Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

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One thing a lot of people don’t think about is sun exposure. Many of Georgia’s trails are shaded by forest, but you can still catch quite a few rays during a day of hiking, so pack (and apply) a high-SPF sunscreen, preferably something that is water-resistant to hold up during heavy sweating.

Preparation

Many people, especially those new to hiking, have a difficult time knowing just how far they can walk in a day without wearing themselves out—especially when loaded down with a 40-pound backpack. Take an honest assessment of your physical abilities, particularly when you are considering a long hike over difficult terrain. And remember that heat, cold, rain, and the terrain can limit the number of miles you can hike. Before you set out, try to examine a topographic map of the area to see just how much climbing and descending will be involved. This book includes an estimate of the total elevation gain and loss for each trip—the higher the numbers, the more difficult the hike.

Examine maps to become familiar with the area you will visit. A little studying will come in handy should you get confused and take a trail that is not part of your planned route. Also, if you are planning an overnight hike, consult maps or the appropriate agency to identify available campsites, and prepare a plan B. If you wind up traveling much slower than expected, you may have to bed down somewhere other than your top campsite choice. If you are planning to use water from streams, be sure to examine the map and other information sources for reliable water sources.