Hitting the trails? Be prepared

The days are getting short and the nights longer, but there is still plenty of hiking left to do in Carbon, Monroe and Schuylkill counties.

Most would consider hiking a “no-frills” sport — grab some friends, throw on sneakers and hit the trail — but this can be a dangerous underestimation.

In order to fully enjoy the outdoor experience Franklin Klock, program assistant at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, strongly urges hikers to get proper footwear, bring plenty of water and have a plan.

Feet first

Hiking boots, though clunky and sometimes costly, are worth every penny for a safe footing.

“Nine out of 10 people will go hiking with the wrong equipment. It’s like any other sport, you wouldn’t go skiing without skis,” Klock said.

The best hiking boot will have a sturdy sole as well as a strong grip on the bottom for traction. Ankle support is also to be considered.

“It’s better to just spend the most money you can afford on a good boot. Flip-flops, sandals and sneakers are all a no!”

Blue Mountain Sports in Jim Thorpe sell sturdy hikers. Though the boots can be pricey, it’s better to pick a brand with name recognition like at Cabelas or L.L. Bean. Discount stores are not a good choice for safe hiking boots.

And pay attention to the trail itself, keeping an eye on where each footstep lands.

“It’s important to know the area. Trails change over the years. You might be prepared for the trail conditions of last year, but the trail changes over the years, especially in the fall when leaves cover the trail a bit more,” says Klock.

Having a strong hiking boot will help up the safety quotient in any of these situations.

“Injuries happen on the descent not ascent. Because coming down throws your body off balance,” he said.

A boot with a good grip sole will work to keep footing sure along the path.

Whistle while you walk

Klock also recommends carrying a whistle. There are very few, if any, animal attacks on the local trails; however, black bear reside in northeastern Pennsylvania. Klock recommends making as much noise as possible if a black bear is encountered on a trail.

“Whistles and black bears don’t mix,” he said.

Between the months of April and August are considered animal breeding months. There tends to be more animal activity during these months and into early fall. Pennsylvania is also home to a few venomous snakes.

“Just give them a wide berth and keep moving. If you are close enough to see a snake’s pupils to check if it is poisonous, you are too close!”

According to Klock, if the conditions are wet and hot, snakes will move up to higher elevations. In times of drought snakes will move to lower areas closer to the water.

This information is especially important to keep in mind when hiking places like the Lehigh Gorge State Park and Glen Onoko.

Water and weather

Dehydration is a huge problem for hikers. Even in cooler weather a person can dehydrate quickly. About one liter per hour should be consumed when a person is active. A camel pack can accommodate hands-free hydration, but a water bottle will do the trick as well.

It’s also important to check the weather forecast before a hike.

“You should dress for the weather that’s expected, not what the condition is outside when you leave,” Klock said.

Dressing in layers is a good way to ensure being comfortable and prepared. Pants are ideal to protect from scratches but also to insulate from hypothermia, which is a concern as the seasons start to change. The weather changes fast during the fall season. It can easily reach temperatures of 70 during the day, but drop drastically at night.

A contributor to this is the sun setting earlier.

“I’ve seen people head up on a trail 30 minutes before sundown. Hiking back on a trail in the dark is dangerous.”

Klock says it’s important to always let someone know where and when you will be hiking. In the age of cellphones it is hard to believe that help can’t be reached in an emergency, but batteries run out, and deep in the wilderness reception can be nonexistent.

“You should always have a plan and let someone know what it is just in case,” said Klock.

For more information on the condition of the trails in Pennsylvania, visit the DCNR website at dcnr.state.pa.us/.