Safety Tips

Here are a few guidelines to make any trip safer and more enjoyable.

Plan your trip carefully.

Leave your trip plan, with a map if possible, with someone responsible. The plan should include where you intend to park, the trail or trails to be hiked, the time you expect to return and emergency numbers. It is important not to deviate from the plan. If you need to change plans, inform the person with whom you left your plan. When you plan the trip, allow about one hour for every two miles, plus an additional hour for each 1,000 feet of increase in altitude.

Do not travel alone.

Unless you are experienced and prefer solitude, your party should number at least two. FOUR is recommended. If one of your party is unable to go further, two can be sent for help while one stays back to help the person having trouble.

Carry water.

Each person should carry at least a quart of water. Do not drink any untreated or unfiltered water. Be prepared to purify water with iodine tablets or a water filter. Even if your trip is a day hike, you should be prepared to treat water along the way. You may encounter unforeseen conditions requiring additional water.

Get a weather report.

The weather determines how you should dress.

Check in with the authorities if possible.

Rangers can offer valuable advice on trails, campsites and potential problems. You can also inquire about fire restrictions and trail closures that may affect your planned route.

Essential items.

Always carry these items on a trail:

map

compass

first-aid kit

flashlight

sunglasses

whistle

pocket knife (check regulations)

watch

protective clothing (rain, wind, cold)

minimum first aid (in addition to your medications if any)

pen and paper

sun screen

insect repellant

extra food

bicycle helmet (if you bike road sections of the MST)

Other useful items are waterproof matches, candles, extra batteries and bulb, GPS and toilet tissue.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Take note of the terrain. Loose rocks and wet roots can be hazardous. It is ok to evaluate others you encounter on the trail. How are they outfitted? There may come a time when you need to come to their aid. More important - do they seem like they should be there? Never tell strangers where you intend to camp. If you planned to stay in a spot for a time but are not comfortable with the company, get some water and move on. Beware of animals in the area and never approach a wild animal. Look carefully before you sit on a rock or log and as you walk along the trail.

Communications.

Carry a cell phone so you can call out if you need to. If you have to use it, know where you are. Emergency operators cannot determine your location unless you tell them. You may have to get the top of a ridge in mountainous regions in order to use the phone.

Poisonous Plants.

Learn to identify them.

Poisonous Snakes.

Thirty-seven snake species are recorded in North Carolina. Only six are venemous and dangerous to humans. The six poisonous snakes are copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, and eastern coral snake. Learn to identify these poisonous snakes and only observe from a safe distance. Snakes play an important role in the environment and should not be harassed.

Hunting.

The MST crosses many areas where hunting is allowed. Check the hunting season at http://www.ncwildlife.org. Wear blaze orange clothing during hunting season. A blaze orange pack cover can be obtained from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Other articles can be found at local sporting good shops.

Mountains

Thunder and Lightning.

Be aware of thunderstorms and lightening. If you find yourself at the highest point around, which can happen on Balds, get down as quickly as possible. You can measure the distance between yourself and an approaching storm by counting the seconds between the flash of lightening and the clap of thunder. Five seconds equals a mile. If you are not far enough down the trail to be in a safe position by the count of 2 between lightening and thunder, drop your metal pack, squat keeping on the balls of your feet and tuck your head down. This will allow you to have the least amount of contact with the ground possible. Do not seek shelter under a lone tree or a rock shelf.

Camp Fires.

Use a backpacking stove. Only have a campfire where regulations allow. Use only wood lying on the ground. If you have a campfire, make sure you have adequate water to put the fire out completely. If you can put your hands near the ashes it is not out completely.

Meeting others on the trail.

Hikers who are ascending have the right away over those descending since it is usually easier to get started going down hill again rather than up hill.

Piedmont

Back Roads.

The MST in the Piedmont is on the back roads from time to time. Always walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. Wear clothing which stands out so motorists will notice you. Put reflective tape on your pack or pack cover so you are more visible at dawn and dusk. Bicyclist should ride with traffic, wear a helmet and have some type of rear view mirror. Proper lighting on the bicycle is advisable also.

Rest stops.

Keep your pack with you. Park and lock you bicycle where you can see it. Some eateries may ask you to leave your pack outside. Respond as pleasantly as possible, but ask if there is somewhere inside you can leave it in order to keep an eye on it. Equestrians, just park your horse out front!

The family pet.

Watch out for dogs. They will normally only bark but keep an eye on them to be sure you are safe. Do not encourage a friendly dog. You may find yourself taking the pet back to its owner at the end of the day.

Meeting others on the trail.

Cars and then equestrians have the right of way since they are bigger than you. Hikers and cyclists should get as far off the trail as safely possible. Let equestrians direct you to help keep the horse calm. Cyclists should take care when coming around blind curves. Hikers who are using a multi-use trail should listen for others using the trail. It is often easier for hikers to move aside than for cyclists or equestrians. Hikers who are ascending have the right away over those descending since it is usually easier to get started going down hill again than going up hill.

Coastal

Goggles can be helpful when the wind kicks up.

White long sleeve shirts and long pants are recommended because there is little foliage to protect you from the sun.

Carry plenty of water, two quarts per person is recommended.

Be careful of fishermen and their hooks. They may not be aware of you.