With youngsters out of school, families might want to get outdoors this summer. If someone suggests, “Go take a hike,” don’t get upset!
“Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and be in nature,” explains Nathan Wright, who runs the Pinhoti Outdoor Center in Sylacauga with his wife Kim and serves as the Alabama Hiking Trail Society president. “People can find kid-friendly trails easy enough for entire families to enjoy. Get the kids out into the outdoors. Challenge them a bit.”
Hikers could spend a fortune on special gear, but beginners don’t need much. Just get a good pair of walking shoes.
“Shoes are very personal,” Wright says. “What works for someone might not work for someone else. Try several brands and styles. Get good, comfortable hiking shoes. Gone are the days when people wore big, heavy boots. Gear today is a lot lighter. Most people don’t need a full boot for ankle support. Hiking shoes are sufficient for most people. Tennis shoes are fine for beginners.”
Wear thick socks that provide padding but stay away from cotton. Cotton holds water and provides little insulation. If caught in a rainstorm wearing cotton, a person could get chilly quickly. Wool works in the winter but keeps feet too hot during Alabama summers.
“Wool or synthetics pull moisture away from the body and still have some insulation properties,” Wright says. “Experienced hikers don’t wear jeans, cotton socks or cotton t-shirts. They wear nylon, polyester or other synthetics. I recommend a nylon-spandex mix for hiking in the summer.”
Even for a day hike lasting just a few hours, bring a light backpack. Stuff it with water bottles and high energy snacks or trail mix. Also bring some emergency items, like a first aid kit, flashlight and a way to start fires. Maybe add a thin jacket in case something happens and the hiker must spend the night outdoors. People can download navigational apps on smart phones, but wilderness hikers should bring an old-fashioned compass as well for a backup.
Tell someone when to expect your return in case something happens. In remote areas, cell phones might not work. Even if the power goes too low, a smart phone screen can reflect sunlight and serve as a signaling device.
“Be prepared for the unexpected,” Wright says. “People might have to spend more time outdoors than they expected. I recommend picking an area with abundant water. Bring something to filter or purify water. If it’s 100 degrees, a creek looks really tempting, but it’s not safe to drink.”
Throughout Alabama, people can find many places for a short walk in the woods or to take a wilderness adventure. Beginners should stick with easy, well-marked trails that circle back to their cars or pick an easy section on a long trail for a day hike. Don’t overdo it the first time. Many people believe they can do more physically than they really can. Ease into it.
Many wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges, national forests and state parks across the Cotton State offer places to hike. In addition, people can often find short hiking trails in city parks, preserves, Forever Wild properties and other small wilderness patches. Many wildlife management areas, national forests and national wildlife refuges allow hunting, but hikers will find few people in these lands during the summer with hunting seasons closed.
Before entering an area, particularly a vast wilderness like a national forest, study maps or satellite images. Read about specific trails on the internet. Even on usually well-marked trails, markers deteriorate or might even disappear over time. Rarely used trails become overgrown.
When hiking, don’t rush. It’s not a race. Stop frequently to observe nature. Look at flowers blooming and watch for birds and wildlife. People might spot white-tailed deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, raccoons and many other creatures. Some parks place resting benches along trails. Have a family picnic.
Also watch out for other creatures, such as spiders, snakes and bears. Native to the state, black bears still inhabit many parts of Alabama but could appear anywhere.
“Most often, if people leave the wildlife alone, the wildlife will leave the people alone,” Wright says. “People don’t need to break the budget to go hiking. Just go out and enjoy it. See how the kids like it.”
For information on the Pinhoti Outdoor Center, call 205-202-9525 or visit Pinhotiforever.com. For information on the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, visit hikealabama.org
John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at [email protected] or through Facebook.
