Hiking do’s and don’ts

The Laurentians are a hiker’s playground. The differing trails please beginners to experts all year round. When hiking, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure personal safety, help fellow hikers, and protect nature. To make sure you remain on the right path, here are the generally accepted rules.

Be prepared

Whether setting out on a well-marked, busy trail for 90 minutes or hiking over several days on a challenging route, you need the right equipment. Even the shortest hike demands supportive and comfortable footwear, hydration, nutrition, and sun protection. Hiking is tons of fun but it’s serious stuff.

According to Parks Canada, those who run into trouble are poorly equipped often lacking map, compass or smart device. I have my own theory. Hikers who get into trouble make a series of small mistakes that have a snowball effect. A wrong or missed turn is made worse by continuing forward rather than retracing steps. Most missing hikers are found off trail eleven to twelve miles from where they were last known to be.

Lost trekkers are increasingly found uphill trying to get a phone signal. Smartphones are great but do not rely solely on technology. Know the route and tell someone the trail you are on.

Step aside but not off

©Tremblant Express

If you are descending and other hikers are coming up, step off the trail and let them pass. Gaining elevation requires greater energy so give way to the person burning more calories. On another note, hiking is a dirty sport. If trails are wet with mud and puddles do not create a new route around these areas. Stick to the path and get dirty! The Grand Brule trail at the Mont Tremblant resort is always widening unnecessarily for this reason.

Let nature be

Picking plant life or disturbing wildlife habitats should never happen. I have seen hikers throw rocks at frogs, deliberately trample mushrooms, and push logs into streams. This is idiotic activity. Please note the practice of building rock cairns or Inukshuks is now a no-no.

Zero litter tolerance

My knapsack contains the 10 essentials of hiking (Google them) and one extra. I carry a bag for my garbage and trash I find. People discard articles by accident, or worse, on purpose. Of course, nature calls when hiking, but when it does, bury your waste.

Say hello

When you encounter others, stop to chat. It’s not just about being friendly; it’s about safety. The family you meet for two minutes could be the vital link that directs rescuers to your location if you run into trouble and become overdue.

If you would like to learn more, I wrote a short story that tells the tale of a missing hiker. It has more hiking tips. Flask Walker and the Solo Hikeis an Amazon bestseller in the Excursion Guidescategory. Get outside and hit the trails. Enjoy and respect them and remember: take only photos, leave only footprints.

 

More from this author by clicking on his picture below.

Jeff Swystun

 

Jeff Swystun46 Posts

Conférencier prolifique et écrivain, Jeff a donné plus de 115 conférences dans 25 pays. L'expertise de Jeff en matière de stratégie d'entreprise, de stratégie de marque et de marketing a mené à l'ouverture de Swystun Communications en 2012. / A prolific speaker and writer, Jeff has appeared at over 115 conferences in over 25 countries. Jeff’s expertise in business strategy, branding and marketing led to the opening of Swystun Communications in 2012. SC is a boutique agency focused on the intersection of business and brand strategy.

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