| The remote walking trails offer much outdoor | | | | areas are designated safe. That is, do not wander |
| pleasantry. Some of them have been established | | | | from the trail into the side woods or foliage, nor take |
| along creek beds or old railroad beds at the edges of | | | | unmarked short cuts from it unless avoiding still |
| towns and cities. Others can be found further out in | | | | another danger of some kind. Otherwise, you will |
| the country or backwoods. To experience the | | | | probably be trespassing on private property, and |
| rustling breezes, bubbling creeks, thick foliage, | | | | dealing with potential insects and snakes. |
| flowers, trees, colorful birds and small animals, scenic | | | | - Do not walk too far from your vehicle (if one is |
| vistas, and nature at its best on these trails is fun | | | | used to get to the trail) unless prepared for darkness |
| and relaxing. Yet, care needs to be taken when | | | | or overnight camping. |
| walking them. Here are several precautions to | | | | Carry safety devices or know self-defense moves in |
| consider before taking-on these trails for walking | | | | remote areas. |
| exercise. | | | | - Wear sunglasses and a hat when the shade is |
| Know the basic rules for walking outdoors. | | | | scarce on hot days. Use sunscreen. |
| - Prepare for outdoor walking ahead of time through | | | | - Carry a water bottle for long walks if the trail or |
| study and physical conditioning. | | | | pathway is not equipped with trailheads or water |
| - Wear the right shoes and clothing for comfort and | | | | fountains. |
| for the length of the intended walk. | | | | - Carry food or energy bars on long walks. |
| - Be alert to any vehicle traffic, bicyclists, joggers, | | | | - Take a small umbrella if it is rainy. It can also |
| and other walkers, if present. | | | | provide shade, or be a defense mechanism. |
| - Check the weather beforehand. | | | | - Use a walking stick for basic support on hills and |
| - Do not wear jewelry. | | | | slopes. It can also help fend off a loose dog or animal. |
| - Show good posture and confidence while walking. | | | | - Have your cell-phone ready to auto-dial emergency |
| - Walk with a partner or dog. | | | | numbers and contacts. Also, if in doubt about the |
| - Avoid any dangers and hazards along the way. | | | | people around you, talk to someone on this phone |
| - Take a cellular phone. | | | | while walking, or act like you are doing so (leaving |
| - Carry at least one ID card. | | | | one ear open). Note: this defensive precaution also |
| - Carry other items as needed (water, food, cash, | | | | works in the large parking lots at schools and |
| flashlight). | | | | shopping areas. |
| Know the dangers on remote outdoor trails. | | | | - Carry a mouth whistle or loud personal alarm to |
| - Watch for loose aggressive dogs or farm animals. | | | | warn others or to call for nearby help. |
| - Be alert for wild animals; e.g., coyotes, wolves, | | | | - For extra self-protection, carry a small canister of |
| cougar, mountain lion, bear, deer, poisonous insects or | | | | easy-to-activate pepper spray or a small stun-gun |
| snakes where they could exist. | | | | disguised as a cell phone. If walking in bear country, |
| - Do not feed the wild animals. | | | | carry bear spray. Also, if necessary, carry a small |
| - During the twilight hours, do not step on the small | | | | blunt or sharp instrument for defensive purposes. |
| sticks lying on the trail. One of them could be a | | | | Make sure these devices are in working order first. |
| young copperhead snake disguising itself as such. | | | | - Also, know or learn more than one practiced |
| - Be alert for certain debris on the trail or pathway, | | | | self-defense move. That is, take training to learn how |
| e.g., nuts, small thorny branches, and juts that can | | | | to make hard precise jabs or kicks to an attacker's |
| cause tripping, or ankle or foot injuries. | | | | groin, eyes, throat, and gut. |
| - Be alert for unusual people or questionable behavior | | | | In summary, avoid anything or anyone your gut feels |
| on or near the trail. | | | | doubtful about on a remote trail. More importantly, |
| - If vehicle traffic exists nearby, watch for unusual | | | | before going to the trail, take the time to prepare |
| driving patterns, e.g., sudden turnabouts or squealing | | | | well for an entertaining, pleasant, refreshing, and |
| tires. | | | | relaxing outdoor walk. |
| - Stay on the main path of the trail unless its side | | | | |