HIKE SMART NY
Watch a clip about hiking safety and how to leave no trace during your hike, and check out other clips on DEC's YouTube Channel.
Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code:
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
10 Hiking Essentials
Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience.
NAVIGATION
- Map
- Compass
- GPS system
- Extra batteries
INSULATION/RAIN GEAR
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Thermal undergarments (pack extra)
- Wool socks (pack extra)
- Goggles - Winter
- Face mask - Winter
LIGHT
- Headlamp
- Flashlight
- Lanterns
- Extra batteries
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Use a pre-made kit or build your own
EMERGENCY KIT
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Duct tape
- Pocket knife/multi-tool, etc.
- Bright colored cloth
FIRE
- Matches in waterproof container
- Lighter
- Fire starters
NUTRITION
- Choose high protein and high calorie items
- Pack extra food
- In the winter break food into small pieces and pack in the center of pack to avoid freezing
WATER
- Pack at least 2 liters per person
- Carry more than you think you will need
- Water filtration or purifying system
- In the winter insulate your hydro-tubing or pack water in the center of pack to avoid freezing
SUN and INSECT PROTECTION
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Bug Repellent
- Bug Net
EMERGENCY SHELTER
- Tent
- Space Blanket
- Tarp
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 (leaves DEC Website)
- Finger Lakes area (leaves DEC Website)
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
