To thrive and survive outdoors, safety begins far before the trailhead. It starts the minute you get behind the wheel. Don’t overlook the first, and most critical, rule of the road: Put on your seat belt. After that, an enjoyable trail excursion extends beyond the drive to etiquette and execution on the run — or hike — itself.

Planning and preparation matter, especially when you’re sharing multiuse trails. While your experience level and comfort with the terrain also factor into the risks at hand, there are simple ways to come home safely. (That goes for the dog you might be bringing, too, if the trail permits.) Mind these best safety practices to help ensure you return from the hike or run accident-free, with only memories from your trail adventures. 

Tips for Backyard Trips 

Wait your turn. On multiuse trails, cyclists yield the right of way to runners and hikers, and everyone yields to horses. If you’re descending, step aside for uphillers (they deserve it).

Camel up. Your partner told us you get grumpy when you’re thirsty. Pack at least 2 L per day minimum, and a gallon per person in hot weather.

Stay on trail. Spot a puddle or some mud? Run through it. It protects the environment from erosion (and it’s more fun than you think). 

Pack it in, pack it out. Sorry, but that includes used toilet paper, as well as orange peels, flyaway wrapper fragments, and dog waste. 

Always good to check the forecast, and to embrace the mud when you encounter puddles on trail; (photo/Shutterstock)

Trail Advice for Hiking and Running Trips Afar 

Leave word. If you’re going solo, tell a buddy where you’re headed, when you’ll be back — and when they’re allowed to start worrying. 

Check the weather. This includes forecasts as well as trip reports. Lingering snow, high-water crossings, and missing bridges can all derail a mission. 

Have a nav plan. All trips deserve a cool map, but remote and unfamiliar trails make it critical. Bring a paper guide, a compass, and a GPS app as backup. 

Bring your med kit. You probably won’t get hurt out, but the extra ounces will be worth it if you do. Painkillers, medical tape, gauze, and allergy meds top the list.

Minimizing dog drama on the trail starts with the leash; (photo/Shutterstock)

Doggie Dos and Don’ts

Here’s how to be an exemplary trail citizen when your pup’s in tow. 

Do: 

  • Check the trail or park for pet restrictions. Some are pickier than others.
  • Use a leash. It’s less fun, but it helps protect other dogs and wildlife.
  • Remember that even if your fur baby is a complete angel, some trail users are still afraid of dogs. Stay close. 
  • Pack extra water and a collapsible bowl. And maybe a treat or two. 
  • Pick up after your pup and carry it with you (no matter how stinky it is).

Don’t: 

  • Leave a doggie bag on or beside the trail — even if you think you’ll remember it. 
  • Hike or run in temps hotter than 75°, especially with long-haired breeds.
  • Let your pup drink untreated water. (Giardia is an indiscriminate villain.)  
  • Bring aggressive dogs on public trails. We know they don’t mean it, but it’s not worth an accident. 
  • Go too hard, too fast. Like you, dogs don’t always perform their best off the couch. Take time to build fitness together before attempting bigger objectives. 

— See more in The Safety Detail, our film series and full activity guide to surviving and thriving outdoors. 

This article is sponsored by NHTSA: Click It or Ticket. 

NHTSA SPONSORED CONTENT TRAIL RUNNING

GJ Staff