Tips for Hiking in RVA
This Guide is brought to you by Brian Bell and Lindsay Kagalis of Keep Virginia Cozy. Their mission is to protect wilderness and inspire all Virginians to care for our wild places. We contribute to better protection, stewardship and restoration of our public lands, preserving our rich natural legacy for current and future generations.
Hit the trails while being best prepared.
From packing your day pack right to knowing what to do when lost, here’s some tips to help you enjoy hiking in and around Richmond.
GEAR UP:
Walkabout Outfitters
The first tip for hiking anywhere is having the right gear! Walkabout Outfitters is the one-stop-shop for all you need to be prepared for a hike in any season. From bigger gear like backpacks to the small essentials like warmer socks for the winter, they will make sure you’re hitting the trail with comfort and style.
Location: 3015 W Cary St., Carytown
ESSENTIALS TO PACK:
The Basics
Having a day pack filled with the essentials will make for a happy hiker. Whether you’re setting out for a few hours or looking to explore an area for the entire day, your pack should at the very least contain these essentials:
Water — at least 64 oz. so you can stay hydrated, even in colder weather
Snacks — our favorites include peanut butter, protein bars, and fruit (Remember to pack out what you pack in!)
First Aid Kit — accidents happen, so it’s good to have a kit on hand to handle cuts and other minor injuries
Allergy medicine — make sure you keep all your daily medication with you so you don’t have an allergic reaction
NAVIGATING THE PARKS SYSTEM:
Trail Ratings
The trail systems in Richmond are perfect people of lots of different physical capabilities. The tip here: knowing the trail ratings! Brush up your knowledge on what each trail blaze means:
If you’re looking to get outside of the city a little, just remember that every park system will have it’s own form of trail blazing. Take a look and determine the easy, moderate and difficult trails, and adjust your hike accordingly!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Weather Check
Nestled along the James River, many of Richmond’s trails can be affected by the weather. Make sure you check the daily conditions, so you can avoid potential flooding and washout areas while hiking. It’s also important to check the weather so you can pack accordingly — wearing warmer clothes in the winter, packing a swimsuit for a quick dip in the summer.
AVOID GETTING LOST:
Stay Aware
It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of nature while hiking, but it’s even more important to stay aware of your surroundings so you don’t become lost. While on trail, snap a photo of the trail map your hiking so you can have a guide as you hike. Every few minutes, make sure to look around to mark where you are on the trail and familiarize yourself from both directions.
TELL A FRIEND:
Leave A Note
Letting someone know where you’re going is a great way to stay safe while hiking. A simple text saying where you’re going and when you expect to be back goes a long way! That way, if something were to go wrong (we hope it never does!) and you don’t return on time, people will know exactly where to start looking to find you.
OR, BRING A FRIEND:
Buddy System
The good ole buddy system! It’s tried and true — one of the best ways to avoid getting lost is to always have a friend with you. Having an additional set of senses helps keep you stay aware and on the right trail. Plus it’s a great way to connect deeper with a friend who is new to the hiking world, or a great chance for you to learn more from a friend who is a seasoned veteran hiker!
UH OH:
If You Get Lost
We never want it to happen, but the perfect storm could show itself — you become lost. The biggest tip: stay put! Many times, you will get more lost if you try to find your way out on your own. It’s much easier to find you by staying where you are. If you have service to phone a friend, let them know your situation and, if you can, drop your location. While you wait, make sure to keep warm and stay hydrated!
Thanks to Brian Bell & Lindsay Kagalis of Keep Virginia Cozy for contributing this guide!