wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves can help prevent sun burn. In addition, having a first-aid kit with you can help you treat minor cuts and bruises along the way.
10. Store extra clothes: If you are hiking a significant distance from your home or hotel, make sure to stash some extra clothes in your car or backpack. There's nothing more miserable than having to drive a long distance in smelly wet clothes. Also, extra socks will keep your feet fresh and healthy.
Wear layers of clothes: If you are attempting to hike for a significant distance, you may start out early in the morning or possibly your hike could extend into the evening. Make sure to wear, or bring, different layers of clothes as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Travel in appropriate footwear: Boots or hiking shoes can either make or break your hike. Make sure to choose footwear that is comfortable and stable. If you are going to be hiking near water, your boots should be water resistant or waterproof. If you are hiking in winter where snow is possible, make sure that your boots are insulated.
13. Stay on the trail: Again, we're not trying to discover the west! If you are hiking at a state or national park, likely there are trails that provide you direction. Make sure to stay on those trails unless otherwise noted. Straying from marked trails can damage plants and the environment that parks are trying to preserve. In addition, leaving the trail can be dangerous, especially in thick wooded areas or near cliffs.
Stay on the trail: Again, we're not trying to discover the west! If you are hiking at a state or national park, likely there are trails that provide you direction. Make sure to stay on those trails unless otherwise noted. Straying from marked trails can damage plants and the environment that parks are trying to preserve. In addition, leaving the trail can be dangerous, especially in thick wooded areas or near cliffs.
Leave no waste: Since we are talking about protecting the environment, we should also mention that littering is always a no-no, especially on a hike. Make sure to keep a small trash bag or pocket for snack trash and such.
Know your limits: Especially if this is your first time on a hike, the excitement can cause us to overestimate our abilities. Start slow and work your way up to longer or more strenuous hikes. Difficult trails, too heavy packs, inadequate snacks or water, and getting lost can make for an unpleasant, or dangerous experience. If possible, include a friend on the adventure! It will make the hike safer and more fun as you share the experience.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, May 14). How much physical activity do adults need? https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
Corliss, J. (2016, September 28). Health benefits of hiking: Raise your heart rate and your mood. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/health-benefits-of-hiking-raise-your-heart-rate-and-your-mood-2016092810414
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM
KYSU.EDU/AG | @KYSUAG
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating. 2020 KYSU-CEP-FAC-0063