Wilderness First Aid for Fall and Winter: Tips from Tara Cross, Wilderness Medicine Instructor11/6/2023
Q: How do you decide which first aid items to take with you on a day hike? A: I look at the weather, length of hike, type of terrain, number of people, time of day/year (is there a chance I’ll get stuck out overnight?). You also want to think about items that cannot be improvised and consider those that can be. For example a cotton t-shirt or bandana can work as gauze or a cravat (triangular bandage), but we can’t improvise medical gloves and CPR masks. The first aid kit is fluid based on these factors. Q: Which first aid items should you always carry with you? A: There are a few essentials for any hiking trip including disposable medical gloves, pocket mask, blister care, gauze/bandages for bleeding control and cuts/scraps, an elastic bandage or triangular bandage, splinting materials. You also want to consider a way to clean wounds, and a way to purify water. The splinting materials can be improvised from items you might have with you like a fleece, bandana, camp chair, or hiking poles. I also consider items like matches/fire starter, headlamp/flashlight, and a pocketknife. Q: Are there items people might consider adding to their kit for the fall/winter (as opposed to summer/spring)? A: Absolutely! In all seasons I think of my backpack as my first aid kit - not just the gauze and bandages in the First Aid Kit. In cooler weather, first and foremost bring an extra base layer, such as long underwear, and a rain jacket/pants. Rain gear isn’t just for rain but helps to keep you warm from the wind and prevent heat loss which can protect against hypothermia. When caring for a sick or injured person in the backcountry, keeping them warm and dry is a high priority. It’s not a bad idea to have along an extra pair of socks especially if you are prone to blisters or there is risk of getting your feet wet. You still want to consider sun exposure during fall/winter and consider the reflection of the sun off surfaces like snow and exposed rock, which can cause a nasty sunburn, especially to the lips and face. If you are hiking above tree line or in the snow consider sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. In winter months consider bringing along a small camp stove. This will make for a fun way enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee break along the trail, but serve as a valuable tool if you do end up getting stuck out overnight. You can consider an emergency blanket or small emergency sleeping bag. One of the most dangerous things in cold weather is exposure - be prepared to avoid that. And as always, bring some snacks! :) Interested in a training opportunity to become certified in Wilderness First Aid? Here are some upcoming training sessions with Tara: Wilderness First Aid - Dickinson College March 22-23, 2024 (https://www.wildmed.com/course/wilderness-first-aid-630/) Wilderness First Responder - (no prior med training needed) Philadelphia Outward Bound School Feb 24–Mar 1, 2024 (https://www.wildmed.com/course/wilderness-first-responder-279/) Princeton Blairstown Center March 17-23, 2024 (https://www.wildmed.com/course/wilderness-first-responder-273/) Wilderness EMS Upgrade (for EMTs, Paramedics, RNs, PAs, NPs, MD/DO) The Lancaster Conservancy February 15-19, 2024 (https://www.wildmed.com/course/wilderness-ems-upgrade-36/) Stay tuned to the www.wildmed.com website for even more offerings! KTA plans to host a Wilderness First Aid course with Tara in the Spring 2024, so be sure you're signed up for our newsletter to get notified! There are thousands of stories to be told by the many hikers who have set foot on the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Museum (located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park) is a place where you can hear these stories! "The Appalachian Trail Museum serves the Appalachian Trail community by telling the stories of the founding, construction, preservation, maintenance, protection, and enjoyment of the Trail since its creation. The Museum will collect, preserve, and interpret materials relevant to these subjects in an effort to portray not only the history of the Trail, but also the essence of the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual human experience of the Appalachian environment and the culture of hiking." (quote from Museum's website). The book list below was provided by Julie Queen, Manager of the AT Museum and KTA Board Member. In 2016, Julie completed a thru-hike of the AT, has served with many nonprofits including the Girl Scouts, has worked with the DCNR and PA Department of Agriculture; served in the Peace Corps, as a Potomac Appalachian Trail Club ridge runner, and as an A.T. community ambassador for Boiling Springs. Each of these books can be purchased from the Appalachian Trail Museum's online store:
At the beginning of the Fall season, we asked our Facebook and Instagram followers: Which Pennsylvania hiking trails are best for the fall?
