Hiking is one of the greatest pastimes of the Great Outdoors and with so many magnificent views to be seen, there's no question why. Some trails are far more difficult than others, while some offer maximum payoff with very little effort. Elevation, distance, and endurance all are factors that play into a hike but, surprisingly, none of these are what can make hiking trails so dangerous.
It's not wildlife, either - although that is something to be aware of before hitting the trail. Rather, it's common human era that can take a trip from a sunshine-filled day to one with devastating consequences.
Underestimating The Trail Prior To Seeing It
Reading reviews about a trail is one thing, but setting out on one without having the slightest clue of what it entails is another entirely. With all the apps out nowadays, in addition to the park guides available at a hiker's disposal, there's no reason this should even be a mistake.
Apps such as AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and even Instagram or Google Earth are all great (free) tools. Even googling a trail or park before committing to it can be helpful in knowing what to expect, lest hikers with minimal experience end up traversing class three rock scrambles!
Hiking Solo, But Without A Locator Device Or Leaving Word With Someone
The problem here isn't hiking alone - the problem lies in not alerting people as to a hiker's whereabouts. The most common mistake, according to Sierra, is when experienced hikers head out, run into unexpected conditions, and have no way of rescue since they didn't tell anyone beforehand.
This can happen to novice hikers, as well, but it's the confidence that experienced hikers have which makes them more likely to make this mistake. Experience means nothing during an unexpected emergency; tell someone before you go.
Going Off-Trail Might Seem Harmless But It's Not
Picture this scenario: There's an interesting woodland creature on the trail. The cute furry runs off into the distance, off a ways from the trail - not too far, but far enough that it branches significantly from the blazes, which mark the trail. A hiker starts after what they saw, determined to get it for the 'gram, and before they know it, they've wandered half a mile from the trail, uncertain of which direction they've gone in.
Without a compass, a general sense of bearing, or GPS, this could mean serious consequences. Getting lost is one of the biggest problems, especially during long hikes through heavily wooded areas. A Personal Locator Beacon - PLB - would have come in handy during this story.
Changing The Plan Mid-Hike Can Have Disastrous Consequences
And not as in an "I don't feel like having a sandwich for lunch, let's break out the chips instead" type of way. It's most common with long hikes that plans become altered or thrown away altogether, as daylight dwindles and hikers become tired easily. Exhaustion, lack of light, and weather changes are the most common cause of diverted plans.
It might have taken longer to get to the endpoint, or hikers might have turned around without realizing it was a longer distance back than forwards, or the weather might have even changed without warning. Whatever the cause for a change in plans, it could lead to stranded hikers without a Plan B. It's always best to stay the course, pack a headlamp or flashlight, enough food and water for an overnight, and alert someone as to your whereabouts.