Safety Tips for Hikers

Charles has loved the trails at Blood Mountain and hiked them throughout his life. He would want everyone who ventures into the wilderness to return home safely. Please take these precautions seriously.

BEFORE YOU GO:

Tell Someone Your Plans

  • Share your exact trail name and route, and what you are wearing

  • Provide your departure and expected return time

  • Leave your car make, model, and license plate

  • Check in when you return

Download AllTrails App

  • Download maps for offline use (cell service can be extremely limited)

  • Enable location tracking

  • Share your route with emergency contacts

  • Review trail conditions and recent comments

Check the Weather

  • Mountain weather changes rapidly

  • Postpone if severe weather is forecasted

  • Know that temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations

WHAT TO BRING:

Power & Communication

  • Fully charged cell phone

  • External battery pack/portable charger

  • Consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator for remote areas

Navigation

  • Physical map and compass (don't rely solely on phone)

  • Whistle (three blasts = distress signal)

  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

Clothing & Protection

  • Wear bright colors (orange, red, yellow) - easier to spot if you need help

  • Dress in layers

  • Pack extra clothes (weather changes fast)

  • Rain jacket (even if forecast is clear)

  • Hat and gloves (even in warmer months - temperatures drop at elevation)

Safety & Survival Essentials

  • Lighter and/or waterproof matches

  • First aid kit

  • Emergency blanket

  • Knife or multi-tool

  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)

Food & Water

  • More water than you think you need

  • High-energy snacks

  • Water purification tablets or filter

WHILE HIKING:

Stay on Marked Trails

  • Don't take shortcuts

  • Trail markers can be sparse in wilderness areas - pay close attention

  • If you lose the trail, backtrack to last known marker or stay put

Pace Yourself

  • Know your limits

  • Turn back if conditions worsen or you're running late

  • It's okay to change plans

Stay Together

  • Never hike alone if possible

  • Keep group together - hike at pace of slowest member

  • Designate regular check-in points

Mark Your Location

  • Take photos at trail intersections

  • Note landmarks

  • Use AllTrails to track your path

IF YOU GET LOST OR INJURED:

STOP

  • Don't panic

  • Stay where you are (especially if injured)

  • Make yourself visible - stay in clearings if possible

SIGNAL FOR HELP

  • Three whistle blasts (repeat)

  • Use your phone even without signal - 911 calls can sometimes get through

  • Bright clothing helps searchers spot you

  • Make noise periodically

STAY WARM & DRY

  • Find or create shelter

  • Put on extra layers

  • Stay dry - hypothermia is a serious risk

CONSERVE PHONE BATTERY

  • Put phone in airplane mode

  • Turn off periodically

  • Turn on occasionally to see if you have signal

REMEMBER:

No hike is worth your life. Turn back if conditions are unsafe. There is no shame in changing your plans.