Here’s what they said:
Standing Stone Trail
The Standing Stone Trail (SST) connects the Mid State and Tuscarora Trails and traverses the Blue Mountain and Seven Mountains Regions. The 76-mile trail is orange-blazed and maintained by Standing Stone Trail Club. The new name derives from a tradition among the Native Americans of what is now south-central Pennsylvania to maintain tribal genealogies on a “standing stone” displayed in each village, inspiring early settlers to use the term as a general name for the region. Learn more: Standing Stone Trail Club Mid State Trail The Mid State Trail is known as the longest and wildest footpath in Pennsylvania. Over 500 kilometers in length, the Mid State Trail stretches from the Mason-Dixon Line meeting a path through Maryland’s Green Ridge State Forest, near the Buchanan State Forest and traverses through the center of the state to end at the New York State line just north of Cowanesque Lake meeting Crystal Hills Trail, a branch of NY’s longest footpath, Finger Lakes Trail. The Mid State Trail is broken into four distinct regions. Hiking from south to north you will pass through the Everett Region, State College Region, Woolrich Region and the Tioga Region. The system also features several lengthy side trails. The main route of the Mid State Trail is marked by 5-by-15-centimeter rectangular orange blazes. Learn more: Mid State Trail Club North Pocono Trails Association Crosscut & Lumberjack Trails “With over 10 miles of hiking, biking and running trails, there is something for all levels. Enjoy the woodland trails and mountain streams within the beautiful northern Pocono Mountain region of PA.” Learn more: North Pocono Trails 1000 Steps (Standing Stone Trail) “A large historical sign, located at the base of the steps, indicates that this area was known as the "Silica Brick Capital of the World" because of the bricks made from the abundant Tuscarora sandstone found in these narrows. These manufactured bricks were very heat resistant and crucial parts in the major industries of the time including steel, iron, glass, and the railroad industries. Miles of dinkey railroad track was used to bring the silica down from the mountainside quarries and the workers would ride along up on the trains. Soon trucks began to replace some of the trains, so more and more workers had to make the climb instead of riding the trains to the quarries. In 1936 there was a flood the wiped out the bridge across the river to Mount Union and the brick factories, idling the workers. As the bridge was being replaced, the workers were set to a new task of building steps into the mountainside to make the climb up and back easier. Thus the Thousand Steps were formed.” Learn More: PA Hike's 1000 Steps Article
Black Forest Trail
This spectacular long-distance loop trail leads through and above the west side of Pine Creek Gorge in the northwest corner of Lycoming County. This very rugged trail charges into and out of the chasm several times, with many very steep ascents and descents, before leveling out on top of the plateau around PA 44. The trail features many outstanding vistas in all directions, with views over Morris Run, Big Dam Hollow, Young Woman’s Creek, Baldwin Branch, Callahan Run, Naval Run, Little Slate Run, and Pine Creek. The Black Forest Trail system was constructed by the Bureau of Forestry. Learn More: Black Forest Trail Golden Eagle Trail A rugged and very beautiful loop trail, with a short entrance trail, the Golden Eagle Trail starts in the east side of Pine Creek Gorge and features a strenuous climb to pristine mountaintop streams and several outstanding vistas. Learn More: Golden Eagle Trail Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) is one of the finest natural trails in Pennsylvania. In winter, the trail supports cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, both of which can be combined with winter backpacking. Some portions of the trail, especially near the southern end, are quite rugged, and provisions have been made to keep the trail as primitive as possible. Hikers are also encouraged to create in-and-out day hikes on the trail, given its diverse character and scenery. In particular, wildflowers are widespread in the spring, and the views off the mountain are enhanced in the winter. The ridge provides several natural vistas overlooking the nearby valleys and a huge expanse of uninterrupted forest. Learn More: Go Laurel Highlands
Loyalsock Trail
The scenic and challenging Loyalsock Trail (LT) runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek. The LT frequently climbs up and down ridges and mountaintops, passing many waterfalls, lakes, ponds, and historic places. The trail is known for its many fine vistas. Learn More: Alpine Club of Williamsport Ricketts Glen Falls Trail “Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is comprised of 13,193 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. Ricketts Glen harbors the Glens Natural Area -- a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty.” Learn More: DCNR Mason-Dixon Hiking along backroads in Delaware and Maryland takes you past beautiful old homes, farms, and rural scenery. In York County, the river bluffs rise about 800 feet above the Susquehanna, providing spectacular views as well as aerobic exercise Learn More: Mason-Dixon Trail Club Stay up to date with PA hiking trail information! Join our newsletter. Guest article written by Christian Alexandersen, Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast Like many Pennsylvanians, I discovered my love for the outdoors during the pandemic. I didn’t grow up in an outdoorsy household. In fact, I come from a long line of air conditioner lovers and couch dwellers. So, when I found myself exploring Pennsylvania’s woods in my mid-30s, I learned a lot of lessons fast. But that doesn’t have to be the case for you. You don’t have to wander blindly into the woods like I did. You have the opportunity to take your time, do research, talk to more experienced hikers, go on group hikes and so much more. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many parks and forests to explore in Pennsylvania. Thousands of miles of trails, beautiful waterfalls, incredible vistas and overlooks and old growth forests are within your reach. But it’s important that you do it safely. So, below, I’ve created a short list of tips I wish I knew when I first started hiking. These tips will help you navigate trails, be prepared for emergencies, have the supplies you’ll need and feel confident hiking in Penn’s Woods.
Research where you’ll be hiking
Pack the essentials
Understanding blazes
Hike your hike
Christian Alexandersen is the host of the Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast. The biweekly podcast is about Pennsylvania’s state parks, forests and great outdoors. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Christian fell in love with the outdoors when he ran a mile in all (then) 121 Pennsylvania state parks in 2021. He has now run a mile in all 124 state parks and enjoys spending his time hiking, camping and exploring Pennsylvania.  As we hike, communication is happening all around us, even if we’re not a participant.
When we listen to nature, we hear sing-along tunes of birds, chitter chatter of squirrels and chipmunks, the humming of insects, or perhaps the occasional greeting from a far off coyote. Trails can be a place that offer silence when we need to retreat. Going for a solo hike can be a great way to clear your head while enjoying the solitude offered within the natural cathedral of abundant trees. However, trails can also be a runway for creative conversations. Observing all the different parts of an ecosystem working together, we may feel inspired and reminded of the importance of connection with others. “Besides enjoying the physical benefits of hiking that everybody knows about,” shares Pradip, member of and KTA Representative for Chester County Trail Club, “hiking in a group gives one extra and very valuable benefits of social interactions.” Hiking with a friend or group is a special kind of experience that sparks fresh ideas within the infinite space of the forest, valleys, and path ahead. 20 hiking-themed conversation starters Next time you’re hiking with a friend, try one of these 20 hiking-themed conversation starters:
Hiking trails provide a neutral space where relationships, cross-cultural conversational skills, and communities can be strengthened. Trails are one of PA’s greatest assets, can aid in improving overall well-being and physical and mental health, and even benefit our state's economy through outdoor recreation opportunities. Keystone Trails Association is committed to preserving, protecting, promoting, and providing recreational hiking opportunities and trails in PA. You can help! |
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