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

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The key to not getting lost is to be aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to miss a trail junction or accidentally take the wrong path. If your map indicates you should be ascending, and you find yourself on a long descent, stop to examine your map and the terrain around you. If you get lost, find a comfortable spot with shelter (or construct a shelter) and stay put. A rescue team can find you more easily if you are not wandering.

Campfires can liven up a camping trip, but take extreme caution around them. During times of drought, or when there are posted warnings of high fire danger, avoid building one. Always use available or designated fire rings or pits, and only use dead, downed wood. Never leave a campfire unattended, and always thoroughly smother and extinguish any campfires before going to sleep or leaving camp.

Trail Etiquette

The good news is that more and more people in the Atlanta area are getting out and enjoying the many beautiful trails. The bad news is that some popular and easily accessible trails are suffering from overuse and neglect. Some camping spots have been highly eroded, trees have been chopped down for fires, and you might even see toilet paper littering the ground beneath bushes. When you hike, be considerate of those who will follow you. They deserve the same high-quality experience you are seeking. To minimize your impact on the environment, follow these guidelines created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: