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The echoes of arenas, the dull sprawls of fields — traditional sports offer no appeal. You crave none of their rules or regulations; you desire no team formalities. Instead you seek the wonders of nature: choosing to gain essential exercise among the trees.
Such a goal is lofty. It can also prove difficult, however, when the weather turns fickle — offering a scattering of rain and hints of winter air. The forecast swears that storms will appear. And you… decide to still chance an exploration. A hike shouldn’t be too affected, after all. Nature can sustain itself in the wake of a little water.
Established trails, however, often can’t — and you may find yourself greeted by closed parks or reservations.
All would-be hikers must recognize the dangers of weather. Simple storms can wreak havoc on pathways: washing away dirt, uprooting limbs, making boulders too slick or causing bridges to warp. Many parks will therefore shut down when forecasts promise rain, deeming the trails too uncertain. Some will remain open, however, but will absolve themselves of responsibility — leaving adventurers to face the roads alone.
It’s wise to avoid these moments when possible. Hiking is not a sport defined by specific seasons or hours. There are no team schedules to maintain. It can instead be accomplished throughout the entire year. Choosing to ignore weather warnings is therefore a mistake — and one that could potentially cause harm.
The weather dominates nature. This must be accepted: with hikers choosing easier forecasts to enjoy and eliminating complications.
