The summit on Hawksbill Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. On a clear day, miles of lush forests and valleys can be seen in every direction. It’s the kind of look that demands an Instagram spot, isn’t terribly difficult to achieve, and gets millions to hit the trails.
While the vast majority of excursions end without incident, the strenuous physical activity coupled with extreme weather and lack of preparedness has resulted in a recent spate of injuries and deaths. This month, at least two hikers in the United States have been found dead, one near a lake outside Kansas City, Mo., and another in White Sands National Park in New Mexico. In June, a hypothermic hiker died after being rescued in freezing temperatures and high winds near Mount Clay in New Hampshire.
“Sometimes going out without skills leads to bad circumstances,” said Jennifer Pharr Davis, who has hiked more than 14,000 miles on long-distance trails and owns the Blue Ridge Hiking Company. Kate Van Waes, executive director of the American Hiking Association, added that hikers must learn to find their adventure within their expertise, which can always grow with experience.
Before you head out, here are some safety tips and reminders, no matter your skill level.
What should I do before the walk?
Have a realistic plan. Hikers should be knowledgeable about the route they plan to follow, including the condition of the trail—whether it’s steep, rocky, or smooth. Hikers should also consider the weather forecast and how they feel on the day of the hike. “You can be an expert climber but your stomach is upset that day or you have a headache,” said Ms. Van Waes. “Or your knee is acting up. Don’t push it.”
She also said that failing to notify family or friends of your plan was one of the biggest mistakes made by climbers, whether they were beginners or experienced. “Make sure someone who isn’t on the ride knows when you’re leaving, where you’re going and when you expect to be back,” she said.
What should I pack?
The American Hiking Society has developed a list of 10 essentials every hiker should pack before heading out, including a paper map and compass as backups for phones and GPS units. Rain gear, a knife and sun protection are also important. Visitors to national parks can download maps to use offline.
Ms Davis said a first aid kit and prescription medication, if needed on the trail, should be packed, along with enough food and water.
Can I walk alone?
Yes. Ms. Davis says that walking alone allows her instincts to come alive and that she feels more confident because she is quicker to listen to her intuition and fears. “One thing I caution solo hikers and solo women, the closer you are to cities or roads, the more aware you have to be of your surroundings and other people,” she said. “When I go alone, I don’t reveal much information to people I don’t know.”
But share your information with park officials if you can. “Check with the ranger station and let them know, I’m a single woman hiking, or I’m a black person hiking alone and I’m worried about it, or I’m trans,” Ms. Van Waes said. “Unfortunately, there are a number of vulnerable identities on the trail.”
What if I encounter violence?
Make space as soon as possible. “The best thing you can do is put yourself in a safer situation and get help,” Ms. Davis. “You want to get yourself and your group, if you’re with a group, to a safe place and then get help and report the incident as soon as possible.”
What if I lose?
Don’t be scared. Remember that the mistake is not missing, but how you react to being off course, Ms. Davis said, adding, “Don’t immediately rush in the direction of what you think is the ‘right’ path.” Instead, take the time to regain your composure and make the best possible plan.
When she finds herself in an unwanted place, Ms. Davis said she follows a short routine. “I always like to take a deep breath, sit down, eat a snack, drink water, and then pull out all my navigation tools: guidebook, map, compass, GPS, etc.,” she said. “I ask myself where and when I last remember being on the right path, and then I use my available resources to make a plan to get back to that place.”
The severe weather has interrupted my walk. Now what?
Be willing to adjust your plans. If there is lightning, avoid standing under a tree. “You want to try to get into a low place, like a hole somewhere and wait it out,” Ms. Van Waes said, or take shelter under a rock. Heavy rain can wash out trails and cause creeks to flood, she said. Walking poles can be useful in those situations.
When extreme heat is predicted, listen to your body. If you’re hiking with a group, Ms. Davis suggests sending someone who feels well and has enough water to take more. Sit in a nearby stream if you start to feel overheated, she said. “If not, at least sit in the shade until someone goes to get help. If you’re hiking alone, bring lots and lots of water.” She recommends carrying a liter of water for two hours of walking and, in extreme heat, increasing it to a liter and a half. “We also encourage people to pack some extra salty snacks so that sodium and hydration levels can be replenished and stay balanced,” said Ms. Davis.
How should I get rid of animals?
Avoid being on the trail at dawn or dusk. “It doesn’t mean you can’t meet animals at another time, but they are more active at those times and you can’t see them as well,” said Ms. Van Waes.
Having a bell in your backpack and talking in a group or singing loudly if you are alone are also helpful. “You’re usually fine as long as you haven’t frightened them, scared them or gotten between the mother and her babies,” she said. “If they know you’re coming, they might get out of your way.”
