A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking
I always feel great after a good hike. Whether it is on flat trails or rocky terrain, walking around in nature helps me recharge and gives my brain a much needed break from electronic gadgets like computers, phones and other devices. One of the things I love most about hiking is discovering different parts of Ontario and seeing the beautiful landscape across the province. Hiking allows me to combine three of the things I love most - going on walks with my dog, being out in nature, and landscape photography. Hiking an inexpensive activity that is great for people of all ages and varying degrees of experience. All you really need is a pair of hiking shoes or boots, hiking socks, a backpack for water and snacks, and access to trails. Happy trails everyone!
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The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hiking as a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise. It is usually done on trails. You can find hiking trails at most provincial and national parks across Canada, and at various conservation areas throughout Ontario. There are also tons of trails scattered at parks. Visit the Ontario Provincial Parks website to find a trail near you, or use the app All Trails to discover a new place to explore.
Research has shown that being out in nature has many health benefits including reducing anger, anxiety, and stress. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that one of the best ways to improve mental health is by spending time outdoors. In fact, doctors have been prescribing hikes.
Hiking is also great physical activity. The intensity of the your hike will depend on the distance of the trail, elevation, terrain, and the amount of gear you are carrying. If you are new to hiking, try picking a short, easy hike to ease your body into it. Work your way up to more intense trails as you gain experience and become more comfortable on the trails.
Planning helps to make your trip more enjoyable. Selecting a new place to explore is half the fun. Here are some things I do before I head out on a day hike.
Check the weather report for when you plan to go hiking. Check the weather for the days you plan on going hiking. Check the temperature and see if it is calling for rain or snow. I enjoy hiking in all weather except rain. The trails get very wet and muddy making them difficult to walk on especially if the terrain is rocky or has steep slopes that you need to climb up or down. Knowing the temperature and weather conditions will help you decide how to dress for your hike and if the weather conditions are safe for you to head out.
Choose a park with trails you want to hike. I normally hike trails in Ontario Provincial Parks, National Parks, Conservation Areas, or along the Bruce Trail. A great app you can use to find a trail near you is AllTrails. It includes reviews of hiking trails and difficulty ratings. Just keep in mind that people perceive difficulty differently. What may be hard to you may be moderately challenging to others.
Choose a trail that you can comfortably complete. If you are comfortable walking 5 kilometres, consider choosing a trail of similar length or shorter. If you are planning to hike with your dog or dogs, keep in mind the distance you normally walk around with them. The trail you decide to tackle together should be one you and your dogs can complete. Also, be mindful of elevation changes throughout the trail. If climbing up and down is challenging for you, pick trails that are relatively flat. I have bad knees so I avoid trails with steep climbs up and down.
Consider hiking early in the day. I generally hike early in the morning. I like it because there are fewer people out. Also, the weather is cooler during the summer months. Try to avoid hiking in the scorching sun if you can. Hiking in hotter weather is more taxing on your body and can lead to heat exhaustion if you are not properly hydrated or fueled up. The same risks apply to your dogs.
Hike with a friend. If you are new to hiking, consider heading out with a friend or a group of people. Hiking with a group is fun. You can help each other navigate and traverse up and down slopes. Also important to have someone around in the event of an emergency. If you decide to hike by yourself, I highly recommend telling a friend or loved one where you are planning to hike and when you plan to be back home. Just in case you get lost or hurt on the trails.
I try to pack as little as I can for day hikes. What I bring with me depends on the weather, how far I will be from a city or town, and the duration of my trip. Here are things I always have in my pack.
Hydration. I always bring a water bottle for me and one for my dog Louie. For about a 10 km hike, I usually bring about 1 litre of water for myself and about 500 ml for my dog. I also keep a soft water bottle with about 250 ml of water in my dog’s hiking pack. I keep another water bottle in the car that I can use when I am back from my hike. Staying well hydrated helps prevent heatstroke and keeps your muscles well oxygenated.
First aid kit. Waterproof pouch with bandages and gauze, antibiotic cream, Benedryl in case I or someone I am with has an allergic reaction, children’s Benedryl in case my dog has an allergic reaction. Hopefully, you will never need to use it but, it will come in handy if you get a cut or get bit by something that causes an allergic reaction.
Emergency kit. In addition to a first aid kit, I have some emergency gear in my pack in case I get stranded. I keep a wind-up battery-powered lantern as well as a headlamp in my bag. I also have a few pieces of firestarter and waterproof matches in case I need to set up camp somewhere and start a fire to stay warm. Additionally, I have a lightweight windbreaker for added warmth if I need it.
Snacks. I bring food for myself and my dog. I bring along dried fruits, nuts, and Clif bars that I munch on throughout the hike. My personal favourite foods are dried mango, raisins, and almonds. I also pack baby carrots and some dog biscuits for Louie.
Navigation tools. Google maps are pretty useless on the trails. I usually download maps of trails so I can consult them throughout the hike. I usually download them the night before so I know I have them. If I can get a physical map, I will also bring that.
Sun protection. Make sure to keep you and your dog protected against the sun. Wear sunblock that is at least 30 SPF to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Consider wearing sunglasses, a hat, and long-sleeved shirts and pants for added protection. If you are hiking with your dog, be mindful of how hot the ground is. Unlike you, your dog doesn’t have boots to protect its paws against the hot surface.
Other gear. For longer hikes or if you are going somewhere that is really remote, you may consider bringing extra clothing in case you get stranded and need to keep warm. You may also want to bring along a satellite phone to call for help if you get stranded.
