Hiking Safety 101
Article contributed by Sami Katzenberg
The weather is warming up and everyone is ready to get out of the gym. Instead of the same old path that you walk or run everyday, you want to try something different. Why not go to the Cascades (or any of the other trails around the area)? Blacksburg and surrounding areas have great places to hike for people of all fitness levels. Venture Out (located in Squires Student Center) provides not only maps of different trails, but also equipment for camping as well. Before you set out, however, you need to know some basic safety tips.
-First, and most importantly, ALWAYS HIKE WITH A FRIEND
-Make sure to hydrate before and take along water and energy packed food.
(Venture Out can tell you the estimated time it takes to hike each trail, so plan
ahead)
-Let someone at home know your plans
-Wear proper footwear.
(A hike might seem like an easy workout, but you will encounter a lot of rocks
and uneven ground)
-Be aware of wildlife
-Stay away from suspicious looking plants (link)
You want to be careful not to get hurt on the uneven ground so pay attention to where and how are stepping. (Especially if you are less experienced)
-When ascending, lock your back leg at the knee and pause briefly before taking
your next step to reduce muscle fatigue.
-Always look before you leap!
Now that you have some safety tips, it’s time to pick the hike that best suits you. Beginners should go with someone with experience and experienced hikers should always keep in mind their weakest hiker.
Cascades and Barney’s Wall
3 Miles
Takes up to 1 hour to get to the main waterfall
Kelly’s Knob
45 minutes to get to the knob
Very steep for the first 20 minutes but then levels off
Follow the white blazes on trees
War Spur and Wind Rock
War Spur-3 mile loop
Wind Rock-Quarter mile hike (about 10 minutes)
Very windy (bring a coat)
Dragon’s Tooth
5 miles total
About 1.5 hours
Very rocky toward the top
Follow the blue blazes
McAfee’s Knob
About 1 hour
Slow and steady incline
Angel’s Rest
1.5 miles
Devil’s Marbleyard
1.4 (2.8 roundtrip)
Rice Fields
Steep and Rocky
**For more information and directions to these trails stop by VENTURE OUT in Squires