Tips: Hiking Alone

It is not recommended to hike alone, especially if you are unfamiliar with area you are planning to hike. But sometimes, you got that thirst for adventure that needs to be quench (like mine) so you go ahead and tackle that trail. Here are some tips when you are hiking alone.

1. Let your family/friends know your plans. Give someone a "heads up" that you are going for a hike. Give them the location of your hike as well as estimated time that you are going. And don't forget to let them know that you are back so they won't worry about you if they don't hear from you for awhile.

2. Check in on Social Media. Everyone or I should say, most people, have smart phones and data plans. So utilize it by checking in on Foursquare or posting status on Twitter or Facebook. That way, someone knows where you are and how you are doing.

3. Pack Essentials. Make sure you packed essentials that day before your planned hike especially since you are doing this alone. Ensure that you have water, snack bars, first-aid pouch, suntan lotion, light jacket and flashlight for a day hike. Make sure you have enough water to last you the entire hike plus extra especially during summer time when your dehydrate faster. Make sure your phone is fully charge as well.

4. Bring a Map/Trail Map. This is really important if you are going to hike an unfamiliar area. Plan ahead by searching online. If that hiking area has a ranger station, stop by and ask them for trails. Park rangers are always happy to give you suggestion on which trails to take and it is also nice to let them know that you are there.

5. Always follow the trail. Don't be too adventurous and leave the trail especially in unknown areas. Look for  trail markers on trees and/or rocks. If you hike through New York, most of the trail are marked with a rectangular shape painted green on trees. When I went to Sonora Dessert in Arizona, the trail was marked with stones pile on each other.

6. Bring a Hiking Pole. Hiking Poles are good to have because it provides stability especially on rough terrain. It is also good to have to probe the depth of mud or water and in case you encounter wild animals like snakes. If you do not have a hiking pole, find a long sturdy branch before you start your hike.

7.  Time your hike. Most nature parks close on sun down so timed your hike to ensure you won't get stuck on the trail when the sun sets. It will be harder to find the trail in the dark. This is also the reason why you need a flashlight just in case you do get stuck up in the trail at dusk.

8. Watch your step especially after rain when the ground is soggy or the rocks slippery. Take your time to prevent injuries.

Hopefully these tips are useful. Enjoy nature and the great outdoors but stay alert of your surroundings.