“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates.

When the imposition of shelter-in-place and lockdown started to tighten its grip on us, we were all longing for long walks and outdoor activities. The pandemic has had us sheltered at home for a prolonged period, that even the non-hikers started to develop a craving for hiking.

Walking for pleasure is a favorite hobby for most people. People find it as one of the best recreational activities to get rid of stress. With the sedentary lifestyle that we were forced to lead during the lockdown, everyone is up for a hiking spree.

Is it safe to go hiking at this time?

The pandemic is not yet over. Every time we step out of our home, we put our lives at risk. Every public or outdoor space we explore during this time doesn’t guarantee safety.

As the hiking trails are reopening, people are desperately waiting to hit the trails. You can expect to have a large crowd at the site. So, it is our responsibility to ensure our safety while we are hiking.

How to enjoy hiking safely and responsibly during the pandemic?

You can’t expect to have the usual hiking experience during this time. There are indeed some restrictions. The safety protocols you had to follow while hiking might be a bit disappointing but can keep you safe throughout. So, here is what you have to do:

• Equip yourself with protective gear: Masks are mandatory even while you are hiking. Mask up and practice social distancing. As you walk, take off your mask only if you need the breath of fresh air. Although you can have occasional physical contact among your bubble, you can’t shake hands with others. Try to stay 3-6 feet away from people.
• Be mindful of what you touch: As you know, Coronavirus can live on a surface for about 72 hours, there are chances of infections. So, always be mindful of what you touch. Carry hand sanitizers and sanitize your hands whenever you get to touch a surface. If you are annoyed by sanitizing your hands more often, Wear a disposable glove.
• Avoid peak hours: It is hard to practice social distancing if the place is overcrowded. Try to find a hiking trail that follows staggered schedules to regulate the crowd. People usually throng the hiking trails in large numbers between 10 am to 3 pm. So plan accordingly, either try to reach early or go after 3. By this, you can maintain social distancing.
• Avoid difficult routes: It is not the right time to seek adventure. Try to avoid hard or arduous paths. Do not get lost or get yourself in trouble at a time emergency services are limited. Better opt for easily accessible, well-known hiking trails with essential amenities in your city. Finding such a place is not a big deal. Nowadays, websites like ThreeBestRated® and Tripadvisor provide an ample amount of information about hiking trails.

All of those who are eagerly waiting to reclaim your joy of hiking, Venture out with safety. Safety is not guaranteed unless you keep safe all by yourself.