Following these Mountain Hiking Safety Tips while touring the Smoky Mountains will ensure a safe and adventurous trip. Hiking provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature. However, beyond its natural benefits, hiking also lowers the risk of heart disease. It improves blood pressure, boosts density, controls weight, builds physical energy, and creates balanced mental health. Though hiking in the mountains could be a pleasurable experience, a lot of things could go wrong if you’re hiking without a plan. Here are some mountain hiking safety tips to follow for your next Smoky Mountains adventure.
Knowing the trails
Your safety begins with a knowledge of your trails. It’s best to acquire sufficient knowledge of your trails from a local park or a forest ranger. The importance of this is to give you an update on the trail conditions. Knowing your trails provides you awareness about places to park, special features of the trails, and places to avoid where wild animals frequently travel.
Mountains Hiking Safety Tips – Weather
Knowing the weather forecast guides your preparation. However, weather in the smoky mountains is generally cool, though there is often a wide difference between the lower elevation and the upper elevation. In addition, knowing information regarding lighting and rain will be helpful.
Hiking with someone
When Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always safer when done with someone or in a group. In addition, Hiking groups can be fun and are quite a bit safer when traveling the back paths of the Smokies. There is always safety in numbers and you can learn quite a bit from the more advanced hikers. Groups that hike the Smokies can be found on Facebook and by local Google search.
Mountains Hiking Safety Tips – Water
Water is extremely important when hiking. More so, it can’t be substituted. Taking soda, energy drinks, or alcohol may likely dehydrate you while hiking. Symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, and nauseating may prevent you from completing your hike if you fail to take water along. Carrying water is easy and a requirement. Pick up gear at any outdoor shop or your local Walmart.
Emergencies
Always prepare to go hiking with a first aid kit and learn basic first aid in case of an emergency. The Smoky mountains can be hot during summer months and knowing how to avoid heat exhaustion is important. Take breaks and drink a lot of water. Wear hats and apply sunblock as needed. It is also important for you to have a fire source, especially waterproof matches. There are reported cases of hikers sustaining injuries from feeding wild animals. Avoid placing yourself in such situations. Have a plan in place is something goes wrong. In addition, know where the closest hospital is.
Safety Gear
Some of the important personal protective equipment you’ll need for hiking in a smoky mountain include a wind-resistant jacket and rain gear, sunglasses irrespective of weather, shoes for crossing deep streams, boots with tracking devices if you’re going to the upper elevation during snow and a hiking stick that makes your legs relieved while walking sloppy areas.
In conclusion, hiking the Great Smoky Mountains provides you with some of the most beautiful sights of nature. However, your safety is your responsibility, and that part should not be ignored when preparing for your hiking experience. Plan smart and be safe.