Since the coronavirus pandemic has put the brakes on many activities in the last six months, it's no surprise that many North Georgians have taken to the great outdoors to get a break from quarantine. The increased traffic on hiking trails this spring and summer, however, at times has been taxing for emergency responders, and they're asking visitors to be better prepared for the upcoming fall season.
Chad Black, Director of Emergency Services for Habersham County, said he definitely noticed an increase in traffic on area trails because people couldn't go to restaurants, movie theaters or bowling alleys for entertainment. One of the more popular trails in Habersham County is Panther Creek Trail, but it's also one of the most challenging, and several people have run into trouble since spring.
"It is not a beginner's trail - Panther Creek is for the more experienced hiker," Black said. "We had some inexperienced people and people that were older and out of shape...try to tackle that trail and we had some bad outcomes from that. Some of them were injuries where people fell, but we did have the one unfortunate issue where a young girl in her early 20s passed away on Panther Creek Trail."
Emergency responders have also seen an increase in traffic on the hiking trails in Dawson County, and they too have had experiences similar to those in Habersham County. Earlier this month, crews were able to rescue a man who had wandered off the Len Foote Hike Inn Trail, but a day later, a young woman apparently fell to her death at Cochran Falls as she went to find help for her boyfriend who had suffered an injury as the two were hiking.
Operations Division Chief Jason Dooley with Dawson County Emergency Services said if people stay on marked trails - even in challenging areas where there are waterfalls - they're usually safe. It's when they get away from designated areas that trouble can arise.
"If they get near the edge of waterfalls, steep cliffs, things like that, there's inherent danger there," Dooley said. "I would caution people to stay to the marked trails, obviously have a plan before you go - make sure you have all the proper equipment for the level of hike that you're doing - and most of all, let someone know exactly where you're going."
Both Black and Dooley said hikers need to pay special attention to the weather because it can change quickly, especially in the fall.
"People need to remember that the weather up there above 3,000 feet - which is where most of these hiking trails are - can be very different than it is down near Dawsonville or Gainesville or other places where people have come from," Dooley said. "You have to be prepared for that."
Black said temperatures can change quickly and that can catch hikers off guard. In fact, he remembers one rescue years ago in Habersham County's Tallulah Gorge where emergency responders began looking for some missing hikers in 60-degree weather and the temperatures dropped in a hurry.
"We got in there late at night and it dropped down to freezing and we were not prepared for that. We were on a rescue, so we didn't have coats on and we almost got in trouble as rescuers, so you need to see what the weather is going to do," Black said.
Black also noted that Habersham EMS along with emergency responders in neighboring White County had to come to the aid of people who got in trouble on the Chattahoochee River this summer. He said folks need to be careful along the rivers, as well.
Despite some of the safety hazards associated with hiking and other outdoor activities, officials with Georgia State Parks say as long as people prepare properly, they should have no problems spending a day on the trails.
"If you go to any park page [on the Georgia State Parks website] they'll have their trail map listed and the trail map will include things like distances and elevation gain - whether that's a moderate or an easy trail," said Georgia State Parks spokesman Colby Moore.
Moore also said park rangers at each visitor center can offer advice on current trail conditions. And, if you are a novice, there are hiking groups, many of which have formed during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We've seen a huge increase in social media hiking groups during the quarantine," Moore said. "I would encourage folks to join those groups and make friends with those people. You can do group hikes, they do events sometimes where there are guided hikes - it's all a good way to get started."
Speaking of the pandemic and the increased popularity of hiking and other park activities, keep in mind there may be some days when the parks are experiencing high visitor volumes. When that happens, park staff may limit visitors in order to maintain proper social distancing per state health guidelines.
Basic safety tips for hiking from Georgia State Parks:
- Avoid hiking alone because the “buddy system” is safer during any type of activity. If traveling with a group, never stray from the group.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Don’t forget to check in with them when you get back.
- Take plenty of water and snacks for you, kids, and pets.
- Pack a basic first aid kit, flashlight, a whistle and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
- Plan your trip so you can make it to your destination or back to the trailhead before dark.
- Stay on marked trails. Making shortcuts and “bushwhacking” causes erosion and greatly increases your chance of becoming lost. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes (paint marks on trees) and landmarks.
- Never climb on waterfalls or wet rocks. These can be surprisingly slippery, and major head injuries can occur from minor falls. Never go beyond fences or restricted areas. Keep a close watch on children near waterfalls.
Follow this link for additional outdoor safety tips
