HIKING SAFTY TIPS
Things you should know before you go!
Trail Blazes
- Acquire good trail & topographic maps of the area you plan to hike.
- Learn how to read the maps and study them.
- Learn how to use a compass & how to use it with a topographic map.
- Always let someone know the trail or route you are taking & when you will be back or when you will arrive at a certain point on a long distance hike.
- Write down your trail itinerary so your family or friends will know where you are & could give that information to authorities if you do not return.
- Many calls to the Forest Service about missing hikers occur because the hiker simply hasn't had enough time to complete their hike.
- Allow 1 hour for each mile you plan on hiking coming and going.
- Stay with your hiking party. It is easy to become separated.
- Wear good boots or shoes for hiking that are broken in.
- STAY ON THE TRAIL - If you are lost, searchers can then find you .
- Follow trail blazes. Know what they mean. See illustration at left.
- If you are lost stay put or follow a stream downhill. However, terrain can be difficult & very slippery.
- Do not walk on the top or edge of waterfalls. Certain algae, in our area, is impossible to walk on. Many people have died from falling over waterfalls.
- Do not drink water from mountain streams without treating, filtering or boiling it. It can contain bacteria or tiny parasites such as "Giardia" that can make you very sick.
- Getting wet from precipitation or falling in a stream is dangerous - Most people get Hypothermia ( an abnormal lowering of the body temperature) when they are wet & the temperature is around 50 degrees. This can be a life threatening condition.
- Cell phones may or may not work in the mountains. No cell phone can make up for an ill-prepared trip. In an emergency you cannot direct authtorities to your location if you do not know approximately where you are. HAVE A MAP!
Side Trail
may lead to shelter, water or view.
may lead to shelter, water or view.
Double Blaze Any Color
Pay Attention! May denote switchback,
trail junction, steep terrain, or water source.
Pay Attention! May denote switchback,
trail junction, steep terrain, or water source.
Lightning Strikes
Flash to Bang. When you observe lightning flash, count the seconds until you hear the bang of thunder. Divide the number of seconds by 5 to give the distance in miles from you to the lightning. Storms vary, however, if you are within 2 to 3 miles of a flash , the next strike could occur at your location. Be aware that lightning can strike 10 miles ahead of the rain of a thunderstorm.
Protect Yourself!
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
Protect Yourself!
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
If you are isolated in a level field and you feel your hair stand on end
- indicating lightning is about to strike- drop to your knees &
bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Pack it in & pack it out. Leave only footprints. Fines for littering in a National Forest are $100.00 minimum up to $5000.00
Information provided with co-operation of
USDA Forest Service, Wayah Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Contact Phone (828) 524-6441. Many Thanks to Sally Browning
for her help and co-operation in this endeavor.
USDA Forest Service, Wayah Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Contact Phone (828) 524-6441. Many Thanks to Sally Browning
for her help and co-operation in this endeavor.