The White Mountains area is home to nearly a dozen paid and volunteer search and rescue teams. And while they are all well prepared to help hikers out of a pickle (or worse), there is a lot hikers can do to avoid needing to call on these professionals. Before your next hike, make sure you are prepared for a safe, fun day in the mountains with these tips.
Since trail conditions are weather dependent… always (ALWAYS) check, double-check, and triple-check the weather forecast. If your hike includes significant elevation change, check the forecast at the base and at the summit. Two great resources for this are the Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast and the broader focused www.mountain-forecast.com.
And, lastly, it’s good practice to let someone know your hiking plan by providing them with your estimated schedule, a copy of your trail map, and the direction you intend to hike. If something should happen to you on the trail, this person should be able to notify authorities that you’ve not returned from your hike.
Your pre-hike planning should include research on native wildlife, and your gear should reflect your plan of action if you encounter dangerous wildlife. Many hikes won’t require any special wildlife mitigating items–other than a keen ear and eye. But in some places, bear spray and (or) a bear bell is advised.
Hiking with a group can be a great team-building activity, and it allows hikers to spread out some gear across several packs. It’s a good idea to connect with your hiking companions to see what they are packing so you don’t unnecessarily duplicate items or miss an essential piece of gear.
Expert naturalists always aim to follow the Leave No Trace principles on their hikes. Those include planning ahead, leaving what you find, and carrying out what you carry in and being respectful of others. Do not remove any plants, earth matter, or wildlife. Likewise, always pack out your trash. As the name suggests, there should be no trace of your journey other than light footprints and your own photos.
Hiking in the White Mountains is a wonderful experience for every level of hiker. Physical achievement, communing with nature, and wildlife sightings are all part of the allure of the White Mountains. Make your hike even more enjoyable by planning ahead, packing smart, and hiking safely.
Guineafowl Adventure Company provides full-service, turnkey guided day hikes in the White Mountains and beyond for people of all abilities and experience levels. We take care of all the planning and preparation for hiking and provide round-trip transportation from the Greater Boston area, day packs with hydration and snacks, safety and convenience items, and friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced guides to lead the way!
Guineafowl's mission is to remove the barriers and obstacles that keep people from exploring nature, so they can feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed while experiencing the physical and mental health benefits of hiking and connecting with nature.
Visit our website to schedule your guided hike or contact us to book a private excursion.