What should you wear when you are hiking? Well, it depends on a variety of things. But generally, you want to wear a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots that have good grip and socks that have some cushion to prevent blisters. Don’t just jump into a new pair of boots or shoes. They need to be broken in first for maximum comfort. If you get new boots, try putting them on and walking around your neighbourhood to get used to them. New boots can be uncomfortable, and the last thing you want on the trails is sore or painful feet. After all, you will be relying on your feet to get around. Check out our post on the advantages of hiking boots and shoes.
You also want to wear light breathable clothing that wicks away sweat. I usually hike in long sleeve shirts and pants. I prefer natural fibres such as wool because it is breathable and odor resistant. If you are hiking in the winter, it is better to dress in layers rather than wear thick bulky clothes. You can easily remove layers if you get too hot. I prefer sweaters made of merino wool or synthetic fibers that trap heat while are still breathable. I opt for pants in all weather conditions because find that pants offer protection against shrubs and branches and add a layer of defense against bugs. In the winter, I usually throw on two extra layers of long underwear - the first layer is a thin layer followed by a thicker layer and then pants that offer some wind and water resistance. Sometimes I will wear stretchy denim or khaki pants. Long shirts and pants also protect against bugs. I also suggest wearing a baseball cap or hiking hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and help keep your head cool. Sunglasses are also important to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays. In colder weather, I always hike with gloves. If you are hiking in the winter, consider wearing layers of gloves for added warmth. Wear a waterproof and windproof jacket or softshell to keep you dry and warm.
Remember, safety is first. One of the most important tips I have is to stay on the trails. While we all love adventures, wandering off trails can cause ecological damage to the environment and may result in you getting really lost. During your hike, it is important to pay attention to and respect any signage that is around. There may be sections of the trails that are closed off because it is too dangerous or because there is rehabilitation work underway. Keep an eye on ground conditions. If the ground is very wet and muddy, it can become slippery and dangerous to walk on especially if you are trying to go up or down a slope. It is best to avoid these areas. Trust your instincts. If you think it is too dangerous, just turn around and come back another time when the conditions are better. The best thing about hiking is that you can do it over and over again.
One thing you should absolutely learn to do is to read trail markers. Most trails at parks and dedicated hiking trails like the Bruce Trail are well marked. There are different colours for the main trail and side trails. Knowing how to read these will ensure you are on the trail you want to be on and will help prevent you from getting lost. If you are hiking at a provincial park or conservation area, you will most likely come across a map of the park with the trails. They are usually posted at the park entrances or at the entrance of trails. Take a picture of it before you start your journey. It will come in handy if you get turned around or if you want to know how much further you have to go before you reach the end of the trail or to complete the trail loop. You can also purchase trail maps or download them from apps like AllTrails.
Some trails have man-made staircases that provide access to different areas of the park. They can be made from various materials ranging from wood and steel. Staircases can become treacherous when they are iced over. Try to maintain three points of contact when walking up and downstairs. And more importantly, take your time. Hiking is not a race!
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated. You may not feel it, but the heat and sun in the summer can be exhausting. Not consuming enough water will leave you at a higher risk of heat stroke. Don’t forget to also keep your dog well-hydrated if it is tagging along on the hike.
The hiking trails are for everyone to enjoy and it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of them. Here are some things to keep in mind on your next hike.
Leave no trace. Don’t leave your trash on the trails. Make sure to pack up your trash and take it out of the park with you. Human foods can be dangerous for wildlife. This also applies to your dog. Make sure to clean up their business and bring it out with you.
Keep your dog leashed. If you are hiking with your dog, please make sure to keep them on a leash. While they may be very well behaved, you may come across others on the trail who are afraid of dogs, or your dog could have an unexpected reaction to an animal on the trail and dart off. Also, keep them away from water sources. It is for their own safety and the safety of other animals. And lastly, make sure to clean up after them.
Pass on the left. Stay to the right on the trails and pass on the left. Unless you are passing others, maintain distance between you and other hikers.
Leave nature alone. Leave plants, trees, rocks, and flowers in the place they appear.
People heading uphill have the right of way. Pay attention as you are hiking. Whenever you come across a hiker or group of hikers heading uphill and you are going downhill, yield to them. Continue on once the group has finished climbing. Remember, safety first!
Be respectful to your fellow hikers. Hikers are generally friendly people. Smile and say hello to others as you come across them on the trails. While blasting your favourite songs may be pleasurable to you, other hikers may find it annoying. Wear earbuds and keep it turned down so you can hear others or wildlife around you.
Hiking provides and excellent workout. And like all workouts, it is important to do a few things afterwards to help your body recover and be ready for your next time out. Here are some things to consider doing post hike.
Hydrate yourself. Make sure to replenish with plenty of fluids. I prefer to drink sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to replenish my electrolytes. Water is also a great choice. If you are hiking with your dog, don’t forget to give your canine companion some water as well. Staying properly hydrated is important for both you and your dog’s health.
Check for ticks. Do a quick check for ticks. Try wearing light coloured clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. Don’t forget to also check your dog for ticks. Although not all ticks carry Lyme Disease, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Fuel up. You used up quite a bit of energy during your hike. Nibble on some snacks to give your energy levels a boost. I usually have a Clif Bar or granola bar at the end of a hike. Leave some snacks in your vehicle for when you return from your adventure so you have something to snack on.
Stretch your muscles. It’s always nice to stretch after a long hike. Stretching can help reduce aches and pains. It can also help you speed up the recovery process so you can back to hiking sooner. Regular stretching can help increase your range of motion and reduce the risks of injuries.
Get some rest. After a nice long hike, make sure you and your pup get some rest. It’s important to give your body time to recover so you can get back on the trails. It also helps prevent injuries.