How to Plan a Trip on a Nature Trail

Hiking the local nature trail during spring is a favorite activity. The sweet smells of the emerging forest floor and the vibrant greens of budding trees fill the senses. Another ideal time to plan a trip to the nature trail is fall, when leaves crunch underfoot and the air is crisp. With the proper planning, a trip to a nature trail is a sensational pleasure any time of the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Pencil and paper

1. Decide what will be the focus of the trip to the nature trail. Backpacking and camping? Afternoon hiking? Bird-watching? This decision affects the rest of the trip planning.

2. Start a list of items needed for the hike as they are identified during your planning.

3. Choose the nature trail. Trails come in all sizes: local park trails, major trails like the Appalachian, in wilderness areas and in national and state parks and forests. Many abandoned railways are now trails.

4. Get a map of the designated nature trail and choose a route. Consider the health of each hiker when deciding the length of the route. Identify camping areas, rest areas and water access.

5. Select where the party will begin the nature trail and where to end. Decide on pickup and drop-off transportation. If you are taking a short afternoon hike, this is usually the same spot.

6. Leave a copy of the itinerary with another person not going to the nature trail. Include expected times of arrival and return. This is strictly for emergencies.

7. Watch the weather forecast. Be aware of expected changes in weather such as snow, thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes.

8. Pack a first aid kit. Include snakebite materials, allergy medications, bee sting kits and simple first aid items. Keep the items in the kit up to date.

9. Include field guides, binoculars, a camera and sketchbooks when you pack. A nature trail is full of beautiful surprises and there is lots of time to stop and enjoy them.

10. Cross things off the planning list as they are packed. Don't forget the basics when camping overnight such as backpacks, tents, cookstoves, boots and proper clothing.

11. Be aware of and plan for any serious medical conditions of the group such as diabetes or asthma.

12. Have sufficient water treatment materials for every person. Pack water from home for a day trip; use water filters for longer trips. Plan for about one gallon of water per person per day when hiking.

13. Plan for any wildlife concerns such as rabid animals (raccoons are common), bears (hang food in trees away from the site), snakes, spiders or scorpions. Each nature trail area has different issues.

14. Designate a cook for each day if you are camping overnight. Plan meals together so all dietary needs are met. Take high-energy snacks like trail mix and peanut butter.

15. Dress in layers, which are easily removed or added. Gore-Tex, wool and silk are excellent choices.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack a small daypack, even if taking an afternoon hike. Include first aid items, a safety blanket, water, compass, fire starting materials and quick food like nuts and dried fruit. This is strictly for emergencies.
• Check inside of the sleeping bag before climbing in. Remove any wildlife you happen to find.
• Bring out what is taken in. Leave the trail as it was or better. Do not discard garbage along the way.
• Do not break in new shoes or boots on a nature trail hike. Take moleskin to treat blisters.
• Be aware of fire conditions in the nature trail area and plan for alternatives.