The fall is prime time for hiking, with the changing leaves providing glorious views.
But if you’re going to get out and enjoy the scenery, it’s important to be safe, especially on mountain trails. Within just the past few weeks, a father and son were lost for several hours while hiking Bald Mountain in Antrim, and a hiker on Mount Monadnock had to be assisted to safety after falling, as was someone attempting to help rescue her.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has tips to make fall fun as safe as possible, including the following:
— Learn about the terrain, conditions, local weather and needed equipment before starting a hike.
— Make sure that other people know where you are going, what trails you’re taking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
— If you’re going with a group, stay with the group, and only go as fast as the slowest member of the group.
— If the weather doesn’t look promising, wait to hike another day. If you’re on the hike and conditions look like they’re taking a turn for the worse, or you’re getting tired, turn back.
It’s also important to carry the proper equipment. The essentials are a map (especially since New Hampshire Fish and Game recommends not relying on cellular phone applications to provide accurate trail mapping), a compass, warm clothing, sweater or pile jacket, long pants, wool hat, extra food and water, flashlight or headlamp, matches or other method to start a fire, first aid/repair kit, whistle, rain/wind jacket or pants and a pocket knife.
Depending on the trip, it likely will be wise to wear sturdy footwear and take extra socks, a watch, a guidebook, gloves or mittens, personal medicines, a cord or rope and extra batteries.
No one expects to have their hike end needing to be rescued after falling or needing a search party to be found after getting lost. It’s important to make sure that doesn’t happen by making proper plans, carrying the right equipment and knowing your limits.
Have fun, enjoy the scenery and stay safe.