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Tips for Hiking Oahu's Backyard
Chapter 4.1: Physical HazardsThe most dangerous aspect of hiking is how well the mountains swallow up the weary and the hurt. It is the combination of thick vegetative overgrowth, steep ridges, and slippery conditions. These are the common physical hazards which can lead to trouble.The following is a message the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) requested Backyard Oahu to post. (The DLNR is the government agency in charge of providing hiking trails and access throughout the state.) Aaron Lowe, Oahu Trails & Access Specialist for the State of Hawaii DLNR, says: "Many of the trails on this webpage are not maintained and hazardous conditions do exist. Remember: Stay on the trail - Hike with a friend - Let somebody know where you are going." Almost every year, a hiker vanishes into the lush forests of Hawaii. Even the bodies of hikers lost several decades ago have never been found to this day - only their belongings are found. As traces of their final outcome are non-existent, it is uncertain what happens to these unfortunate victims. A possible scenario is that the hiker slips or falls from a ridge trail and becomes injured from the tumble into the thick vegetation below. Or, perhaps an intrepid valley-hiker decides to veer off a trail and, unfamiliar with the area, finds himself (or herself) totally disoriented, panics, and is ill-prepared to last long enough to find a way out. Be completely aware that frequently you are on your own out in the forest - the area of mass vegetation is much too expansive for a simple air-search to find a stranded hiker. Into the overhead clumps and fern thickets, I have seen a person disappear while he was only 10 feet away from me! Don't expect a helicopter to find your listless body in this type of vegetation. Avoid this by preparing, never hiking alone, and using common sense. We'll discuss "getting lost" and what to do in an upcoming chapter.
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Public vs Private
- Public Trails
Invasive Species
Common Trail Hazards
- Physical
- Health/Disease
Preparations/Equipment
- Before setting out
- What to carry
- What to wear
Getting Lost
Hiking Gear
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