Hiking Safety - N.H. Fish and Game

Safe Hiking in New Hampshire

In 2003, the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the White Mountain National Forest partnered up to create a mountain safety education program called "hikeSafe." A large component of the program is the Hiker Responsibility Code, which is posted on hikeSafe signs at all major trailheads in New Hampshire. The code applies to all hikers, from beginners on a short hike to experienced outdoor enthusiasts embarking on an expedition. Please practice the elements of the code and help the hikeSafe program spread by sharing the code with fellow trekkers. This will help increase responsibility and decrease the need for Search and Rescue efforts.

hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
To share the hiker code with others.

hikeSafe: It's Your Responsibility.

Additional resources for hiking preparation, including how to plan your trip and what to know if you're hiking with children or a group, can be found at www.hikesafe.com.

Recommended clothing and equipment for hikers

For Summer Day Hikes:

The Ten Essentials:

Map
Compass
Warm Clothing:
- Sweater or Pile Jacket
- Long Pants (wool or synthetic)
- Hat (wool)
Extra Food and Water
Flashlight or Headlamp
Matches/Firestarters
First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
Whistle
Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
Pocket Knife

Also important to take on day hikes:

Sturdy Footwear and Extra Socks
Watch
Trash Bag (for trash or rain protection)
Light Plastic Tarp or "Space" Blanket
Guidebook
Insect Repellant
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves or Mittens
Personal Medications
Cord/Rope
Gaiters
Extra Batteries

Add for Overnight Trips and Groups:

Sleeping Bag
Foam Pad
Tent or Other Shelter
Stove, Fuel
Pots, Cup, Bowl, Spoon
Food
Water Purification
Toothbrush, Towel, etc.
Extra Clothing

Add for Winter:

Extra Warm Clothing:
- Insulated Parka
- Extra Mittens
Balaclava
Insulated Boots
Overmitts
Snowshoes

Add for above Treeline:

Crampons
Face Mask
Ice Axe
Goggles

Add for Avalanche Terrain:

Avalanche Transceiver
Avalanche Probe
Snow Shovel

There and Back
To have a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience and help reduce search and rescue efforts... BE PREPARED.

Proper planning and preparation before you go will help you have a safe and memorable trip. Remember to practice the Hiker Responsibility Code to ensure everyone's safety. It's your responsibility.

In case of an accident or emergency, call the N.H. State Police at 1- 800-525-5555 or 911. Be sure to give specific details concerning you, your emergency, your location and a call-back number.

Notice: In New Hampshire, if you or anyone in your hiking group acts recklessly -- or fails to practice proper preparation as outlined by the hiker responsibility code -- resulting in Search and Rescue, you could be liable to pay the costs of your search and rescue mission. (Click for text of New Hampshire RSA 153-A:24)

For more information on hiking safety, contact or visit:

www.hikesafe.com

READ "A Beautiful Place to Die...The treacherous trails of the White Mountains are no place for rookies." - (PDF format) Article by Mark Pothier from Boston Globe Magazine, Aug. 17, 2008

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301
603-271-3211
www.hikesafe.com
www.wildlife.state.nh.us

White Mountain National Forest
PO Box 638, Laconia, NH 03247
603-528-8721
www.hikesafe.com
www.fs.fed.us/r9/white

NH Outdoor Council
PO Box 157
Kearsarge, NH 03847-0157
www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org

New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation
PO Box 1856, Concord, NH 03301-1856
603-271-3556
www.nhparks.state.nh.us

Appalachian Mountain Club
PO Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581-0298
603-466-2721
www.outdoors.org
Offers mountain leadership program, various backcountry skills workshops and other specialty courses.

Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO)
PO Box 3150
Conway, NH 03818
603-447-6711
www.stonehearth.com
Offers Outdoor/Wilderness Leadership School (OWLS), Advanced Leadership & Emergency Care (ALEC), Wilderness Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), and other wilderness and emergency medicine programs.

Randolph Mountain Club
Randolph, NH 03570
www.randolphmountainclub.org

Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School
800-356-9469
www.emsclimb.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering.

International Mountain Climbing School
603-356-7064
www.ime-usa.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering. Staff can be hired for talks and presentations.

Mountain Guides Alliance
603-356-5310
www.mountainguidesalliance.com
Offers private and group instruction in backcountry travel, 4-season climbing, and other aspects of mountaineering. Staff can be hired for talks and presentations.

U.S. Geological Survey
Finding Your Way With Map and Compass
A nifty fact sheet that explains how to use a map and compass. Check it out.

Avalanche Bulletins:
Mount Washington Observatory: www.mountwashington.org/avalanche
Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines: www.tuckerman.org/avalanche/index.html

<return to top>