Hiking is not a challenging activity as long as you enjoy taking long walks and you know where you are going, you could have a lot of fun hiking with a group or even go solo and discover yourself. Hiking helps you indulge in nature and get adequate exercise. But if you are hiking or planning to go on a hike for the very first time, then here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
Hiking in daylight
‘Make hay while the sun shines’, as the saying goes, a modified one for first-time hikers could be, ‘Go hike while the sun shines.’ It is advisable to hike when it is bright and sunny outside. So, plan your trip so you can start in the morning and come back before it gets dark. If you get lost on your first hike, especially in the dark, it could be a bad start and you would t want to hike again.
Watch your step
Hikes are usually at a secluded area, and there are chances that you might stumble upon something unusual. Watch where you’re going and do watch your step. You might accidentally step on an anthill or a rattlesnake. The surface might also be uneven, and sometimes it could also be slippery. Make sure your shoes are firm so you don’t twist your ankle, which could ruin your hike and you would find it painful to walk back.
Don’t run or walk too fast.
It is important to remember that you’re hiking for yourself and you are not in a race with any of the other hikers. You could hurt yourself or ruin the hiking experience if you rush things, hiking is best enjoyed when you stop and observe and take it slow and have fun along the way.
Be familiar with the place.
When you go on a hike for the first few times, make sure you choose a place that is not foreign to you and is a pretty famous place for hikers. It is not safe to explore unknown places on the very first attempt of your hike. If you know someone who has been on a hike to a certain place, talk to them and get some tips and familiarize yourself with the place before you hike.
Take a buddy along
A good company to hike with is always a safer and better option if you are hiking. You could look out for each other and have a lot of fun playing hiking games.
Tell someone about your plan before you go for a hike. As exciting as it might be just to disappear and remain mysterious, it is safer to let someone you can trust know that you are going on a hike to a particular place just in case. Have a fun and safe hike.