Hiking in Vacationlands

Hiking is a wonderful, low cost way to discover the great outdoors, and there are hiking opportunities for almost anyone at any age and ability level.

Majestic mountains and verdant country settings both have their own special beauty. Towering trees, high peaks and bold cliffs have defied wind, rain and snow for centuries. But at times they are in danger of becoming ruined by man.

An example is the White Mountain National Forest, a vast wilderness of more than 740,000 acres (about 300,000 hectares) situated mainly in New Hampshire and partly in the state of Maine. The White Mountain National Forest, established in 1918, is being overused, especially during summer months.

Over 6 million visitors a year visit the White Mountain National Forest, with its 1,200 miles (1,900 km) of hiking trails, 23 campgrounds, skiing areas and so on.

As time`s gone on, conservationists came to realize that wilderness vacationlands need protection from misuse by man. Hence, back in the early 1900's, the U.S. Forest Service began setting aside certain scenic landmarks. The White Mountain National Forest is used not only for hiking, camping, and skiing, but for logging and other commercial purposes. With all these activities it`s become essential to establish safeguards to maintain its natural beauty.

To keep these national sites in good condition, however, your cooperation is also needed. As you hike through a national forest you may come upon 'Restricted Use Areas.' Possibly, fragile plants are sprouting. They may be capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, but they cannot survive being trampled on. If plant communities are destroyed, surrounding soil succumbs to erosion.

Cradled within New Hampshire's Presidential Range lies the Great Gulf Wilderness - part of the White Mountain National Forest.

The Great Gulf Wilderness now contains over 5,000 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of New Hampshire. There are limits per night on the number of persons allowed. Hikers are required to obtain 'wilderness permits.' This arrangement restricts the number of people permitted in particular areas. The maximum size group for hiking is restricted too, and people can remain in the area only for a limited number of nights. Permits are needed, and in some locations only overnight camps are allowed.

During the past 90 years, dozens of persons have died in the Mount Washington area. So, visitors here and in similar areas are urged to do their utmost to ensure a safe trip. This calls for careful planning.

Study the latest guidebook and trail maps before beginning your trip and take note of alternative trail routes. Check weather conditions. Frequently, cold fronts and storms arise suddenly on Mount Washington, and these can spell disaster. It is important to carry extra clothing for the high altitudes. Include windbreakers, hats and gloves. Take along some high-energy foods, as well as some first-aid items. And don't forget the shorter period of daylight during fall and winter.

Be courteous and remember that you are sharing the trail or roadway with other hikers and recreationists.

Do not hike or walk on unauthorized trails or roadways. Check with your destination ahead of time to ensure that the area you plan to hike in is allowed. Some areas have been declared `off limits` to hikers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio.

Don't Litter. Take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.

Tell others where you are going. Leave with a family member or close friend a copy of the route that you plan to follow. Rather than trying to hike alone, keep together in groups of three or four.

A motto promoted by the National Forest Service is: 'Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but tracks.' If you build a fire, rather than cutting wood from living trees, use wood that is dead or lying on the ground. Plan to carry your own garbage out of the area. Make sure you have the necessary permits, as often there are regulations on where camp fires may be started.

                                                            

A trip to forested vacationlands can bring benefits in many ways. Properly controlled hiking in these areas is healthful. It causes more rapid circulation of blood that has been purified due to cleaner air. Seldom-used muscles get a workout and achieve better tone. Perhaps best of all, one can obtain a better outlook on life. Tranquil surroundings help chase away the anxieties and tensions of life in noisy, crowded, fast-paced cities.

We all have a duty to take proper care of our planet, and when we do so we are protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy.



Return to Articles Page