Going for a hike on Delmarva?  Awesome!  First and foremost...

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• TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING, how far you are going, and when you intend to return (you know, someone other than the people you're going hiking with)!

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If you are planning to visit a trail in a remote location, hike a longer distance, or spend a long time outdoors, please consider the following:

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• Pack drinking water (even in the winter), snacks, first aid kit, and a cell phone.

• Review a map of the trail before leaving the house, or take a screenshot of the map on your phone to reference later, so that it is accessible even if you lose cell signal.

• Check the weather and forgo your plans if thunderstorms are in the forecast.  It is also a good idea to avoid hikes in excessive heat and humidity. 

• If you are hiking a trail in a remote location (such as state forests or wildlife management areas) from early May to mid-October, be sure to safeguard yourself from insects such as ticks and chiggers.  You can do this by wearing a hat, long pants and sleeves, tucking your pants into your socks, and using a bug repellent.  Be sure to shower shortly after arriving home, and check yourself for ticks!  These pests are not as much of a threat during the winter and early spring months.

• If hiking from mid-October to early February, check your state's hunting seasons.  For more information on hunting, please visit our hunting season page.