A Guide To Hiking

Hiking is an outdoor sport that involves walking long distances on either trails or through rough, natural terrain. Most hikers perform day hikes that start early in the morning and end before dark. There are some hikers who prefer to load up camping gear and hike until dark, set up camp for the night, and continue the hike the next morning. This is also called backpacking or trekking. People have different reasons for hiking, but many enjoy the exercise and the natural environment. In certain outdoor areas, the only way to reach some of the summits or mountaintops is by hiking.

Hiking is popular with individuals who like a tranquil solo adventure, but it’s also a great sport for groups and families. With a variety of trails available for hikers, people of all ages can take advantage of this outdoor activity. According to the American Recreation Coalition, hiking is a popular sport that sees a slight increase in the number of participants each year. In 2007, the number of people who participated in hiking increased by four percent, while the numbers for other outdoor activities such as running and biking decreased.

Since hiking is a sport, there are risks and hazards involved in participating. Hiking is a generally safe activity since a person can tell whether or not they feel up to a hike. But since it’s outdoors, there is a variety of hazards that can occur during a hike. Weather changes are a large contributor to hiking difficulties. Sudden thunderstorms, a severe drop or rise in temperature, or the onset of fog can make a simple hike more dangerous. It’s important that hikers check the weather forecast for the hiking area and dress appropriately. It’s also important for hikers to be familiar with poisonous plants and animals, including insects, so they don’t get bit or rub up against something that will cause a rash.

When hiking, hikers should take care not to damage the natural environment or do anything that could damage the hiking area. This includes disposing of wastes properly, starting fires only where allowed, extinguishing fires properly, not damaging the surrounding foliage and trees, and setting up camp in designated areas. Many famous hiking trails will have its own set of rules that hikers and campers must follow. Other trails depend upon the hikers’ diligent efforts to maintain the trail.

Hiking Essentials

It is important when hiking to make sure that you are carrying all the necessary supplies that you may wind up needing during your hike. It is a good idea to make a list of supplies for your hike so that you don't forget any essentials. These essentials could include a backpack, compass and map, water or water treatment tablets, flashlight, food, clothing and rain gear, matches or some type of fire starter, a first aid kit, knife, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and some type of signaling device.

Oahu Hike Tales: Items such as a whistle and space blanket can help insure safety and health. Oahu Hike Tales lays out the basic hiking essentials.
Hiking at Dartmouth: Dartmouth provides an in-depth look on how to choose the right gear and safety essentials.

Low Environmental Impact

Low environmental impact hiking is the practice of leaving nothing behind but your footprints to maintain nature. There are many ways one can leave almost no impact on the environment around them. Always bring a bag to dispose of your trash, and take everything with you that you brought. If someone else has left their trash on a trail and you spot it you can help the environment by properly disposing of it. Don't build a fire if you can help it, fire will scare land and some hiking trails don't allow you to start a fire. Keep your noise level down as this will increase your chances of viewing wildlife if they are not startled by loud noises. Be sure you properly dispose of human waste. There are many books and online guides that can give you tips on leaving no trace when hiking.

Leave No Trace: This organization works with parks departments to help maintain the beauty of hiking trails and other outdoor areas.

Hiking Hazards

It is important to make sure you are prepared for your hike as there are various hazards you may encounter while hiking. There is a risk of dehydration, insect stings and bites, getting lost, falling, snake bites, hypothermia, and many other possible hazards you should be familiar with.

Natural Hazards: Learn how to prepare, identify, and prevent common hiking hazards.
Hiking Big Sur: This site provides information and pictures of common hiking hazards in central California.

Famous Hiking Trails

No matter where you are in the world if you enjoy hiking, there is probably some kind of trail you can find. There are famous hiking trails all over the world. Famous trails include the Zion Narrows in Utah, the Inca Trail in Peru, Mount Kiliminjaro in Tanzania, and the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii to name a few.

BootsnAll: A list of some of the best hiking trails throughout the world.
Best Hike: A list of the best hikes in North America, categorized by state. Also includes hikes in Canada and Central America.

Hiking Safety

Hiking is generally a fun and fairly safe activity, but as with any activity there are important safety tips that you should follow when hiking. It is a good idea to hike with a companion and never by yourself, especially if you wind up getting hurt, you want to have someone with you who is able to help. It is very important to let someone back home know where you are going and when you are planning to return. Don't walk off the trail when out hiking, you can disturb delicate flora and fauna and increase your chances of getting lost. Make sure you know what kind of wildlife is in the area where you are hiking and know how to protect yourself from it.

Hiking Beginner: A list of tips for people just starting out in the sport of hiking.
California State Parks: An informative hiking brochure for California, but the safety tips work for any hiking trail.

Hiking Resources

American Hiking Society: Provides how-to information and a variety of information for all hikers.
Hiking Guide – a great guide to has information on parks, gear, and an international list of trails