Hike Smart NY

Be Prepared

Wear proper gear and attire, including sturdy, comfortable boots.

• Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather - avoid cotton as it holds moisture
• Layered clothing is recommended even for summer hikes
• Light-colored clothing, which will make it easier to see ticks
• Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable shoes or boots
• A watch or other time-keeping device
• Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint pain
• Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter

Use Maps, Guides, or DEC's Website to Plan Your Trip

• Plan where you're going
• Plan when you expect to return
• Check trail conditions before hiking
  • Adirondacks area
  • Catskills area
  • Finger Lakes area

Leave Trip Plans With Family or Friends

• Update them with any changes to your plans

Be Realistic About Your Fitness and Skill Level

• Don't overestimate your abilities
• Don't underestimate mother nature
• Choose trails within your or your group's ability
• In the winter, breaking through fresh snow can be more tiring than regular hiking.

Check the Weather Forecast and Current Conditions

• Day of your trip
• Night of your trip and the next day so you can be prepared for an unexpected night in the woods
• Know what time the sun sets and plan your hike to return before dark

Thunderstorms

• Thunderstorms can pop up even if they are not forecast
• Watch for darkening skies, increase winds, lightning flashes, and the rumble of thunder
• Avoid summits and other open areas during thunderstorms
• As soon as you are first aware of an approaching thunderstorm move to lower elevations and seek shelter
• If caught outside in a thunderstorm find a low spot away from tall trees, seek an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks
• Make yourself as short as possible by;
  • Sitting on your pack or sleeping pad with your knees flexed, and
  • Hugging your knees to keep your feet together to minimize the ground effect of a near-by lightning strike

Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Health

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

• Stay warm and dry to prevent hypothermia
• Cool wet weather is as dangerous as extremely cold temperatures.
• During cool and rainy weather
  • Wear waterproof jacket with hood or hat and waterproof pants
  • Wear layers of non-cotton clothing that can wick moisture
• During nice weather
  • Pack rain gear and extra clothing as weather can change quickly or you may have to spend the night in the woods
• During cold weather - dress properly
  • Thermal undergarments that wick moisture
  • Fleece or wool insulating layer
  • Waterproof or water-resistant outer layers
  • Thick socks, a winter hat, and gloves or mittens
  • Waterproof, insulated boots
• Carry plenty of food and water - eat, drink, and rest often
• Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke occur when your body's cooling mechanisms are overcome by heat, causing a dangerously high body temperature.

• Wear sunscreen
• Slow your pace
• Drink water and rest more often
• Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight
• Do not hike in extremely hot weather

Prepare For Survival

• Know what to do in case of emergencies and be prepared for them to happen

Hike in a Group and Stay Together

• Pace your hike to the slowest person
• Stay in sight of the person behind you and the person in front of you
• Stay in hearing distance of everyone in your group

Monitor Conditions and Turn Back

• If the weather changes for the worse
• If exhaustion is setting in for any group members
• If darkness is approaching
• Don't push your limits!

More Safety Tips

Emergency Phone Numbers

• 911
• DEC Dispatch: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)

At the Trailhead or Parking Lot

• Conceal valuables, and lock your vehicle
• Save the DEC Dispatch number in your cell phone
• Sign trail registers and indicate the time. This will assist searchers in locating you if you become lost

On the Trail

• Stay with your party; don't split up and take different trails
• Drink water regularly; rest and snack occasionally
• Do not drink water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets
• Keep track of time and remember it will take you as long to return to your starting point as it did to get to wherever you are on your hike
• Turn off cellphones or switch to "airplane mode" to conserve the battery
• Use a flashlight or headlamp. Save your cell phone battery

If You Are Lost or Injured

• Stop where you are. Keep calm and assess your situation
• Try to determine your location-look for recognizable landmarks and listen for vehicles on nearby roads
• If you are sure you can get yourself out of the woods using a map and compass, do so - otherwise stay put
• If you have cell service, call 911 or DEC Dispatch (see above). The dispatcher will ask questions to collect information needed to help searchers locate you quickly
• If you don't have cell service, move to a location close by where you are visible to searchers on the ground or in the air. If you have something brightly colored, wear it or place it in a conspicuous location
• If someone is injured or stricken and there is no cell service:
  • One person should remain with the injured person while the others note their location and leave to obtain assistance
  • If there isn't anyone to stay behind, make sure the injured person has shelter and supplies before leaving to seek help
• If it appears that you will need to spend the night:
  • Clear an area of debris to build a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A fire will help searchers locate you
  • Using items from your pack, build a shelter that will serve as a "cocoon" to keep you warm and sheltered from the weather. You can also use dead branches, conifer boughs and leaf litter to insulate the shelter
  • DEC has a brochure with safety tips on how to prevent getting lost and what to do if you are lost

• DEC Forest Rangers have the primary responsibility for searching for lost hikers and rescuing injured hikers

When You Return

• Sign trail registers again and indicate the time
• Return any trail guides
• Dispose of litter properly
• Inform person you left trip plans with that you have finished your hike