Planning Your Next New York Adirondack Adventure

By Chris Denkers

One of the most important things you can do before leaving for your outdoor adventure in the Adirondacks, whether it's going on a short day hike or a long backpacking trip, is to plan your trip accordingly. Planning every aspect of your trip is extremely important because you never know what's going to happen when you get out there. No two trips are the same, so taking some time to plan everything out is absolutely essential. As a rule of thumb, always plan for the worst! Just because it's sunny and 75 degrees at the bottom of the mountain, doesn't mean it's the same at the summit.

Here are some things that you should keep in mind of when planning your trip:
What are you doing? Hiking, camping, climbing, backpacking, skiing...
What about weather? What season is it? What do you expect the weather to be like?
How long are you planning on going for? Is it just a day trip, or are you staying over night?
Location: How far is the activity from where you live?
Gear: You have to think about what gear and clothing you will be bringing
Who are you going with?
What are the rules and Regulations? Always know and respect the rules and regulations that the NYSDEC has posted!
What's plan B? Have an emergency backup plan - just in case something goes wrong

The obvious first step in planning your trip, is to figure out what you're going to be doing. There's lots to do in the Adirondacks, and your planned activity will determine the gear and supplies you should be bringing.

Once you have figured out what you are going to be doing, you can start on figuring out the other members of your party. It is very important, no matter what your activity, that you don't go it alone. The Adirondack Park is a big place, and things can go seriously wrong in an instant. The DEC recommends that you have a minimum party size of three adults. That way if someone is injured, one person can stay with the injured person, and the other can go for help with the location. It's also very important when planning your trip that all members of your party be involved in the planning process, so as to be sure everyone is prepared. If one person is not prepared, the entire party isn't prepared.

When are you planning your trip for? It's important to think about the season in which you're planning your trip because the gear you'll need can be very different. Always remember that it's easier to take a layer off if you get hot, but if you're cold and you don't have the proper clothing, things can go downhill in a heartbeat. Always remember to check the weather for your destination before you leave for your Adirondack activity - you don't want to be heading into a Nor'easter with all the wrong gear!

It's also important to make sure when planning your trip to know exactly where you are going and what is in the surrounding areas. If something happens, you may need to spend the night in a hotel, or head to the local hospital, it's best to know where they are before you get there and need them.

For more information, visit http://AdirondackGuru.com

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