Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
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- Check the weather. Always read forecasts and consider from which direction inclement weather may be approaching. Be prepared for changes and adjust plans as needed.
- Wear and pack the right gear. Here’s a great list of Outdoor Safety & Ethics recommendations by the US Forest Service. Additionally, take precautions to avoid tick-borne illnesses, which can occur any time of year – even in winter.
- Do not rely on your mobile device. Although GPS devices and cell phones are helpful, you should not rely on them to work consistently in the Berkshires. Even a few hundred yards up some trails, there is no reception, and batteries wear out at the most inconvenient times.
- Carry a first aid kit and learn basic first aid to identify and treat injuries and illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration.
- Share your plans. Be sure to tell someone where you’ll be and for how long. Better yet, use the buddy system to enjoy the outdoors more safely!
- Stay on the trail. Do not wander too far from the designated trail – for your own safety and to protect wildlife (including plants).
- Be safe, be seen. Hunters and non-hunters alike should remember to “be safe, be seen.” Wearing blaze orange during hunting season dramatically reduces hunting-related accidents. Be especially vigilant during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active. View more hunting and fishing safety tips on Mass.gov.
- Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and be careful not to disturb delicate habitats.
More to keep in mind…
- Keep it Clean…If your pet is joining your outdoor adventure, please be sure to scoop, bag, and properly dispose of any waste. Pet waste is a major source of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pollute local waterways and lakes. Components like nitrogen and phosphorus can trigger harmful algal blooms, which can shut down swimming and boating areas.
- Pack In, Pack Out. Period. You are responsible for carrying out everything you brought in, including all food packaging, leftover food, and other trash. Even biodegradable items like fruit take a long time to decompose, and disrupt the ecosystem you’re visiting. Be a good guest!
- An Après-Adventure routine is key! After your time outdoors, check thoroughly for ticks. Once on your body, ticks often crawl toward warm, protected areas, such as armpits, hairline, groin, or behind the ears, before attaching. Shower soon after being outdoors, and call your doctor if you get a fever or rash. Ticks can hitchhike on gear, so you should also inspect equipment before loading your vehicle. Learn more from the National Park Service.
