Health & Safety in Fall
Fall in the Catskills is absolutely beautiful. More photo ops abound as the foliage bursts with the colors of autumn. Regulating body temperature can become more complex as the temperature between day and night can be so different. Staying hydrated is always key - no matter the time of year (keep reading to learn more about how to stay hydrated at Rip's).
As the weather starts to cool, it's important to focus on staying comfortable and keeping your body's temperature regulated. Here are some great tips to get the most out hiking in the Catskills during the fall:
- Dress in layers - Use a hat to protect you from the sun during the day and warm up your body at night. If you'll be taking part of any of Rip's outdoor activities, consider some of the engineered clothing that wicks water away from your body and dries quickly.
- Wear the right shoes - Whether you're hiking, walking through the woods, or just relaxing by the fire - make sure your feet are comfortable and protected. Unless you want to be covered in bug bites, little cuts, and have extremely sore and tired feet, you should never go hiking in a pair of flipflops. Sandals are great for lounging around by the pool but make sure you're wearing comfortable sneakers during a hike!
- Select the right backpack - No one wants to lug a giant, heavy, uncomfortable pack across the Catskills. That would be exhausting. Instead, pick a pack that fits not only your storage needs, but your back length, as well. If you're unsure of what would work best for you, simply head to the nearest outdoor recreation store and ask the employees for help.
- Be ready for emergencies - Hopefully, you'll never need to treat a serious injury or dial 911 while you're out on a hike, but it's important to at least be ready if you ever have to. You should always have a First-Aid Kit in your pack - no matter how intense your hike will be. Additionally, packing an emergency blanket, fire-starting equipment, a compass, and a whistle are all recommended for serious hikers.
- And last but not least - enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Health & Safety in June
June in the Catskills is amazing.
Days are warm, nights are cool, everything is green and lush, and there are so many animals out that sometimes it feels like you can’t keep up with the photo ops.
Make sure you're staying safe throughout the day - whether you're hiking or just relaxing:
- Hydration - It is warm but not hot so it is easy to forget to hydrate. Adequate water intake is important for our bodies to work properly. Children 5-8 years old need 1 liter of water daily, children 9-12 need 1.5 liters of water daily, and people over 12 years old need 2 liters of water daily.
- Bottled drinking water is available in the camp store. Water from the park faucets has been treated and is potable. Do NOT drink from any pond, puddle, or stream. These are not treated water sources and could contain microorganisms that can cause illness. Nobody needs diarrhea when they’re camping!
- Hiking - The Catskills and Hudson Valley have some of the most beautiful vistas you will ever see. If you decide to go hiking in June, you will have a lot of company on most trails. Make sure you are dressed appropriately (no flip flops!), have a pack with correct gear including first aid supplies, and make sure you give yourself enough sunlight to get off the trail before dark. Always sign in and out at the trailheads and let someone know where you are going to be hiking. We have a Hikers Log in the camp store where you can sign in and out to make sure someone knows where you are going. Here’s a site you can check out to get out there safely: Backpacking.net
Enjoy some beautiful Catskills mountains camping and hiking and stay safe!
