Is it safe to hike during the coronavirus pandemic?

Posted 3/19/2020 – Please check the latest advisories from the CDC!

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve heard all about the coronavirus. You’re probably sick of hearing about it. Turn on the news and it is all they are talking about. Go to your favorite news source online and every article on the main page probably has something to do with the coronavirus. And yes, now you’ve come to RidgeTrekker.com and we’re talking about … the coronavirus.

Why?

Well, I am planning a hike of the Uwharrie Trail in the next couple of weeks. Amid the coronavirus crisis, I was beginning to wonder if my hike was advisable. Many of you probably have wondered the same thing. And if it isn’t a good idea, what about all those hikers currently thru-hiking the A.T.?

The best answer is to check with your local authorities and see if they are advising against hiking and other outdoor activities in your area.

With that said, according to the LA Times, LA County health officials are saying it is okay to get out and hike. While this might not pertain to your area, I believe the guidelines suggested are good to follow regardless of where you are located.

So, if you do choose to hike during the coronavirus pandemic, here are a few easy guidelines to help keep you safe and healthy.

Note that I am not a medical professional. Any advice in this post that you use you do so at your own risk. Do not take this advice over any advice from a medical professional or authorities.

Practice social distancing

Being in a large group is not recommended during this current coronavirus outbreak. It is easier for the virus to spread if people are in close proximity to each other. Practice social distancing by hiking alone or by at least keeping a safe distance from anyone you are with or near. Also, avoid shaking hands with any person as this is an easy way to spread the virus.

Wash your hands with soap and water

Wash your hands after coming into contact with surfaces that may have been touched by other people or after touching another person. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds as this should be sufficient in destroying the virus. Make sure to wash your hands instead of using hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty.

Use hand sanitizer

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based sanitizer that contains between 60-95% alcohol instead. A lot of times when hiking, other than our drinking water, we don’t have regular access to water, so I recommend keeping hand sanitizer handy and easily accessible so you don’t have to dig through your gear to get to it, potentially contaminated other surfaces.

Don’t use shelters.

While shelters are very attractive during harsh weather, they are usually open to the public and tend to be gathering places for picnics and camping. There is no way of knowing if anyone who has contracted coronavirus has recently been to the shelter. The best practice is to assume the worst and stay in your tent or enjoy a snack away from any shelter.

Avoid public facilities

Like shelters, avoid using any public facilities such as rest rooms or water fountains. If you are forced to use a public restroom or other facility, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands.

Stay home if you’re sick

All of the above doesn’t matter if you are sick. Stay home and make sure you don’t pass along whatever illness you may have, whether you believe it to be the coronavirus or something else. During this pandemic, it is best to take extra precaution and not risk potentially spreading the virus.

National Parks

If you are looking to hike in a national park, find comfort in knowing the NPS is following the latest guidelines from the CDC to establish the best practices for preventing the spread of the coronavirus. While most national parks currently remain open, check out the individual website of the park you are interested in visiting for the most up-to-date details on park operations.

For more information about the NPS and it’s response to the coronavirus threat, visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the coronavirus pandemic will be over soon and we can all go about our normal lives, but until then please use extreme caution and ensure you do everything you can to prevent the further spread of this virus. Visit cdc.gov for the latest details about the pandemic and to learn what you can do to keep your family and yourself safe during this crisis. Stay safe out there and happy hiking!