When Is Hiking Dangerous?

Hiking can be dangerous for the inexperienced or ill-prepared. But hiking is a wonderful way to take in the sights of nature, disconnect from the worries of everyday life, and get in some much-needed exercise at the same time. That's why many people enjoy hiking! So what can you do? You learn about the dangers of hiking so that you can prepare.

Hiking can be dangerous. Weather, terrain difficulty, and the level of preparedness are but a few examples of things that can affect how dangerous a hiking trail can be. Nevertheless, if you follow guidelines and regulations, you can hike reasonably safe.

Hiking has its risks, just like most things in life. However, some risks can be mitigated. You just need to know what makes a hiking trail unsafe or what can be done to hike safer.

Dangerous Terrain On A Hike

One of the biggest threats posed to hikers is the terrain. Even the most seemingly safe landscapes are potential risks to the hiker. For hikers of all levels, these risks, despite appearances, can lead to injury or, even worse - death. Loose stones or scree on top of rocks, for example, might cause hikers to slip and sustain injuries.

Likewise, while traveling downhill, it is natural to want to gain momentum and speed, which can result in missteps and falls. Therefore, it is important not to lean too far forward or backward when traveling downhill. This will help keep your center of gravity over your legs and reduce the chances of falling.

Additionally, crossing bodies of water such as streams, rivers, and lakes can be potentially dangerous. Lack of visibility, uneven surfaces, and strong currents can result in the hiker slipping or getting swept away if they are not careful. Hikers should exercise caution when stepping over wet or algae-covered rocks or logs, as these can also cause them to slip. Even if you are wearing rubber soles, keep in mind that rubber does not grip as well on slimy surfaces.

Overall, extreme caution should be exercised when near water. Even for strong swimmers, drowning can occur if the hiker has sustained an injury in the water, if the current is too strong or cold, or if the water is excessively frothy (A.K.A white water), making it impossible for the hiker to float or swim to safety.

Hiking trails fall on a continuum. Trails can range anywhere from reasonably flat landscapes to challenging mountain slopes. So if you are a beginner, it is best to avoid anything that might be too challenging.

Hikes that have too many rocks, narrow ridges, switchbacks, or via ferratas can be potentially dangerous for inexperienced hikers. Whenever possible, you should avoid trials with these obstacles if you are inexperienced.

_{Hiking via ferrata; image by Schi11, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

To check the difficulty of the hike, visit the park's website or search online to see what the community has said about the trail. Reviewing the hiking trail ahead of time will help you decide if that trail is suitable for you and your level of experience.

Going off-trail

When you step off marked trails, things can go awry. Although it may be enticing to explore and venture further out, the truth is that you do not know what lies beyond the trail.

The terrain could become significantly more dangerous. Or you could encounter some dangerous animal, like snakes, that prefer to stay away from the human bustle.

But the biggest issue is that you can get lost! Becoming lost is extremely dangerous. There is no guarantee you will find your way back onto the trail.

The best thing to do is stay on the marked trail.

Unpreparedness On A Hike

The wilderness is a different world from the concrete jungle. Often, you are far away from people, shops, and medical assistance. So, although you may feel safe on your walk, keep in mind that anything can happen.

In other words, expect (and prepare) for the unexpected. That item you thought best to leave at home could just be the lifesaver you may need.

First aid kits are absolutely vital to bring on a hiking trip. This kit can make all the difference in survival if need be.

For instance, if you fall and injure your foot, you may require bandages or antiseptic treatment to prevent infection. So ensure your first aid kit has everything you need and even more if possible. Bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointments, tweezers, and safety pins are but a few examples of what should be in your first aid kit.

Additionally, making sure you have the correct gear for the hiking trail is essential too. For instance, it is essential to wear the correct shoes for the terrain. Shoes with inadequate traction are more likely to cause the hiker to slip on wet, gravel, uneven or steep surfaces, resulting in injury.

So choose hiking shoes or boots that have a lot of traction and can protect your feet from cuts or damage from the elements. Also, if you are hiking in an area with a high presence of snakes, make sure your shoes cover as much skin as possible and are thick enough to help protect against snake bites.

It is also crucial to be aware of the weather forecast for the day. If you are unprepared for what the weather may bring, you might be caught in a storm that can be potentially dangerous for the hiker.

On the other hand, if the weather is too hot, you may find yourself getting heatstroke or suffering from severe dehydration. Thus, a well-prepared hike can go a long way towards making a hike less dangerous and easier.

Going Alone On A Hike

A common mistake made by both novice and experienced hikers is not letting anyone know where they are going. Unfortunately, this mistake often means that if something bad happens to the hiker, such as getting injured, relatives or friends would not know where to look for them.

Therefore, for safety's sake, let your friends or family members know where you're going and when you plan to return. This way, if they do not hear back from you, they can act accordingly.

Additionally, purchasing or renting a personal locator beacon (PLB) to take on your hikes can be a good cover. However, this beacon is not a fail-safe, so caution should still be exercised when hiking.

Summary

Hiking is a fairly straightforward activity to enjoy. It can help us live in the moment and appreciate the beauty that is in front of us. And although hiking is not without risk, being prepared and recognizing your limits can help you stay safe.

So put on those hiking shoes and go enjoy nature. You might just find that it is not as daunting as it might seem.