Do Not Forget the Hiking Trip Plan

Almost every list of tips or advice on hiking ends on an emphasis on filing a hiking trip plan. This is one very sound tip that many hikers forget. In the cases, when disaster strikes, the rescue people have great difficulties in tracking down the person or the group.

People often do not realize that finding a person or even a group is almost like finding a needle in the haystack. The huge scale of the wilderness means that the hikers could be stranded anywhere.

When a trip plan has been filed, the work of the rescue units become easier. Since the trails taken by the hikers are now known, the search activities could be concentrated into a narrow area that could be thoroughly combed. The result is early rescue of the hikers.

Filing a plan is essential even when the hike is limited to a relatively high traffic area such as the trail to a Georgia mountain cabin. Things could go wrong even in such high traffic areas. In the presence of a plan, the work of rescue units is greatly simplified and more time could be dedicated to other more pressing matters.

Parts of a hiking trip plan

There is no standard format of a hiking trip plan. Thus, the plans range from a one-page bullet points list to elaborate multi-page packages. Whatever the case maybe, it is important that the following items must be included.

The point of origin

Starting point is important information that given the entire rescue efforts a frame of reference. Always include the date of the start of the trail and indicate the directions that the hikers intend to follow.

Destination

The destination should be described in detail so that the rescue people could have a fair idea of the direction the hikers have taken. The details should include the official name of destination and any particular specific if it is a large area.

The route

In the case of multiple trails leading to a destination, the intended route should be mentioned in the plan. This is not an issue if the trek is limited to going to a Georgia mountain cabin. However, when the trek is in wilderness, the information about the route helps a great deal.

The members of the hike

A detailed list of people included in the group should be included so that the rescue people have an idea of the strength of the group. The list should include the contact information of all the members, next-to-kin contacts and any special needs of any member.

The duration of the hike

The plan must clearly indicate the day and time of the return of the group. This is important, as alarm would be raised only when the group has not checked in by the designated hour.

The most important thing is to file the plan with someone who is responsible and understands the intricacies of hiking. The person should contact the rescue efforts when the group has exceeded its return timeframe.


A trip plan is an essential piece of planning that should be at the top of the priorities of the persons planning the trip.