Category: Health and Safety
The last two years prompted some changes to the AMC lodging experience. Throughout this difficult time, we’re proud of the way we’ve adapted to circumstances, while still maintaining what makes a trip to an AMC location so special: Spending time in the outdoors with friends, both old and new. As we look forward to the […]
This article has been adapted from Lisa Densmore Ballard’s original blog – Hiking with Dogs: A Guide to Bringing Your Best Friend on the Trail. Most dogs, regardless of size, make excellent hiking companions—if they are physically fit for the level of hiking that you plan to do, if they are obedient, if they are […]
The following is a sneak peek at one of the presentations scheduled for AMC’s 146th Annual Summit. Summit gives members of the AMC community a chance to hear from outdoor experts, honor volunteers and sit in on AMC’s annual business meeting. For ‘How Not to End Up in the Accidents Report of Appalachia Journal,’ Chris Woodside, […]
October and November can be a beautiful time to hike in the mountains of northern New England—especially with all the brilliant fall colors—but hiking at this time of year can also present some challenges for the unprepared. While the valleys and lower elevations may still have temperatures in the 60s and 70s with green […]
We’ve all been there. Every hiker, whether they’ve summited all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000 footers or even completed the Appalachian Trail, starts out as a beginner. As you work your way up from pond hikes to summit ascents, you pick up plenty of skills and know-how along the way. You’ll probably even make a […]
Americans are stressed. Political and racial turmoil, economic instability, environmental calamity, and, of course, a global pandemic have contributed to what the American Psychological Association called a “national mental health crisis” in its 2020 Stress in America report, published in October. Nearly 4 out of 5 Americans surveyed (78 percent) said COVID-19 was a “significant […]
The winter months are a busy time for search and rescue (SAR) personnel in the Northeast. The region’s famously unpredictable and brutal winter weather leads to many misadventures that require professional rescues—but the vast majority of these incidents are preventable. Careful planning and preparation can help you avoid the many scenarios that lead to costly […]
Sarah Goodnow says she was lucky the first time she saw a natural avalanche. Lucky, as in she and others around her were in a safe place, allowing them to witness the phenomenon without fear.“It was after a snowstorm and there wasn’t much wind,” she recalls. “I could see Hillman’s Highway (a ski route […]
Being outdoors in the winter—especially in the backcountry—presents a different and more complex set of safety challenges. Extreme cold and wind can render a person immobile—or worse—within minutes, complicating any additional injuries one has sustained. Here are several of the most common winter injuries, how to prevent them, and what to do if you or […]
When heading outdoors adventure, it’s important to carry a first aid kit with you at all times. Not only is it one of the ten essentials, it’s also crucial for common injuries and mishaps you may experience. After all, you never know when misfortune may strike. Amid a global pandemic, however, you must also […]
New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Lt. Jim Kneeland doesn’t go anywhere without his phone these days. Or his maps. Kneeland oversees Fish and Game operations in the western White Mountains and since the beginning of summer, he’s been on the receiving end of a seemingly endless torrent of calls for help. Not just search […]
Health and safety go hand in hand with humans’ environmental impact. By planning a trip ahead of time, you consider all the factors that go into its success and identify ways to lessen your impact on the areas you plan to visit. “The impacts of poor planning can be significant,” says Alex Delucia, Leave […]
According to Leave No Trace principles, anything that does not belong in nature in the first place should be carried out. This “pack in, pack out” philosophy applies to trash and food waste, human and domesticated animal waste, soaps, lotions, and other products. “Human waste is a hazard to public health and also attracts […]
AMC’s Shelters Department loves that so many people want to experience the wilderness, recreate outdoors, and embrace travel by foot. Last year, we recorded more than 18,000 campers who visited one of nine staffed AMC campsites in the White Mountain National Forest over a five-month period alone. However, we can’t ignore the negative effects of […]
Dr. Tom: How do I prevent getting caught in a lightning storm? What if a member of my party is struck by lightning? If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. The absence of clouds overhead or rain does not mean you are safe. The […]
With the summer air warm and the water cool, it’s always tempting to jump in for a swim in a river. Swimming in rivers can be great fun, but before you take the plunge, pause to consider the nature of flowing water.
With COVID-19 still at the forefront of our thoughts, there’s another health hazard to keep an eye out for this spring and summer—ticks. While it’s important to continue to follow CDC guidelines when heading outdoors, including wearing a face mask and maintaining at least six feet of physical distance between you and another person, its also important to […]
Rock climbers are used to having to take rest days, but this quarantine is making my calluses become involuntarily soft. I’ve been climbing for 15 years, both competitively and recreationally. After high school, I hung up my competition shoes and moved to California for college—based on its proximity to climbing haven Joshua Tree National Park, […]
Here’s a paddling workout you can do in your living room or backyard, courtesy of Kathy Ellis, M.S.—a licensed personal trainer, certified yoga trainer, and volunteer Class 2 excursions leader with AMC’s New Hampshire chapter. Ellis has trained clients of all fitness levels in every setting, from private studios to corporations, and currently works […]
Try these exercises to stay in paddling shape or this at-home rock climbing workout. Whether you’re still in the depths of winter or entering mud season, there’s a good chance you haven’t been doing much hiking recently. For a dose of inspiration and some hiking exercises you can do in your living room or backyard, we caught […]