Hike Leaders: Prepare for the 2026 Hiking Season
By Timothy Muzzio
As temperatures climb and days grow longer, the anticipation for hiking season fills the air. Boots emerge from closets, hikers begin checking the PATC website and Meetup for upcoming adventures, and hike leaders get ready to guide their groups onto the trails. For PATC hike leaders, this time of year brings excitement and responsibility. Thoughtful preparation ensures each hike is enjoyable, safe, and memorable for participants.
This article offers reminders to set you up for success in the months ahead.
Pre-Hiking: Assessing Trail Conditions
This past winter was particularly harsh, leaving many trails altered and potentially hazardous. Even familiar routes may have changed: downed trees, eroded paths, or water-damaged bridges can challenge even seasoned hikers. Before posting a hike, pre-hike it if you have not been on it recently. If the trail is maintained by PATC, inform us of any obstacles, reroutes, or maintenance needs (email Trails@patc.net). If the route has issues but is safe, let participants know ahead of time and, if necessary, adjust the planned route to prioritize safety and enjoyment. Proactive trail assessment demonstrates leadership and fosters trust with your hikers.
First Aid Preparedness: Stocking and Organizing Your Kit
A well-prepared hike leader is always equipped for unexpected incidents. Begin your season by thoroughly checking your first aid kits. Remove expired supplies and replenish essential items. Your “boo-boo bag” (a bag that’s easily accessible with the supplies you are most likely to use) should contain the basics: assorted bandages, steri-strips, latex gloves, alcohol or cleansing pads, an irrigation syringe for wound flushing, tweezers or tick removers, and anything else commonly needed. While many first aid professionals no longer recommend carrying antibiotic ointment, it’s wise to have a small tube available, as some hikers may insist on it. Store specialized and less frequently used supplies deeper in your pack, but verify that everything is current, organized, and ready for use. A well-stocked kit gives you—and your group—peace of mind.
Energy and Hydration: Supporting Hikers on the Move
Long hikes, strenuous climbs, or unexpected weather can quickly sap energy. Even a modest hike can drain the energy of a new hiker. It’s not unusual to have a participant feel unable to continue. When this happens, pause to complete your assessment for dehydration, injury, or illness. Often, simple low energy is the culprit. Carry a few energy bars and single-serving electrolyte powders and provide one to the affected hiker. You can usually get the group going again in a few minutes. Encourage hikers to bring their own nutrition, but be prepared for surprises—your foresight may save the day.
Tick Awareness and Safety Education
Ticks are a year-round concern, but become particularly active as spring progresses. Include a “tick talk” (get it, TikTok?) during your pre-hike briefings. Remind hikers to wear long sleeves and full-length trousers, use insect repellent, and conduct thorough tick checks after each hike. Share proper removal techniques and stress the importance of seeking medical attention if a telltale “bullseye” rash develops, as this may signal Lyme disease. Providing clear guidance on tick prevention and response not only protects participants, but also reinforces your role as a knowledgeable and conscientious leader.
Administrative Readiness: Sign-In Sheets and Reports
Efficient record-keeping is essential for every hike leader. Well before the hike, download and print sign-in sheets. Collecting sign-ins at the trailhead enhances safety and supports club record-keeping. After each outing, promptly submit your completed sign-in sheets and hike reports to the PATC volunteer reporting system. Remaining up-to-date with these administrative tasks is a requirement for all official hike leaders and supports the broader PATC community in monitoring participation, safety, and trail usage.
Extra Credit
Embrace the role of a hike leader as “docent,” adding a rich dimension to every trail experience. Invest time in researching the history, geology, and local legends of the area you’re exploring. Share these stories and fascinating facts with your group—hikers genuinely appreciate learning about the landscapes they traverse. In my experience, some hikers return to the same route and demand to hear a favorite story again at a familiar stop. Not only does this deepen their connection to the trail, but it also makes leading hikes more engaging and rewarding as you continue discovering new insights about each location.
Pro Tip
Our hikes often have wait lists, and no shows take away valuable slots for those on them. It is unfair. Send firm but friendly reminder messages to all registered hikers a few days before your event, and again the day prior. I use the Meetup comments feature as it is very easy to do. Tell anyone who cannot attend to sign out as soon as possible, which allows wait-listed members to join the hike. After the event, be sure to report any no-shows on the Meetup site. My personal practice is to issue a warning after two no-shows; after three, they will be excluded from my future hikes. These practices have noticeably improved overall attendance rates – my no-show rate is under 10 percent and 100 percent attendance is not unusual. Please note, enforcement of these guidelines may vary depending on the hike leader’s discretion. Some leaders are stricter, some much less so.
With careful planning and attention to detail, you set the tone for a thriving 2026 hiking season. Your leadership ensures participants feel welcome, prepared, and safe—whether they are joining for the first time or are lifelong PATC members. By pre-hiking trails, updating first aid kits, bringing energy-boosting snacks, educating about ticks, and staying on top of paperwork, you exemplify the best of PATC values. Here’s to a season filled with adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the trail!