Spring hiking tips

Stay safe on the trails as the ticks awaken and the rain falls.

Spring is springing forth! As the temperatures rise, the leaves emerge, and the birds start singing, it’s a great time of year to get back out on the trails if you spent winter cooped up indoors.

The list of hiking essentials is useful all year round, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind during this season of change.

• Temperatures can vary widely from place to place and during the course of the day. When you left home, the sun was shining and you felt warm, but your destination is an open, windy field. Or the weather shifted and it’s raining. Or you’re in a dark forest in a different part of the county. Be sure to bring an extra layer (especially a hat!), pack rain gear, and check the weather for where you’re headed.
  
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Spring’s cooler temperatures may have you feeling grateful for the sun’s warm embrace, but sunburn can happen in any season.
  
  
• Be wary of ticks. These hungry little bloodsuckers are emerging and looking for a fresh meal. Make sure you pack insect repellant, hike in the center of trails, wear light-colored clothing that covers your skin, and tuck your pants into your socks (and your shirt into your pants!). Be sure to perform a thorough tick check before leaving your hiking spot, and check again when you get home. Bringing your dog? Be sure to check Fido or Fluffy for ticks too.
  
  
• Watch out for mud, ice, and slippery surfaces. It’s called mud season for a reason! Trails through fields and near water bodies may be especially muddy, while those that are shaded could be icier. Make sure your footwear is water-repellant or waterproof and has good purchase on slippery surfaces. You may also want to invest in stability aids like trekking poles.