Introduction
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people are finding a way of escaping to the outdoors and discovering that in this pandemic the great outdoors is more than just fresh air and new environments. Besides, the great outdoors cleanses the body, mentally and physically!
Driving up the mountains in a 4-wheel drive is a great experience, but nothing compares when you are up there hiking and feeling the ground. Nature is all beauty! But what about day hiking with families, friends, and your beloved dogs? In this article, we will talk about day hiking like a pro. Why? It is because an alarming throng of inexperienced trekkers has been noticed descending on America’s parks and trails. But what is more shocking is that this happened not only in the USA but globally! Because of the pandemic, more so! These results in an increase in litter, overused trails and paths, and a sharp increase in search-and-rescue calls.
It is
projected that even after COVID-19 is vanquished, many newbie hikers would
likely continue to enjoy wandering what is the great outdoors! It is
therefore important to learn the proper hiking etiquette. And just like any
activity, hiking involves specific accepted practices.
Here are the
most important.
1. Hike at A Consistent Pace -
Sounds
easy right? But most hikers failed in this very first step. Hikers should not
waste a lot of energy by starting too fast. waste a lot of energy by starting
too fast. Start slow, say an easy 1 - 2 mph (1.61 - 3.22 kph), and then settle
down into a sustainable 2 – 3 mph (3.22 - 4.83 kph). Remember to take short
breaks of 10 minutes max. Intake of calories is also very advisable. Also aim
to finish the day at the same pace you have been maintaining. Additionally,
when bringing a pet, be sure to keep it on a leash and under control. Also do
not forget to pack out pet waste.
2. Do Not Ever Underestimate the Trail -
Underestimating
the trail could be fatal! Yes, it could be an amazing experience to stroll down a hiking trail of the great outdoors. A hiking trail with stunning
vistas, waterfalls, wildlife, and more around you,
nature has also downsides and it could be dangerous. This could be heat
exhaustion, overexertion, or leg injuries primarily from improper footwear.
Mostly this happens to inexperienced hikers who had underestimated the trail
and overestimated their abilities. To prevent this to happen be sure to look at
trail maps, including the topography before heading out.
At the
starting point, always asks any questions about the local weather, gear, or
trail difficulty. Be guided always with the “11 Practical Hiking Tips for
The Newbies” and the “10 essentials” packing list
created some time ago. In the list are some essentials such as extra food,
water, and clothing; a navigation device; fire source; knife; first-aid kit;
headlamp; sun protection. And shelter or shield from the elements, such as a
light emergency bivvy (outdoor sleeping bag). These essential items will prove
vital if you encounter an accident or become lost and need to spend the night
in the woods, which at any time can happen.
3. Be Respectful to Fellow Hikers –
Being
courteous to fellow hikers has been an accepted hiking practice for decades. If
you want to pass a fellow hiker in front of you, give them a friendly greeting
and let them know you want to overtake. A must! Besides, being a courteous
hiker also helps the resident wildlife, which may want quiet and serene spaces
to hear nature’s sounds for their interaction and survival. Moreover, do not
talk too loud since each hiker heads into the great outdoors to enjoy all the
sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Additionally, do not bring along an
uncontrolled pet! Additionally, creating any kind of graffiti is a no-no!
4. Know When to Step Off or Stay on the Trail -
When on the
trail, one important practice involves hill etiquette. Hikers going downhill
must always step aside from those hiking up hills, as they are expending more
energy.
Hiking trails
are created with specific purposes in mind. These may include soil erosion
prevention and the protection of fragile flora and fauna in the surroundings.
So, as much as possible stay on the trail! Although of course there are a few
exceptions such as when "using the restroom." Moreover, it is also
appropriate to step off the trail if you want to rest or to have a snack, as
this clears the path for others. In a multi-use trail, cyclists must yield to
hikers, and hikers must always yield to horses or pack animals. Also, a must
for every hiker!
5. Do Not Move Anything Around –
If you want
to enjoy the great outdoors for years to come and preserve its natural beauty,
do not ever move, or remove a thing from its place. This further means that “no
taking home pretty rocks or flowers or creating
rock cairns”.
Doing so may inadvertently destroy a fragile ecosystem, or an animal's home, or
contribute to the surrounding erosion. Leaving everything as it is also
applied to wildlife, so do not feed them, do not try to pet a deer, or sneak up
on a bear in the hopes of getting a fantastic picture. Though many animals stay
hidden in plain sight, others are not too shy. Giving this wildlife food only
disrupts their natural foraging habits. So just enjoy them from a safe
distance.
6. Leave No Trace –
On the
trail, collect all your trash and leave no trace! Anywhere on the trail collect
everyone’s trash. Make it a goal to leave a trail more pristine than when it
was found. Protect the world’s natural beauty by leaving only footprints and taking only pictures.
People new
to the great outdoors may be on to the biggest surprise, that many trails and
parks have no facilities such as restrooms or garbage cans. Meaning, each hiker
is supposed to carry back out whatever was brought in. Everything foreign to
the trail and parks. These include petty things such as tissues, food wrappers,
or dirty diapers. Do not think of ever tossing biodegradable items into the
woods. What seems to be harmless trash such as apple cores and banana peels
could be harmful if ingested by some wild animals. And if possible, ferry out
poop (yours’s or your pet’s), unless it is buried 200 feet (61 meters) from the
trail or any water sources. Fortunately, today it is easy to pack out trash
with minimal mess by carrying some zip-top bags.
Conclusion
Hiking
through the great outdoors may be one of the most profound and fulfilling
achievements of a hiker’s life. It is a transformative experience. Hikers spend
time connecting with nature, building physical and mental endurance, and developing
lasting friendships along the trail. Therefore, mustering enough
courage to set out on the first hike journey may well be the best decision ever
made.
