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Safe Hiking in New Hampshire
In
2003, the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the White Mountain National
Forest partnered up to create a mountain safety education program
called "hikeSafe." A large component of the program is
the Hiker Responsibility Code, which is posted on hikeSafe signs
at all major trailheads in New Hampshire. The code applies to all
hikers, from beginners on a short hike to experienced outdoor enthusiasts
embarking on an expedition. Please practice the elements of the
code and help the hikeSafe program spread by sharing the code with
fellow trekkers. This will help increase responsibility and
decrease the need for Search and Rescue efforts.
hikeSafe
Hiker Responsibility Code
 You are responsible for
yourself, so be prepared:
- With knowledge
and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain,
conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
- To leave your
plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you
are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
- To stay together.
When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace
your hike to the slowest person.
- To turn back.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and
unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations
and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another
day.
- For emergencies.
Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe
weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t
assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
- To share the
hiker code with others.
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hikeSafe:
It's Your Responsibility.
Additional resources
for hiking preparation, including how to plan your trip and
what to know if you're hiking with children or a group, can
be found at www.hikesafe.com. |
Recommended clothing and equipment for hikers
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For Summer Day Hikes:
The Ten Essentials:
- Map
- Compass
- Warm Clothing:
- Sweater or Pile Jacket
- Long Pants (wool or synthetic)
- Hat (wool)
- Extra Food and Water
- Flashlight or
Headlamp
- Matches/Firestarters
- First Aid Kit/Repair
Kit
- Whistle
- Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
- Pocket Knife
Also important to take on day hikes:
Sturdy Footwear and Extra Socks
Watch
Trash Bag (for trash or rain protection)
Light Plastic Tarp or "Space" Blanket
Guidebook
Insect Repellant
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves or Mittens
Personal Medications
Cord/Rope
Gaiters
Extra Batteries |
Add for Overnight Trips and Groups:
Sleeping Bag
Foam Pad
Tent or Other Shelter
Stove, Fuel
Pots, Cup, Bowl, Spoon
Food
Water Purification
Toothbrush, Towel, etc.
Extra Clothing
Add for Winter:
Extra Warm Clothing:
- Insulated Parka
- Extra Mittens
Balaclava
Insulated Boots
Overmitts
Snowshoes
Add for above
Treeline:
Crampons
Face Mask
Ice Axe
Goggles
Add for Avalanche
Terrain:
Avalanche Transceiver
Avalanche Probe
Snow Shovel
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There and Back
To have a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience and help reduce search
and rescue efforts... BE PREPARED.
Proper planning and preparation
before you go will help you have a safe and memorable trip. Remember
to practice the Hiker Responsibility Code to ensure everyone's safety.
It's your responsibility.
In case of an accident
or emergency, call the N.H. State Police at 1- 800-525-5555
or 911. Be sure to give specific details concerning you,
your emergency, your location and a call-back number.
Notice: In New Hampshire, if you
or anyone in your hiking group acts recklessly -- or fails to
practice
proper preparation as outlined by the hiker responsibility code
-- resulting in Search and Rescue,
you could be liable to pay the costs of your search and rescue
mission. (Click
for text of New Hampshire RSA 153-A:24)
For more information on hiking safety,
contact or visit:
www.hikesafe.com
New Hampshire Fish
and Game Department
11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301
603-271-3211
www.hikesafe.com
www.wildlife.state.nh.us
White Mountain National
Forest
PO Box 638, Laconia, NH 03247
603-528-8721
www.hikesafe.com
www.fs.fed.us/r9/white
New Hampshire Division
of Parks and Recreation
PO Box 1856, Concord, NH 03301-1856
603-271-3556
www.nhparks.state.nh.us
Appalachian Mountain
Club
PO Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581-0298
603-466-2721
www.outdoors.org
Offers mountain leadership program, various backcountry skills workshops
and other specialty courses.
Stonehearth Open Learning
Opportunities (SOLO)
PO Box 3150
Conway, NH 03818
603-447-6711
www.stonehearth.com
Offers Outdoor/Wilderness Leadership School (OWLS), Advanced Leadership
& Emergency Care (ALEC), Wilderness Institute for Leadership
Development (WILD), and other wilderness and emergency medicine
programs.
Randolph Mountain
Club
Randolph, NH 03570
www.randolphmountainclub.org
Eastern Mountain Sports
Climbing School
800-356-9469
www.emsclimb.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season
climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering.
International Mountain
Climbing School
603-356-7064
www.ime-usa.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season
climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering. Staff can be hired
for talks and presentations.
Mountain Guides Alliance
603-356-5310
www.mountainguidesalliance.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season
climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering. Staff can be hired
for talks and presentations.
U.S. Geological Survey
Finding
Your Way With Map and Compass
A nifty fact sheet that explains how to use a map and compass. Check
it out.
Avalanche Bulletins:
Mount Washington Observatory: www.mountwashington.org/avalanche
Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines: www.tuckerman.org/avalanche/index.html
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