Hiking in warm temperatures can be very tough and staying cool while hiking is even tougher. The summer presents the best opportunity for hiking as the trails are clear of snow and the sun is out. Hiking as become a popular go-to activity for some people as it gives a chance to spend quality time admiring nature, adrenaline rush and for some others, it’s the challenge of scaling a high ridge. Summer hiking is quite an elating experience, but preparations and how to stay safe can be intimidating and that’s why this guide was created. Here you’ll find 8 tips to help you get ready for an enjoyable summer hiking in the USA.
Table of Contents
Choose your Trail
Before you think about summer hiking, it’s important to decide the best trail for you. Understanding the travel time, distance, elevation, logistics and difficulty level will help you decide on the best trail to start with or the next trip to go on. Knowing your trail will lead you to important information about your upcoming hike and shape your preparations.
Get in the Hike Shape
An important part of hiking is physical training. In the build up to your summer hike, it is important to a workout routine to get in the best possible shape for the activity. Preparing your body for days of walking will come in handy when you eventually go for your hike.
Pack Essential Hiking Gears
Selecting the right backpack is essential for packing gears for a hiking trip. While making sure you pack all necessary gears, it’s important to stay as light as possible. You’ll need a water bottle, insect repellant, sunscreen, a GPS device or compass, appropriate hiking dresses, a first aid kit, a torch and some other materials you might need.
Weather Condition Awareness
Checking the weather condition of wherever you’re going is important. Local weather networks and the internet has information n on weather forecast which you can access to know where to steer clear of and where to go.
Pack enough snacks and plenty of water
Hiking in the Summer is energy-sapping, so make sure to bring along snacks such as popcorn, sandwiches, all natural jerky and other lightweight food you may need. Staying as hydrated as possible is also important during summer hiking, ensure to carry enough water for your hike.
Start Early
Beginning your summer hike in early hours is also an important tip. Summer sun can be harsh, especially at its peak, so it is essential to avoid peak heat hours and to allow yourself to complete the task without rushing yourself.
Take Breaks
Even if you’re an experienced hiker, it’s important to take breaks when needed. Don’t neglect body signals while pacing yourself. Ensure you take regular breaks to avoid getting worn out by the summer sun.
Leave No Trace
Always remember to “leave no trace” when hiking in the heat. It is important to respect nature and help nurture and preserve for upcoming generations. Some of the principles to follow include packing out all trash, not setting fire to bush, not disturbing wildlife and being considerate of other hikers.
Some of the Most Popular Hiking Trails in the USA
Exploring outdoor destinations in the USA is cool, but wouldn’t it be to boast of having conquered some of the best hiking destinations USA has to offer? Here are some of the most populous hiking trails in the USA.
- John Muir Trail (California): this massive hike is one of the most iconic in America. Spanning 220 miles and going through some of the most famous national parks.
- Tongass National Forest: The Tongass national forest is littered with trails. As a matter of fact, there are over 700 miles of hiking trails. Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls trails are some of the iconic trails at Tongass.
- Smith Rock: taking you through mountainous landscapes, Oregon has a ton of hiking trails. With over 300 state parks and 10+ national forests, Oregon is a hiking attraction in America.
Conclusion
Finally, summer hiking provides a huge getaway experience, but it is a top priority to stay safe, prepare for unexpected situation and to prioritize wellbeing above every other thing. Enjoy the summer and have a wonderful time with friends and family.
