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TAKE A HIKE! September is a great month to get out and Hike. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do. This month we’ll feature all things hiking around Greenbelt and beyond!
LEARN! You can have excellent Trail Etiquette when Sharing Trails! Some of the trails you'll visit are multiple-use, meaning that hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-highway vehicle riders may all share the same trail. A basic etiquette rule is Wheels Yield to Heels. Keep this in mind when approaching other trail users. Bicyclists or motorized vehicles yield to all other users while hikers, walkers, yield to horseback riders.
CONNECT! Another way to have excellent trail etiquette is to practice The 7 Principles of Leave NoTrace. You can email Alison Longworth for your free LNT Ethics Card Tag!
PLAY! Download this Bigfoot & Friends Activity Booklet!LEARN! Trails are magic. You already know that a map and compass are part of the 10 Essentials, so it’s important to understand How to Read a Topo Map.
Once you’ve gotten the basics, you may want to check out this wonderfully addictive sport, Orienteering.
CONNECT! This awesome website from Hiking Project is a great place to start planning your next Maryland hike. It allows you to easily navigate trails by state, then will break down searches by difficulty, distance, trail type, rating, and more!
PLAY! Ready, Set, Hunt! [PLEASE MAKE PRINTABLE]
LEARN! Hike Boots or Trail Shoes, finding the right footwear can make or break your adventure experience. It’s important to consider the Type, Components, and Fit. Check out How to Choose Hiking Boots from REI.
CONNECT! Spend any length of time outside on a hiking trail and you’re bound to come across examples of well-kept trails, perfectly placed trail blazes, helpful signs or even carefully-crafted stone steps guiding you along. Whether it’s trail building, trail maintenance, and trail repair or even a monthly clean-up, you have volunteer trail maintenance groups to thank for keeping those paths pristine.
Donating your time as a trail maintenance volunteer can not only nourish your body and soul, but connect you with nature and create experiences unlike any other. You can even have your own Volunteer Vacation with the American Hiking Society (AHS)!
PLAY! If you’re ready for more adventure, check out The Best Trail Finder Apps and Websites for Discovering Local Hikes
#GETOUTANDHIKE #GOHIKE #iHIKE #GOOUTSIDE #GETOUTDOORS
LEARN! Cairns, Paint, Etchings, Posts, and Flags can all help you stay on course. This week we learn about How to Read Trail Signs, Markers, and Blazes!
What Are Trail Markers Used For? Trails just don't spontaneously appear. They are planned, built and blazed so people can travel safely from trailhead to summit and beyond. The purpose of a trail marker (or blaze) is to help hikers follow a given path. It is used to indicate things such as the beginning and end of a trail, a change of direction or an intersection.
CONNECT! Older youth may enjoy the thrill of a Night Hike. Night Hikes are also a great way to get a new perspective on a familiar trail. Check out these 7 Tips for a Safe Night Hike
PLAY! Trail Spotlight: Greenbelt National Park! Trails are open, and it’s a quick way to connect with nature right here in Greenbelt!
THANK YOU GREENBELT WORKERS!
LEARN! First let’s talk about The Ten Essentials. The best way to ensure you will enjoy your time is to plan ahead and prepare. Check out this 10 Essentials list from REI.
CONNECT! Find a (socially distanced) Hiking Partner. If you don’t know any hikers, many cities and towns have hiking clubs that regularly plan outings. You can host a virtual hike event with friends and family and walk the distance of a cool destination like the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) or Route 66 (2,448 miles)! Online groups, such as MeetUp, are also a great way to find hiking buddies.
PLAY! Spotlight Greenbelt Trail: Have you been to the Indian Creek Trail that connects Cherrywood Lane to Greenbelt Station?
View past month's Outdoor Activity Series!