Staying Safe on Those Muddy Trails

By Donna Stark

Love nature? Well, there is no better time than now to get outside and enjoy a hike! However, be ready to face some very muddy encounters on the trails if you live in an area with snowmelt and springtime rain showers. Paths can be wet and gloppy, and trails can be slippery and mucky, but don't let that stop you! You can still enjoy your favorite pastime and stay safe doing so with the following tips from your local chiropractors at the Joint Chiropractic!

Staying Safe on Those Muddy Trails

Sure, playing in the dirt can be a ton of fun, but falling in it, ruining your clothes, and getting hurt is a whole other story! Nobody wants that to happen and you certainly don't want to risk being carried off of a mountain covered head to toe in mud, so take a look at the following tips.

• Use trekking poles - Seriously muddy trails can be difficult to navigate and can be a sure way to lose your footing. Trekking poles are useful because they can help support and distribute your weight as you pass through those especially slippery parts. They can also be used to determine how deep a mud puddle is. We've all been in situations where we think we can tiptoe through a puddle and end up sinking inches down to our ankles in mud, haven't we?
• Keep your shoes on - It's important to make sure your shoelaces stay tied throughout your muddy hike so keep an eye on them! If they become undone and you end up walking through deep mud, the chances of your shoes being pulled right off increases significantly. When the hike is over and it is time to take your shoes off, place them in plastic bags before you get in your car and clean them as quickly as you can when you get home.
• Walk the center - When you are hiking on the side of a cliff or hill, your safest bet is to stay in the center of the trail. The sides of the trail are most vulnerable to erosion during this time of year. The snowmelt and rain showers decrease the integrity of the edge and could potentially place you in a very dangerous position. Step on rocks or gravel as much as you can in slippery areas and use your trekking poles for increased stability.

Hiking Safely

Getting lost in the woods is always a great escape but it is vital you make sure your safety is a priority! Springtime is a muddy time of the year so keep that in mind when you choose what trails you will be hiking on and stay safe!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.