LITMIR.BIZ

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return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.

       Always carry a whistle. It may be a lifesaver (or at least a major stress-reducer) if you do become lost or sustain an injury.

       Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life. By the walk, trekking poles improve balance on the trail as well as when crossing streams.

       Be careful at overlooks. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

       Look up! Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living trees pose a real hazard to hikers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. Be mindful of this when walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack.

       Know hypothermia symptoms. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even during summer, especially when the hiker is wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms present themselves, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes ASAP.

       Ask questions. National and state forest employees are there to help. It’s a lot easier to ask advice beforehand, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.

       Most important of all, take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single-most important asset on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best way to ensure a rewarding and relaxing hike.

      Watchwords for Flora and Fauna

      Following is some specific advice about dealing with the various hazards that come with wandering through the ecosystem. They are listed in alphabetical order.

      BLACK BEARS In primitive and remote areas, assume bears are present; in more developed sites, check on the current bear situation prior to hiking. Most encounters are food related, as bears have an exceptional sense of smell and not particularly discriminating tastes. While this is of greater concern to backpackers and campers, on a day hike, you may plan a lunchtime picnic or just munch on an energy bar or other snack from time to time. So remain aware and alert.

      Though attacks by black bears are rare indeed, the sight or approach of a bear will give anyone a start. If you encounter a bear while hiking, remain calm and never turn your back to run away. Instead, make loud noises to scare off the bear and back away slowly.

      MOSQUITOES Insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing are the only simple methods available to ward off these pests. In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile virus, so all due caution should be taken to avoid their bites.

      POISON IVY, OAK, AND SUMAC Recognizing and avoiding poison ivy (see below), oak, and sumac are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with these plants. Poison ivy occurs as a vine or groundcover, three leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as either a vine or shrub, also with three leaflets; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf having 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Within 14 hours of exposure, raised lines and/or blisters will appear on the affected area, accompanied by a terrible itch. Refrain from scratching because bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry out the rash. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. If you do come into contact with one of these plants, remember that oil-contaminated clothes, hiking gear, or pets can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also clothes, gear, and pets, if applicable.

      Photo: Jane Huber

      SNAKES Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and corals are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States, and hibernation season is typically October into April. In the Asheville hiking area, you will possibly encounter rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. However, the snakes you most likely will see while hiking will be nonvenomous species and subspecies. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you hike past, and make sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.

      When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Rattlesnakes like to bask in the sun and won’t bite unless threatened. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets.

      TICKS Ticks often live in areas around brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on a warm-blooded passerby. Adult ticks are most active April into May and again October into November. Among the varieties of ticks, the black-legged tick, commonly called the deer tick, is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. Wear light-colored clothing, so ticks can be spotted before they make it to the skin. And be sure to visually check your hair, back of neck, armpits, and socks at the end of the hike. During your post-hike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check. For ticks that are already embedded, removal with tweezers is best. Use disinfectant solution on the wound.

      Hunting

      Separate rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various hunting types and related seasons. Though there are generally no problems, hikers may wish to forgo their trips during the big-game seasons, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. Before hiking, check with the area managing body’s website to see if hunting season is in effect.

      Regulations

      Trail regulations in the Asheville region are dependent on the governing body of each specific hiking path. However, here are some general guidelines:

       Unless specific signs or instructions at the trailhead indicate otherwise, hikers should assume that dogs have to remain on leashes of less than 6 feet in length. Many hikers are uncomfortable with other people’s dogs off-leash, and it is not fair to ruin their hikes because your pooch wants to run free—whether or not leashes are required. Small children are especially vulnerable to unleashed dogs tearing down the trail.

       If there is a trailhead information kiosk, be sure to check the board for pertinent information or recent trail reroutes.

       If there is a trail register, as noted in “General Safety”, be sure to sign in and leave

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