LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2019 LOCALadk Magazine 5 LOCALadk Five Trailhead Tips for a Safe Hike A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation 1. Park Responsibly Many trailheads have designated parking areas. Parking in these areas reduces risk for you, your car, and passing motor- ists. Parking in restricted or prohibited areas puts you in dan- gerous proximity to passing cars when you exit your vehicle. Illegally parked cars can also inhibit safe traffic flow, increas- ing the possibility of accidents. Avoid returning to a parking ticket or damaged car by parking in designated spots, and always plan a back-up hike in case there are no legal parking spots available at your desired trailhead. 2. Check Your Gear Before you hit the trail, double-check your gear. Make sure you are properly prepared with the essentials: food, water, a first aid kit, a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, a map of the area, extra layers, suitable footwear, matches or a lighter for starting an emergency fire, and any seasonal equipment you may need. Confirm that your gear is in good condition and fits into a pack you can comfortably carr y. If you are missing something, now is the time to go get it. 3. Review Your Route Knowing which trails you plan to take and having a gen- eral understanding of the land around you will reduce your chances of getting lost. Discuss the route with your group and make sure ever yone has a map of the surrounding area. That way, if anyone gets separated from the group, they still have the tools they need to navigate safely. 4. Share Your Plans Before you arrive at the trailhead, while you still have ser vice, share your plans with someone reliable. Tell them where you are going, what you are hiking, who you are with, and give them an estimated time of completion. If you don't return on time, that person can alert authorities and trigger a timely search and rescue if needed. 5. Sign In at Trail Registers Signing in at trail registers is an important safety measure. If you are reported missing, DEC Forest Rangers can refer to the trail register to see where you planned to hike, if you in- tended to stay overnight, and your group size. They can also see who else was on the trail, and, if needed, contact them for information on when and where you were last seen. For- est Rangers routinely check trail registers, so be sure to sign out at the end of your hike! Fall is a beautiful time of year to hike in the Adirondacks and enjoy the stunning foliage views. Follow these trailhead safety tips whenever you hike to ensure your safety while you enjoy the scener y. With cooler weather, fewer bugs, and brilliantly colored leaves, it's easy to see why so many people enjoy fall hiking in the Adirondacks. While it's impossible to predict ever ything you will encounter on the trail, there are safety precautions you can take to ensure a fun, safe hike. Be- fore your next hike, follow these five trailhead safety tips. Joey Priola

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