Things to Consider when Planning a Hike in Western North Carolina

The following are some of the things you will want to keep in mind while hiking in Western North Carolina. Points are listed in no particular order. These points are not to be considered a complete list of everything you should know, and this site assumes you are familiar with hiking as an outdoor activity before partaking on any hikes listed within.

Weather

It is important to remember that the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Remember also that the area covers a large geographic region with wildly varying weather conditions. And most importantly, the weather varies considerably with elevation. Always check the forecast before you go, and always take it with a grain of salt! You can also find more information on this site about Weather and Climate in Western North Carolina.

Footwear

Although experts nearly always demand that you wear sturdy hiking boots with "ankle support", I do not personally think this is always necessary - especially in this region. Let's face it - boots are expensive, heavy, smelly, bulky, hot, and take forever to dry out. The level of "ankle support" they provide is dubious, and they can even exacerbate a lot of foot problems in some cases.

Boots may be what you want in cold or wet weather, if you have a propensity for twisting your ankle, if you plan on carrying a weighty backpack, or even if you just find them to be comfortable. But keep in mind their limitations, too. One of the beauties of hiking is that no particular special gear - except something in which to carry water - is required to participate! There are many people who enjoy hiking in old sneakers, high-tech hiking shoes, sandals, or even barefoot. What's most important is that you wear what is comfortable for you, and appropriate for the conditions on the trail.

With that being said, some trails in this area will be extremely rocky and difficult, so keep that in mind when choosing footwear. Rocks tend to be slick when wet or covered with mud or algae. Wool socks can be great in cold weather, but should not be too tight to restrict blood flow (same goes for boots) or worn when they will make your feet too hot. Waterproof boots may be beneficial on some trails after wet weather, but if it's raining, they'll just get wet and soggy and you may be better off without them. Nothing dries faster than bare skin.

Ultimately, I don't recommend any one particular kind of footwear - or footwear at all - for all hikes and conditions. Experiment with different types and see what works best for you.

Outerwear

Like footwear, it is important to wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the conditions in which you will be hiking. Unlike footwear, however, I do have some very strong recommendations here. It cannot be emphasized enough to dress in layers that can be added or removed as weather conditions change! I consider this more of a "rule" than any other piece of advice in this arena. Several thin layers are way better than one thick, insulated layer in almost all cases.

A waterproof outer garment can be quite handy if not critical during heavy rain, but beware of the supposed "breathable" moniker given to many high-tech fabric coatings. Although they technically allow water vapor to pass out while keeping liquid water from coming in, they only work well for me in cooler temperatures. In warmer weather the body just generates way too much sweat for this to be effective, and I'm more comfortable getting wet by rain than being sauteed in sweat inside a parka. And they tend to break down over time, letting water in anyway. Again, several layers of quick-dry material that can keep you warm even when wet might work better here. But getting soaked by rain followed by cold weather (common when a cold front comes through) can be a life-threatening event, and it might be critical to stay dry. This is definitely an area where you will need to plan ahead, know what weather to expect, and to experiment safely near shelter to find what works best for you.

Animals and Other Dangers

It goes without saying that the woods are filled with potentially dangerous creatures - everything from honkin' bears down to the lowly bacteria that can make us all sick. However, encounters with wildlife are rare, and when they happen, even less likely to be up-close. Being attacked by a bear, cat, wild boar (hog), or the like is a very slim possibility, but not likely to be the thing that ruins your day. For a good example, read and consider this story. It was the lack of water, not the mother bear sheltering her cubs, which gave me problems!

Maps, compasses & Getting Lost

Experts will also demand that you carry a map and a compass on every hike you take. While I do agree that a map is *almost* always essential, knowing how to read one - and knowing a map's limitations - is JUST AS IMPORTANT! A compass can come in handy but is generally not absolutely necessary on our trails. A GPS can be useful as well, but keep in mind that mountains and trees can make getting a satellite signal difficult. If you're heading into the wilderness, do carry a compass - and just as importantly - know how to use it. Always let someone else who is not hiking know your plans, so that in the worst case they can get the search team started in the right direction.

If you find that you have become lost, it is usually suggested to stay put and let yourself be rescued. But that's just assuming that everyone is helplessly lost. In reality, it is up to you to decide what you will do at that time, and finding your way back out isn't always unreasonable. Ask yourself a few questions. Are you REALLY lost, or did you just fail to find the trail or landmark you were looking for? How lost are you? Do you remember the way back to where you started? Are you alone? When's the last time you know you were on track? If you're alone, when's the last time you saw someone else? What's the terrain like? How much light do you have left in the day? How many provisions (food, water, shelter, etc.)? What's the weather forecast? Is the weather doing strange things that weren't in the forecast? How many people are with you? Is anyone injured? Sick? Tired?

The answers to these kinds of questions will be very case-specific and may dictate what the best course of action will be. Even if you do decide to stay put and await help, knowing this information will be key in deciding how you will proceed. If you stay put, try to make yourself comfortable and visible. Build a fire. (In some places, this alone will trigger the officials to come out and give you a citation, ensuring your rescue!). Many people have indeed been found by rescuers when staying in one place. But the bottom line is that every situation is different. Many have found their own way out of the wilderness. Many have died trying! This is where your best judgment will have to be trusted.

The best course of action is to never get yourself lost in the first place. Always at least know how to backtrack if you lose your way.