Dogs in Hiking/Camping Shelters
Dirty paws are no fun at home, and certianly nothing any camper wants to see trekked all over tent floors and shelters. If you intend to bring your dog to a public campsite on your hiking trip, keep them outside of shelters and off shelter platforms. Even if there is no one currently in a shelter while you are there, dogs can track mud in, leaving it behind for the next hikers. Keep an eye out for any mess your dog may make and be sure to clean up before leaving.
Get a Grip on Your Location
One of the most popular pieces of high-tech gear you can use on your hiking excursion is a GPS (Global Positioning System) device. Next to a map and compass, a GPS unit is your most important navigational tool. These devices can help search locations world-wide, expanding your horizons as a regular hiker. In addition, GPS devices are available with several accessories to make using them even more convenient. GPS holsters, for example, keep your unit strapped to your body for easy use. Many also offer recharging cords that plug right into your vehicle so you'll never run out of navigational power.
Top 10 Heart-pumping Trails
Like your hike to be a workout (or vice cersa)? The American Hiking Society has listed these city hiking trails to be the best to get your heart pumping: Red Trail - Albany, New York; Barton Creek Greenbelt - Austin, Texas; Rock Circuit Trail - Boston, Massachusetts; Sand Creek Greenway - Denver, CO; Burke Lake Trail - Greater Metro Washington, DC (Fairfax/Northern Virginia); Indiana Central Canal Towpath - Indianapolis, Indiana; The Long Path - Greater Metro New York City (New Jersey); Black Rock Loop - Phoenix, Arizona; Guy Fleming Trails - San Diego, California; Coastal Trail - San Francisco, California.
Join the Club!
Regular hikers can avail themselves of the benefits of joining hiking clubs. These clubs, which can be found throughout the country, save you a lot of time and energy as you plan excursions. Clubs bring experienced hikers together to organize regular opportunities for hiking and other social activities that revolve around hiking. Many clubs are volunteer-based. This means that you can take advantage of the resources and pay only to particiate in the group trips. Joining a hiking club is also an incredible way to get to know the area you live in.
Pitching a Tent in the Snow
Hiking trips in snowy weather don't have to be a daunting experience. Pitching a tent in the snow is actually the best way to camp, since all the traces of your stay will melt as the thaw comes. To pitch an effective tent, attach about 4-6 feet of cord to each of your stake points and use rocks or logs for anchors if the ground is too frozen or snow is too soft. If you do not have snow stakes for your tent, use water-filled one-gallon jugs to anchor the edges of your tent.