Interested in hiking? Use these tips to stay safe along North Carolina’s trails

Hiking can be a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends. And the Charlotte area has no shortage of trails worth exploring for all experience levels.

But it’s important to take precautions when heading out for a hike to limit safety risks, especially if you’re a less-experienced hiker. From knowing your own limits to having the right things with you and more, proper preparation and trail behavior can prevent injury, or worse, to yourself and others.

Use these key tips to stay safe as you start your hiking journey:

Don’t hike alone

A solitary walk in the woods can seem like a nice way to clear your mind, but it also has risks, especially if you’re new to hiking.

Having someone with you, preferably someone with more experience, means you’ve got someone to help you navigate any challenges you find on the trail and to tend to you if you’re injured, the outdoor supply store REI explains.

If you don’t have a friend or family member to go with, you can find outings and hiking groups to go with through the store’s “Experiences” tab at rei.com/events. Other hiking groups in the area include Charlotte Piedmont Hiking Club, Outdoor Afro Charlotte, Rogue Dames of North Carolina and Hike for Beer.

Evaluate your fitness level

Biting off more than you can chew is never a good thing, especially in situations like hiking where doing so can lead to injury or other types of medical emergencies.

When picking a trail, REI’s experts advise, you need to consider your own fitness level and pick a trail you can manage. That means considering the distance you’ll have to go, the elevation gains and terrain you’ll have to manage and how much you’ll be carrying during the hike.

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Bring the right equipment, but not too much equipment

You don’t want to overload yourself on a hike, but there are things you need to have with you on any expedition.

A map and a compass can help you find your way around in the event you get turned around and don’t have GPS reception.

You should base how much food and water you bring on how long the hike is, and you’ll want to have toilet paper and waste bags for longer hikes that don’t have public bathrooms along the way.

You should also carry what you’ll need for any weather situation that could arise, the camping company KOA advises. That means sun protection such as sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as rain gear.

Safety equipment is also important, KOA notes, including a flashlight, a whistle, a first-aid kit and a knife or multi-purpose tool.

Share your plans with others

Even if you’re hiking with others, it’s still important to make sure someone not on the trip knows exactly where and when you’re hiking in case of an emergency.

A family member or friend can alert authorities of where you were supposed to be if something happens, and they can also reach out to you if you suddenly need to be reached while on your hike.

“Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you,” REI adds.

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Learn trail etiquette

Like in any public place, there are common courtesies hikers are expected to partake in on trails in order to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant experience.

As on road, there are traditional “right of way” rules, REI explains, including that “hikers going uphill have the right of way.”

You’re also expected to clean up after yourself, including any pets or children hiking with you, and be respectful of any wildlife you encounter.