IntroIt’s exciting to fill your mind with expectations of big summit views, rock scrambles, seeing wildlife, water features and the fresh air filling your lungs. These are common daydreams to planning a day hike, so let's get you there. Let's start with the realistic needs like packing bug spray, sunscreen for example but today lets also dip into the tips, tricks and things to never forget that will help make your planning easier and your trail experience far more rewarding.
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Tip # 1: Hiking trail term decoder ring
A trail review, just like a trail is unique to the person experiencing it. (into the yonder included). Trail sites aim to provide you as much information, preparation and knowledge to be safe and secure on the trail. For example, what Into the Yonder may deem as a difficult trail rating, another trail site may deem easy or strenuous. The trail reviews are super valuable for things like location, trail distance and trail features but where you can really gauge whether a trail is right for you is by what's not being overtly said and what users are commenting on. For example, a trail that features water crossings can be interpreted as a feature that can flood or be an area that incurs great change through erosion or flood damage. With that example in mind, what are areas of focus to aid your decision a hike trail:
- Trail distance= a trail mile can take on average 20 to 40 minutes, a 10 mile trail could take 3 to 6 hours.
- Water crossing = area that could flood or be weather dependent to cross.
- Lack of tree canopy = exposure to elements such as sun, heat & precipitation, any of these can impact you physically.
- Rock scramble = technical area expect uneven footing, requires greater attention and a slower pace. also ridiculously fun!
- Backcountry = remote areas, could lack water source and an increase in wildlife encounters
- Incline = rule of thumb is an elevation gain of 800ft/ per mile is considered strenuous to very strenuous. For example, Robertson Mountain in Shenandoah National Park gains 1800 ft. in 1.5 miles, that is extremely steep and warrants risk for exertion, water use and injury risk.
- No water source = means access to streams, creeks and springs are not available for refill. bring more water from home, carry a camelback or additional canteen on your trip.
- Trail review Comments = Yes, visit as many sites and read user comments! I love google reviews well because its all user based and some are fun, some share a ton of photos and some are concise. you will be able to build your trail composite through these user comments. (yes, I just told you to visit other sites, no worries I know you will return)
Tip #2: Drive time
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Especially important when planning your trip is to understand and figure out how long are you willing to sit in your car and drive to a trail, or the reverse how long are you willing to sit in your car on the way home. The drive time can be impacted by traffic, gas stations and resource availability (food, water, restroom). There are ways to mitigate these concerns like leaving early in the morning reducing traffic concerns, ensuring you have mapped out cities and towns on your way (especially the last town before the trail) to complete any resource needs. The other item to share on drive time is that the roads could be unpaved & rugged roads that require ground clearance and confidence. Finally, from cell reception to weather, drive time has its challenges be sure to check out our see & hear section for podcasts to enjoy on your travels.
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Tip #3: Know your why (and your limits)
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This just may be for me the most important of all the tips. Know why you are out there busting up a sweat, looking all dirty and feeling your muscles. In the same thought, know your limits. whether you are a fitness buff, lover of waterfalls, conqueror of summits or just want peace and quiet, Make sure you are meeting your why. hiking can be a strenuous and rigorous activity however it should also be fulfilling and satisfying, in the same breath be realistic and know your limits on the trail.
Limits to consider are:
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Tip #4: overbooked = overcooked
It’s common to travel out for a hike, spending hours in the car and money on resources so why not look for other hiking trails to add on to your day or weekend. (our trail pages offer trails to pair together) . However, when pairing trails together its good to keep the supermarket/grocery store sales adage which is “buy one, get the second for equal or lesser value”. This means in planning if you add a second hike, add a lesser difficult less strenuous trail to ensure you are not overcooked. A second hike can be a great way to complete a weekend, but it should not come at a health and safety cost. Things to consider are trail distance, trail difficulty and elevation change.
Tip #5: Tell someone
This is a health and safety call out for all HIKERS, SOLO hikers and group hikers. hiking trails are amazing opportunities to engage nature and find serenity and adventure it however it is an activity with risk. From bumps and bruises to broken bones to getting lost, the risks in hiking are real and can be life threatening. A good rule of thumb before starting your hiking day is to provide a friend or family member the following:
- name of the trail
- details - trail location and trail map
- hiking buddy: who is with you
- attire: what you are wearing from head to toe (or just take a selfie and send)
- proof of life: expected time of arrival and expected time to return home
Tip #6: Be local
Preach and practice when it comes to being local on your trip planning. What does be local mean? it means to invest in the community nearest to your trail. these investments can include purchasing resources like food and water, it can include dining locally, visiting a brewery or winery, shopping from a store for souvenirs and goods. Many rural township economies are derived on visitors (hikers too) and pass through traffic. How can you plan to be local? the easy answer is plot your course on google maps, once you push the directions button the route will appear. From here push the magnifying glass icon (search) located on the map and type in things from restaurants, to shopping, to food and google map will identify areas on your route. The longer answer (and where gems are found) is to plot towns along your route and then visit their town websites or use google reviews to find authentic local spots to visit. both approaches can yield different results however the end result is the same in that you are investing in the local communities around your trails.
Tip #7: Downloadable
Ok, the final tip is worth mentioning in this technological age and carry importance to your travels and have a consequence to your trail experience. During your final stage of planning, just before executing and heading out the door take a few minutes to print & download driving Directions (to and from) the trailhead and if available, print &download the trail map as well. (tiny tip: unable to find a trail map online? then look for a trail map at the trailhead, snap a picture with your cell phone and be on your way!) this is small but easy task will guarantee that regardless of Wi-Fi that you have an established route on and off the trail.
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