A North Carolina high school student continues to recover from a serious fall earlier this week at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County, and parks officials and outdoor experts say her accident is a harsh reminder that hiking often requires more than walking. “Perhaps the safest way to make a trail is to pave it, to put up orange cones and guard rails,” said Matthew...
Learn MoreWhen it’s time to shut the windows to avoid waking up the oil burner prematurely, it’s also a good time to remember the importance of being prepared for changes in the weather when heading out for a hike. It’s a timeless message, but one that seems especially pertinent in autumn. That’s when warm days can quickly turn chilly as the day progresses....
Learn MoreWalking on two legs seems like the right thing to do even before we’re a year old. It does have its disadvantages though – mostly in balance compared to our 4-legged friends. In spite of that, we humans do an excellent job of getting around on only two. In rough terrain or on unstable rocks or crossing fast moving streams or muddy slippery areas, or up and down steep...
Learn MoreViolent encounters with animals at national parks are rare, but the danger of severe injury, illness and possibly death make prevention all the more important. Many of the national parks in the U.S. are teeming with wildlife. People are often motivated to visit these parks to see impressive representatives of the animal kingdom for themselves. For the most part,...
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Learn MoreSpring is a great time to go hiking in Gila, NM. The weather is warmer – but not too warm – the desert blooming, and hiking into the wilderness offers great views not seen from any car window. But hiking safely should be everyone’s first priority, and as you’ll see, even an experienced hiker can make a mistake. Linda Ferrara has been hiking the...
Learn MoreMinor scrapes and bruises are expected, but ranger Louis Andres said hikers should be able to avoid major outdoor accidents. “The main thing is people need to stay on the trails,” said the Ohio State Park District Manager. “There are white blazes on the trees marking the path. What gets confusing is when you have bridle, hiking and bike trails all...
Learn MoreHiking in and around Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley in California can be fun and exciting, however it can also be very dangerous. Hiking is a relaxing and rewarding outdoor activity, but there are a few things that every hiker should know before they head out on the desert trail. No matter when you go hiking in the desert always have the correct equipment and lots...
Learn MoreFall weather will show hikers one thing: It sure is changeable. One day it’s summer-like and the next you need to wear your mitts and wool hat. Sometimes it happens in the same day. That’s typical in fall, the second-most changeable season after spring. Expecting conditions to change is part of planning for a safe hike any time of year. It’s especially important when it...
Learn MoreEvery trail leads hikers to new adventure, so every hiker should be prepared for anything. Outdoor adventurers need good hiking equipment to enjoy a safe and successful trek. Choosing the right equipment is all about keeping it light and carrying as little as possible. Even if you’ve been traveling light on most of your hiking excursions, you should re-evaluate your...
Learn MoreSummer is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and swimming. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow common sense safety precautions. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before starting out....
Learn MorePacing is an essential part of hiking because it allows people to reach goals and objectives that they may not have otherwise been able to reach. As long as the steps of the participant are measured and regular, they will be able to keep going on for much longer than they would normally. Hiking can be a draining experience for those that are unprepared. Often times,...
Learn MoreThunderstorms and lightning are a common occurrences throughout the United States, particularly in June, July and August. While the best defense is not to hike on days when thunderstorms are likely, there’s still a good chance that you’ll be caught in one with little warning. Here are some important safety tips to keep you safe if you find yourself in a...
Learn MoreWhen hiking in bear country, it is recommended that each hiker carry his or her own can of pepper spray. If a bear attacks, you will be happy if you have already practiced these six tips: 1.) Have your can of bear pepper spray readily accessible. Wear it in a holster on your hip or shoulder strap of backpack. Don’t pack it away inside your fanny back or backpack – you...
Learn MoreWith hopes of preventing another fatal encounter between a hiker and a mountain goat, Olympic National Park officials will urge hikers not to urinate on trails, as the salty deposits in effect become “long linear salt licks.” Bob Boardman, of Port Angeles, Washington, was gored to death by a mountain goat last Oct. 16 on a park trail near Klahhane Ridge some...
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. My regular hiking companions have designated me the lead hiker, so I suppose that makes me the slowest Meanderthal. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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