Taking to the Trails – A Few Tips for Safe and Happy Hiking 

Welcome to an Outdoor Chattanooga beginners’ hike with Chattanooga Hiking Club leaders! We 
hope to offer you an enjoyable outing on the trail today. Your leaders are experienced hikers and will 
share their knowledge about the wonderful and rewarding pastime of hiking. 

Hiking is a very special experience in the great outdoors! Trails are abundant in the Chattanooga 
area, and it is inexpensive to begin walking in the woods. One only needs to be able to walk the 
streets for a couple of miles to be in condition for an easy hike like today’s outing. 

Hiking is a relatively safe outdoor activity if one is prepared for weather, carries the ten essentials, 
can read a map, and has the proper conditioning level for the hike they are undertaking. There are, 
however, certain risks associated with hiking in the mountains and wooded areas. Bad weather can 
come on suddenly. Fatigue, heat exhaustion, or hypothermia can be a problem, or injury can occur. 
But, by following a few important recommendations, the hiker should be able to reduce those risks to 
a great degree and enjoy many happy hours on the trails. 

 Please note the following recommendations: 

*Hike with a group! It brings the risks associated with hiking down substantially. It is also a good 
opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills one needs should they ever choose to strike out on their 
own or with a buddy. 

*Spend some time learning basic map and compass skills. It is easy to get confused even on the 
trails of Lookout Mountain. 

*Hikers should always leave their itinerary with someone who knows when to expect them home. Do 
not change routes without informing the person expecting your return. 

*Boots with good tread and ankle support are highly recommended, but at least have sturdy tennis 
shoes. There are quite a few trail shoes with a good tread on the market. 

*A hiking pole is of real benefit in crossing streams, keeping your balance in rocky conditions, and in 
alleviating the stress of downhill hiking. 

* A small backpack to serve as your daypack is a necessity. It is more comfortable to have one that 
has a little hip belt, as it takes the weight off the shoulders. 
(Over) 


Listed below are the widely recommended ten essentials for your pack: 

1. Navigation - map and compass. A GPS is nice to have but they don’t always work. 
2. Hydration - water -1 quart per 5 miles is the standard recommendation. If one is out for a long day 
or overnight, a filter or treatment will be necessary. Sports drinks to replenish important electrolytes 
are helpful on a long, hot day. 
3. Nutrition - food and extra food. It provides the energy one needs to hike for several hours. Pack a 
lunch to enjoy at a nice spot. Take frequent breaks to nibble trail mix, power bars, crackers, or fruit. 
The body needs the carbohydrates replenished. 
4. Sun and Rain Protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and appropriate raingear for the situation. 
5. Insulation - hat, gloves, light weight jacket, extra layers if necessary depending on weather. Winter 
hiking demands extra attention to insulation and protection. 
6. Warmth - lighter or matches and fire starter, as well as a stove and fuel for the overnight trip or a 
cold day. 
7. Illumination - head lamp or flashlight with extra batteries. 
8. First Aid - for you and your gear. The very basics should include Benadryl for bee stings(and an 
epinephrine pen if you are highly allergic to bee stings), ibuprofen or preferred pain reliever, moleskin, 
band-aids and antiseptic ointment, an ace bandage, gauze pads, first aid tape, duct tape, pocket 
knife, and a basic first aid booklet. 
9. Shelter - emergency blanket or shelter. 
10. Whistle - emergency signals and communication. Cell phones are great to carry in case you 
encounter a problem, but frequently there is not service in the mountains, so do not count on them to 
work. Please leave cell phones turned off while hiking. Most hikers are looking for a little peace from 
our everyday hectic lives. 
If you enjoyed your experience on the trail today, check out Outdoor Chattanooga’s website at 
www.outdoorchattanooga.com as well as the Chattanooga Hiking Club’s website at 
http://hiking.chattanooga.net and search for the easy hikes. Hiking improves not only physical health, 
but provides for mental and spiritual renewal, as well. Enjoy and be safe as you explore the trails! 

Please consider practicing the seven “Leave No Trace” principles hiking in the backcountry. LNT means leaving 
the trails just as if you had not been there. You can check out their website at www.lnt.org to learn more about 
how you can minimize your impact while enjoying our beautiful natural areas, national parks and wilderness.