Ozark Hiking Pictorials

  Ball Pond Hollow

Raccoon Hollow

Grand Gulf State Park

Hiking 

  Devils Backbone Wilderness

Ozark Hiking

Lodging 

  Treehouse

  Mountain Log Lookout

Lodging Page

Basic Hiking Safety Rules

1. Use common sense. Don't go on a trip you are not prepared for or past your physical and skill capabilities. 

2. Plan ahead and learn about the area ahead of time through guidebooks and maps. Pay particular attention to highways, logging roads, trails, streams, springs, and other physical features. Plan your trip carefully according to routes using the time you have available, plus a buffer. 

3. Take plenty of water and/or a purification system (if you know there are sources on the trail).

4. Always pack a rain poncho and nylon cord.

5. If the weather turns bad or the hike becomes more of a challenge than expected, turn back.

6. Let someone know of your planned trip and when to expect you back. Alternatively leave a note on your windshield face down detailing your start time, planned hike, and finish time.

7. Know the signs of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and other medical conditions and be prepared to treat them.

8. Dress appropriately for the season, and always dress in layers. Carry a spare layer for inclement weather.

9. Know the type of terrain you are going to address and wear the proper footgear (boots or hiking shoes).

10. Hiking safety includes checking weather reports for your planned days, including several days before and after your expected days out.

11. Observe the rights of private property owners, leave no trash, and try to retrieve any trash you might find.

12. Observe all posted signs.

13. Leave all gates as you found them.

14. Don't drink untreated water. Always use a water purification system.

15. Respect peace and quiet on the trail.

16. Always use the buddy system and never hike alone.

Recommended Individual Gear for Hiking Safety

1. Water

2. Topographic map of the area and knowledge to use it

3. Compass and knowledge to use it

4. Hi-energy snacks

5. Lighter or matches in waterproof container

6. Rain Poncho

7. Knife

8. Whistle

9. Extras socks

10. Extra layer of warm clothing

11. Sunglasses

12. Wide brimmed hat

13. Nylon cord

14. Lip balm, sunscreen, and insect repellant

Recommended Hiking Group Gear/Procedures

1. Topographic map of the area and knowledge to use it

2. Flashlights

3. First Aid kit suited to the size of the group, and basic First Aid knowledge

4. Water purification system

5. Toilet paper

6. Trash bags

7. Notepad and pencil

8. Nylon cord

Desirable Hiking Gear

1. GPS and knowledge to use it

2. Binoculars

3. Camera

4. 2 Way GMRS radio with NOAA Weather receiving feature

5. Emergency strobe

6. Cell phone (if in an area where service is available)

Hiking Emergency Procedures

1. If you realize that you are lost, stay put where you're at. Get comfortable, stay dry, warm, and relax. Blow your whistle in 3 short blasts on regular intervals.

2. If an individual gets injured, always have at least one member with first aid knowledge remain with the injured party, as another goes for help.

3. If it appears that you will need to spend the night in the woods, build a campfire. Campfires will provide heat, light, and comfort; as well as assist if search parties are trying to locate you. Start your campfire well before darkness. 

4. If inclement weather is present and you must unexpectedly spend the night in the woods, construct a shelter using your poncho and available materials to include brush, branches, boughs, and leaves. Start this procedure well before darkness. 

Additional Hiking Safety Concerns

1. During hunting season, always wear bright colors such as florescent orange and attach a bell to your pack. If your dog is joining you, attach a bell to their collar as well.

2. Use extreme caution around fast moving water, loose rocks, and bluffs.

Additional Hiking Safety Links

Altrec Backcountry Hiking Safety