The inside on the outdoors
Sydney Taylor, Staff Writer
North Greenville University is full of adventurous outdoorsy people. There’s a whole department of classes and teachers dedicated to activities outside and great inside on the best way to hike. Courtney Lane, outdoor leadership major, spoke about the best places to hike that are close enough for NGU students to enjoy.
Lane said, “Paris Mountain has great beginner trails that are wonderful all year-round. The JFA trail at pleasant ridge camp and retreat center is a six-mile loop with good terrain. Falls Creek waterfall trail is a nice brisk walk up a waterfall, but my favorite place to hike is Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge, N.C.”
Photo courtesy of unsplash.com
https://southcarolinaparks.com/paris-mountain/trails
Photo courtesy of unsplash.com
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5281378
Photo courtesy of unsplash.com
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/falls-creek-waterfall-trail
Photo courtesy of unsplah.com
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/wolfpit-shortoff-mountain-mountains-to-sea-section
Hiking these trails requires more preparation than just showing up and hitting the trail. When asked about hiking essentials, Lane had an easy checklist for hikers to remember for when they’re going out on the trails. Lane says, “It is always important to go by something we call the ‘ten essentials’ and this list can vary depending on where you are going.”
1. Always bring water, at least one liter (or more for longer trails) and food
2. Durable hiking shoes
3. Comfortable clothing (typically quick dry since cotton does not do well when wet)
4. First aid supplies
5. Fire starting kit
6. Navigation (map & compass) if you plan on going off course.
7. Rain gear (at least a jacket)
8. Sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen)
9. Knife
10. Extra clothing
Hiking these trails should be fool proof with this essentials checklist.
