Spring, summer, fall, winter–hiking is a healthful form of recreation that can be enjoyed year round, weather permitting. The benefits of hiking are enormous. It’s a source of enjoyment, and entertainment, that can be done solo or in groups. It provides the opportunity to spend time outdoors, and learn about nature. Hiking is also an excellent form of exercise, and very easily tailored to different skill sets. And both physical activity and being outdoors can be a wonderfully effective way to relieve stress.

But to take advantage of these many benefits, hiking must be done safely. For those who aren’t used to being out of doors, or aren’t familiar with their own abilities and limits, hiking accidents can happen. Even experienced hikers must plan in advance.

Plan your hike ahead of time. Preparing properly for your hike will allow you to locate the necessary maps, plan the distance appropriately, and assess the difficulty level. These things can help you to avoid getting lost, or misjudging a trail and being stuck out overnight. Aside from danger, it’s no fun to have a hike cut short because a rock slide has obliterated the trail.

There are a variety of local resources, including parks and recreation departments, national park service offices, and department of natural resource contacts that can give you current information on trails.