4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails. Let's Go Hiking!

Here are 4 steps to having an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.

1. Know the area you will be hiking in to. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.

2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.

3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:

- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.

- Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.

- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.

- Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.

4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that's appropriate for the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics:

- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.

- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.

- Suntan lotion.

- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).

- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.

- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.

- A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies.

It's a good idea to pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.

Using these tips, your next hiking adventure should be quite comfortable, safe, and enjoyable!

Additional information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.dohiking.com/art icles/56/4-steps-to-an-enjoyable-hike/

© 2005 This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com

This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Discount Lift Tickets - Learn what Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You to Know!

How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More

Join the American Hiking Society

Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More

The Great Outdoors is to be Explored and Loved in all its fullness

The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More

My Five-Ounce Sleeping Bag

Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More

Camping - Get Those Tents Up!

Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More

Old Barney -- A Visit to Barnegat Light, New Jersey

Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More

Bunbury Western Australia

The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More

Side-Tripping in Montana

Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

The Price of Gas Really Doesnt Matter!

"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More

Unforgettable Cape Cod Vacations: The National Seashore Gift

Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

River Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More

Spanish Courses in Spain

Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More

Kerala ? Holiday in Gods Own Country

Touted as one of the world's fifty destinations of a... Read More

You Might Be An Ultralight Backpacker If...

If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More

Samoa, Heart of Polynesia

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More

Costa Rica: Land of Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120... Read More

Creative Camp Cooking

For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More

Wal-Mart Camping And Other Free Places

"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but... Read More

Eight Tips For A Bug-Free Summer

(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More

Bird Watching Tips

Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More

Beach Vacation Photo Tips ? Make Your Vacation AND Photos Memorable

Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More

Hiking from Your Own Home

Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More

The Best Safari Company for Your Safari Trip - Heres How To Choose

Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

PaintBall Gun Buying Tips

There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More

The Kuan Yin Shrine, Bangkok ? the Goddess of Mercy on the Chao Phraya

The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More

Whitewater Rafting Trip

For the dedicated water sport enthusiast there can be no... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More