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Pick a Trail for Adventure

By: Horace Jurdon

The key to a great hiking trip isn't about the brand of boots you buy, the temperature of the air, or what you've packed in your picnic. To experience a really great outdoor trek, you need to know how to pick a trail. The safety of the trail you choose can be compromised by nature, and by fellow hikers.

Before you pick a great trail, you need to understand that hiking trails vary greatly depending on where you're planning to trek. There's a big difference between a serene vineyard stroll and a two day trek through rainforests and over rocky cliffs. Of course, these extreme differences are what draw backpackers to trails around the world. Even with all of the fun, adventure and excitement that hiking offers, many trails can lead to dangerous situations. In fact, the majority of outdoor survival situations that occur on a yearly basis are due to the hiker's lack of foresight and preparation for potential dangers.

Being an experienced hiker doesn't mean that you're immune to the hazards of hiking. Beginners and seasoned trekkers alike face struggles that can quickly develop into dangerous predicaments. Natural hazards are only a small part of the problem. When hiking unknown terrain, or traveling far from home, the dangers you confront can come from the people you encounter.

The following tips can help you to realize, avoid or overcome the safety risks that you can encounter as you pick a trail:

Don't Go it Alone

The dangers of hiking increase substantially when you travel alone. On the other hand, hiking with at least one partner can help you to avoid potentially disastrous situations, and can enable you to overcome them. Hiking by yourself is certainly an adrenaline rush and will bring an extreme element to your trek. Still, a friend means guaranteed help if you need it, and backup if you meet harassing individuals on the trail. Solace is no replacement for security if you run into unsavory individuals. Whether you run into the good, the bad or the ugly, it's always a good idea to have a friend in tow.

File Your Itinerary

Wise hikers know that it's essential to leave information with your friends and family, particularly if you plan to pick a new or unfamiliar trail. Tell your friends where you will be hiking, and include details on the particular trail whenever possible. Leave emergency contact information when you register with a park or camp office. Take the time to jot down the phone numbers for local law enforcement, land managers and park rangers.

Keep it Between Friends

It's important to make your itinerary known to close friends, but don't broadcast it to everyone. You shouldn't discuss your travel plans with suspicious strangers, the camp store clerk or the guy at the local bar. Don't travel with unknown hikers, even if you're hiking an uncharted course. If you meet another group and you're hiking alone, pretend that you're leading other hikers that have trailed behind. Make sure that your friends know where you will be, and register your itinerary. These are precautionary measures that can protect you if you run into trouble on the trail.

Don't Dress to Impress

You have no idea who you'll meet on the trail, so don't bring any unwelcome attention to yourself. In other words, leave your Rolex watch and bankroll at home. Assume that you're leaving yourself vulnerable to the attentions of anyone you may meet along the trail.

Be Social and Sensible

Of course, not every stranger equals danger. You just need to use common sense and exercise caution when you meet a stranger or group of strangers. Avoid anyone acting strangely, openly hostile, provocative or drunk. Pay attention to details about their appearance, behavior and your location. Still, even though you shouldn't broadcast your itinerary to strangers, you don't necessarily need to be anti-social. You can make some solid and lasting relationships with fellow hikers.

Any of life's roads can lead to danger. Whether hiking in a remote wilderness or considering a career move, choose the right path and pick a trail wisely.

The key to a great hiking trip isn't about the brand of boots you buy, the temperature of the air, or what you've packed in your picnic. To experience a really great outdoor trek, you need to know how to pick a trail. The safety of the trail you choose can be compromised by nature, and by fellow hikers.

Before you pick a great trail, you need to understand that hiking trails vary greatly depending on where you're planning to trek. There's a big difference between a serene vineyard stroll and a two day trek through rainforests and over rocky cliffs. Of course, these extreme differences are what draw backpackers to trails around the world. Even with all of the fun, adventure and excitement that hiking offers, many trails can lead to dangerous situations. In fact, the majority of outdoor survival situations that occur on a yearly basis are due to the hiker's lack of foresight and preparation for potential dangers.

Being an experienced hiker doesn't mean that you're immune to the hazards of hiking. Beginners and seasoned trekkers alike face struggles that can quickly develop into dangerous predicaments. Natural hazards are only a small part of the problem. When hiking unknown terrain, or traveling far from home, the dangers you confront can come from the people you encounter.

The following tips can help you to realize, avoid or overcome the safety risks that you can encounter as you pick a trail:

Don't Go it Alone

The dangers of hiking increase substantially when you travel alone. On the other hand, hiking with at least one partner can help you to avoid potentially disastrous situations, and can enable you to overcome them. Hiking by yourself is certainly an adrenaline rush and will bring an extreme element to your trek. Still, a friend means guaranteed help if you need it, and backup if you meet harassing individuals on the trail. Solace is no replacement for security if you run into unsavory individuals. Whether you run into the good, the bad or the ugly, it's always a good idea to have a friend in tow.

File Your Itinerary

Wise hikers know that it's essential to leave information with your friends and family, particularly if you plan to pick a new or unfamiliar trail. Tell your friends where you will be hiking, and include details on the particular trail whenever possible. Leave emergency contact information when you register with a park or camp office. Take the time to jot down the phone numbers for local law enforcement, land managers and park rangers.

Keep it Between Friends

It's important to make your itinerary known to close friends, but don't broadcast it to everyone. You shouldn't discuss your travel plans with suspicious strangers, the camp store clerk or the guy at the local bar. Don't travel with unknown hikers, even if you're hiking an uncharted course. If you meet another group and you're hiking alone, pretend that you're leading other hikers that have trailed behind. Make sure that your friends know where you will be, and register your itinerary. These are precautionary measures that can protect you if you run into trouble on the trail.

Don't Dress to Impress

You have no idea who you'll meet on the trail, so don't bring any unwelcome attention to yourself. In other words, leave your Rolex watch and bankroll at home. Assume that you're leaving yourself vulnerable to the attentions of anyone you may meet along the trail.

Be Social and Sensible

Of course, not every stranger equals danger. You just need to use common sense and exercise caution when you meet a stranger or group of strangers. Avoid anyone acting strangely, openly hostile, provocative or drunk. Pay attention to details about their appearance, behavior and your location. Still, even though you shouldn't broadcast your itinerary to strangers, you don't necessarily need to be anti-social. You can make some solid and lasting relationships with fellow hikers.

Any of life's roads can lead to danger. Whether hiking in a remote wilderness or considering a career move, choose the right path and pick a trail wisely.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlesexpress.com

Author Horace Jurdon loves writing for a variety of popular Internet magazines, on leisure guide and recreational leisure themes.

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