There's no better atmosphere for productive thinking than hiking solo through a forest or park. An escape to nature not only clears the head, it gives the hiker a robust workout and plenty of vitamin D. But for urban women, stressing over the hazards of hiking alone deters many from enjoying the backcountry experience. In reality, all the lone woman hiker needs to fear is a disrespect for nature and overestimating her own abilities. Proper preparation knocks stress out of the equation; and with the advent of GPS (global positioning systems) and cell phone technology, even the most inexperienced woman hiker can take a safe stroll through the woods without constant fear of getting lost or injured. And should technology fail, there are useful safety tips for women to follow.
Women Hiking Alone Stick to Popular Trails
Historic and scenic trails are in abundance throughout county, state and national park systems – many within a short drive of major urban centers. For the inexperienced woman hiker, it is best to choose a trail that is paved or graded, frequently traveled, and well-marked for a variety of recreational uses: hiking, biking or horseback riding. This is especially helpful in autumn when trails through deciduous forests are often obscured by leaves or early snow.
To Hike Solo, Prepare with Confidence
According to the 2008 National Parks Service Directors Report, 275 million visitors to U.S. national parks last year resulted in 5,000 search and rescue (SAR) missions. The majority involved fatigued or injured hikers or those exercising poor judgment. "I'm a seasoned hiker," says Steven Elliott, a seasonal park guide at Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey."And I've been horribly lost when trails are not properly marked." Elliott's park is about an hour out of New York City and attracts day hikers, many of them women hiking solo. That's why all first-time hikers, no matter the gender, must be prepared.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, layered hiking clothing in bright colors, and a pair of sturdy but light hiking boots or shoes that have been "broken in" prior to the journey. Even the most casual women hikers should always carry:
- nutritious snacks, water, electrolyte solutions
- a digital camera and cell phone with a number for the local County Sheriff's Dept.
- a whistle, sunscreen, antiseptic wipes, sanitary supplies and knuckle band-aids
- a white or colored plastic garbage bag, compact mirror, small compass, and a pocket flashlight
- a watch, even if you have a cellphone.
Mind the Time on the Trail
"Distance changes utterly when you take the world on foot," writes hiker/author Bill Bryson, "Time ceases to have any meaning." (A Walk in the Woods, Broadway Books, NY, 1998, p.71)
Parks open at sunrise and close at sundown, so start out with ample time to return home before dark.
Before leaving, inform at least two other people of the trip agenda. Arrange to call them later at a set time.
Once at the trail head, check weather updates and sign in at the ranger station. Refrain from broadcasting you are a female hiking solo. Obey signs posting temporary closings for repair or hunting activities. Review trail maps and choose a midway point about a half mile from the parking lot. It takes less than two hours for a mile-long trail up and down hilly terrain, but trails can't be equated with city blocks. Before starting, women hikers should note that most parks have restroom facilities located only at parking lots or information centers.
Mark a Digital Trail
Relax and enjoy the scenery but follow signs diligently. Trail markings on trees guide the hiker from one junction to the next and correspond to maps that can be downloaded and printed from park websites prior to setting out. A thoroughly charged digital camera and cell phone are a must, not only for capturing the beauty of natural surroundings, but also for snapping a passing shot of each trail junction; a helpful reference when returning to the parking lot.
There's nothing as accurate as handheld GPS applications for identifying a path and recording a digital trail of a female hiker's movements through the woods, but satellite signals can sometimes be weak or altogether absent deep within park systems. Turning around from time to time to catch a reverse view of the trail is a low tech reminder for retracing steps. Once at midpoint, reassess the pace to estimate a return trip. The pace naturally slows with steep grades.
Nature vs. Technology in a Solo Hike
Relying on a digital trail to safely complete a hike can tempt the woman hiker to overestimate her abilities the next time out. And when nature is pitted against technology, even the most prepared hiker can have things go wrong when hiking alone. As long as the trail is respected rather than feared, the backcountry experience can be enjoyed by any woman hiking solo.
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