Get Outdoors on the Trail!
Whether you are walking, hiking or biking on a trail, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. To help more inexperienced people heading out there, we reached out to a few experts to find out how to stay safe. Here’s what they told us:
Carry safety tools
Make sure to carry safety tools in your car such as a flashlight, blankets, granola bars, etc. On the trails things such as a compass, map and whistle are an important key to not getting lost. Bring plenty of water always. If you are in a group, stick together. — Kaitlyn Tothero, Berks Nature communications specialist
Have a buddy
One of the best things you can do to ensure your safety on the trail is to follow the old Boy Scout adage: Have a buddy. People traveling alone are potentially at risk. Always have a device to communicate trouble. Three short blasts on a whistle is recognized as a distress signal. Based on my experience, the reality is you’re much more likely to suffer some sort a minor injury that requires first aid than a violent attack. — David Bailey, membership chair of Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club
Be prepared for no public restrooms
During COVID-19, trail and park users may find public restrooms closed. Avoid crowds. Be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms. Bring water or drinks because public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable. Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers. — Schuylkill River Greenways
Share plans with someone at home
Share your plans with someone at home but not strangers, online or in person. Check in with home as often as feasible. Pay as much attention to your mental preparation as your gear. Cellphone reception is unpredictable and in places nonexistent; consider a satellite-guided messenger device for long treks.
Carry a map; no batteries required for that app. Establish a time you will check in upon completion of your trip, as well as a procedure to follow if you fail to check in. Be sure your contacts and your family know your “trail name” if you have one. — Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Sharpen situational awareness
To minimize crime-related risk on the Appalachian Trail, sharpen your situational awareness. Be aware of what you are doing, where you are and with whom you are talking. Remember to trust your gut — it’s usually right, even when your brain can’t explain why. Before you go, think about what could go wrong and how you will deal with it.
Be aware that cellphones and earbuds may distract you and prevent you from seeing or hearing cues that could help you avert a dangerous situation. Always carry an outer layer of clothing that will protect you from wind and rain in the event you have to spend unplanned time in the woods during inclement weather.
If you are by yourself, there is no need to broadcast that you are hiking alone or give information about your plans. Be wary of strangers. Be polite, but cautious. Don’t tell strangers your plans. Avoid or get away quickly from people who act suspiciously, seem hostile or unstable, or are intoxicated.
If your safety is threatened, call 911. Do not feel you need to decide what’s a crime first — that’s law-enforcement’s job. Most importantly, telling the world on Facebook does not count; law enforcement seldom monitors trail-related social media.
If you see something suspicious, stay safe, report it. If you are unable to call 911 or 1-866677-6677, notify local law enforcement as soon as possible. — Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
For more information
You can find more safety information at applachiantrail.org, schuylkillriver.org and berksnature.org. All three organizations have volunteers who are the eyes and ears of the trails who help keep them safe by spotting problems and helping visitors.