, coyotes, or other unfriendly animals, will sometimes carry pepper
spray or air horns. Those planning an overnight hike will need to pack in all their overnight gear.
Foot Care - Blisters are a common problem for hikers. It's far better to avoid blisters, than to have to deal
with them after the fact. Good, sturdy, but comfortable footwear is a must. One must understand that a
sweaty foot is more prone to blisters. Hikers approach this in several ways. One method that works well for
many is to generously coat the toes, and balls of the feet if necessary, with vaseline. Others prefer specially
designed socks that wick moisture away from the feet. Some like foot powders to keep their feet dry. Some
hikers do several changes of socks on long hikes. A serious hiker will find what works best for him or her,
and stick with that.
Hiking Ethics - Most hikers are conscientious and considerate. There are some common standards of ethics
practiced by good hikers. These things would include: making sure to obtain permission to hike on private
property; respecting the solitude and peacefulness of the surroundings by not shouting, or playing music
loudly, or setting off fireworks (also a great fire hazard and usually illegal); being courteous to other hikers,
including giving uphill hikers the right-of-way on trails; not snapping tree branches back on hikers following;
not defacing rocks, trees, signs, etc.; stopping to assist another hiker in need; and being careful to protect
the environment.
Fire Dangers - Historically, fire has been the greatest risk hikers and mountain bikers have posed to the
environment. Often, there is no really good reason hikers need to make fires, since there is such a wide
variety of foods that preserve well and do not need to be cooked before consumption. But, for those who
must make a fire, it is important to double all efforts to make sure not even a spark or ember remains of the
fire. Smokers need to apply the same effort to make sure everything is totally extinguished.
Protecting the Environment - Hikers can minimize the impact of hiking to the ecology, by making sure they
pack out all trash; not polluting streams, lakes, or springs; staying on trails - especially when the ground is
very sensitive after precipitation; not disturbing the wildlife; and following any other special precautions
posted by landowners or government agencies.
Finding Your Pace - Those who make hiking a regular event in their lives, soon learn they have a certain
pace that they are most comfortable with. Hiking in groups can often be fun. But, if there are many varying
paces, the hike can become a logistical nightmare, and even dangerous, if it leads to stragglers getting lost
or left behind for some reason. Group hikes should be organized so that all hikers can be accounted for at
all times. If this is not possible, it is better to just hike only with those whose pace is compatible.
More About Hiking - If you would like to study more about hiking or hiking resources, please visit our
Resources Page for links to other hiking websites.
or wilderness areas, often in forests, along lakes or streams, or in hills, mountains, or canyons. Few people
consider walking around a paved walking track to be "hiking". The reasons people hike are varied, but often
include fitness, an appreciation for nature, spirituality, or just for recreation.
Risks - For those new to hiking, it's important to be aware of any risks for a hike being planned. Being aware
of these risks should play a part in what is selected for equipment to take on the hike. Some of the most
common hazards that hikers encounter, include injuries or illness, inclement weather, getting lost, sunburn
and deydration, or frostbite and hypothermia. There are risks from nature, as well. A wise hiker will take
steps to minimize his or her risks, whether they are the small things like poison ivy and mosquitos, or
potentially more serious things like tick diseases, snakebites, or attacks from wild animals. According to
forest service officials and seasoned hikers in this area, such encounters with snakes or aggresive animals
are quite rare. But, one should be alert, nevertheless.
Precautions -For hikers planning on hiking solo into remote areas, it is wise to take extra precautions -
especially if you are going off-trail. While a cell phone may be of some help, one should certainly not assume
it will be a sure solution to getting lost or injured. If injured, one is not always conscious to make a call. And,
even if they are, cell phones are notorious for not working in remote areas, due to interference from steep
hills or canyon walls. One precaution a solo hiker can take, is to make a written route plan, along with an
expected return time, then leave it with someone very dependable who will check for a safe return. A hiker
may also be able to advise the local sheriff's office of any solo trip plans, along with expected return time
and contact information. By doing this, the chances are greatly increased of actually rescuing a missing
hiker. Another option, relatively new, is to register with TrailNote, a hiking safety site that has a free
auto-notification system if a hiker or hikers do not return at the designated time - well worth your time to
check out!
Equipment - There is a large variety of equipment that hikers select from in planning outings that will last for
at least several hours, or longer. These things would include, but not be limited to: water, backpack,
compass, good trail map, sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm, light rain gear, a super lightweight space
blanket, extra clothing if it is cold out, a hat, sunglasses, first aid kit, and food. Other gear that are favorites
would include cameras, GPS equipment, a radio for weather updates, and cell phones. Some hikers that go
into areas where there are mountain lions, coyotes, or other unfriendly animals, will sometimes carry pepper
spray or air horns. Those planning an overnight hike will need to pack in all their overnight gear.
Foot Care - Blisters are a common problem for hikers. It's far better to avoid blisters, than to have to deal
with them after the fact. Good, sturdy, but comfortable footwear is a must. One must understand that a
sweaty foot is more prone to blisters. Hikers approach this in several ways. One method that works well for
many is to generously coat the toes, and balls of the feet if necessary, with vaseline. Others prefer specially
designed socks that wick moisture away from the feet. Some like foot powders to keep their feet dry. Some
hikers do several changes of socks on long hikes. A serious hiker will find what works best for him or her,
and stick with that.
Hiking Ethics - Most hikers are conscientious and considerate. There are some common standards of ethics
practiced by good hikers. These things would include: making sure to obtain permission to hike on private
property; respecting the solitude and peacefulness of the surroundings by not shouting, or playing music
loudly, or setting off fireworks (also a great fire hazard and usually illegal); being courteous to other hikers,
including giving uphill hikers the right-of-way on trails; not snapping tree branches back on hikers following;
not defacing rocks, trees, signs, etc.; stopping to assist another hiker in need; and being careful to protect
the environment.
Fire Dangers - Historically, fire has been the greatest risk hikers and mountain bikers have posed to the
environment. Often, there is no really good reason hikers need to make fires, since there is such a wide
variety of foods that preserve well and do not need to be cooked before consumption. But, for those who
must make a fire, it is important to double all efforts to make sure not even a spark or ember remains of the
fire. Smokers need to apply the same effort to make sure everything is totally extinguished.
Protecting the Environment - Hikers can minimize the impact of hiking to the ecology, by making sure they
pack out all trash; not polluting streams, lakes, or springs; staying on trails - especially when the ground is
very sensitive after precipitation; not disturbing the wildlife; and following any other special precautions
posted by landowners or government agencies.
Finding Your Pace - Those who make hiking a regular event in their lives, soon learn they have a certain
pace that they are most comfortable with. Hiking in groups can often be fun. But, if there are many varying
paces, the hike can become a logistical nightmare, and even dangerous, if it leads to stragglers getting lost
or left behind for some reason. Group hikes should be organized so that all hikers can be accounted for at
all times. If this is not possible, it is better to just hike only with those whose pace is compatible.
More About Hiking - If you would like to study more about hiking or hiking resources, please visit our
Resources Page for links to other hiking websites.
| Hiking Tips A collection of tips for hikers |