One of the most common activities for guests who stay at our North Carolina cabins is hiking. Murphy is full of amazing hiking trails where you can take in the gorgeous sights of nature, including mountain views, waterfalls, flowers, and so much more! Before you set out on your adventure, it is important to know what you will need for the trek. Here are 5 things to pack on your next Murphy NC hiking trip:
1. Appropriate Clothing
The first thing you will want to think about when planning a hiking trip is clothing. Since you will be outside, you want to be comfortable during your hike. Of course, a lot of this depends on the weather, so be sure to check the forecast in the days leading up to your trip. During the summer months, you are best off to wear athletic clothing because it is light so you won’t get too hot. If you are visiting Murphy NC during the winter, it is a good idea to bundle up for the trails, especially because the higher you go in elevation, the cooler the temperatures will be.
2. Comfortable Shoes
In addition to comfy clothes, you want to be sure you wear appropriate shoes on the trails. We recommend sticking to close-toed shoes because some of the trails will have rough terrain. That is why it is best to either stick to tennis shoes or hiking boots. Both of these types of footwear will make your Murphy NC hiking trip easier to manage and will keep your feet from hurting. If you need to purchase hiking gear for your trip, there are plenty of places to go shopping around town!
3. Sun Protection
This is one of the things that people often forget about when they go hiking. They assume that the trail will be in a wooded, shady area where they will be protected from the rays of the sun. However, that is not always the case. There will be plenty of places along your hike where the sun will sneak through the trees, making it easy to get a sunburn. Packing a bottle of sunscreen will ensure you don’t feel the pain when you return back to your cabin.
4. Water Bottle
Some of the Murphy NC hiking trails can be an all day experience. Since you will be getting plenty of exercise, it is best to keep a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated during your hike. This is especially important during the warmer months of the year when it is easier to get dehydrated. Most hikers recommend carrying a refillable water bottle because they are less likely to spill out during your adventure.
5. Map or Compass
When people set out on the trail, they assume they will be able to use their phone as a GPS to guide them through the hike if they get off course. However, if your phone battery dies or you don’t have service, you always want to have an alternative solution. While most of the trails are clearly marked and paved out, it is never a bad idea to pack a map or compass just to be safe.
Now that you know what to pack on your next Murphy NC hiking trip, check out these North Carolina hiking trails to start planning your next adventure. We look forward to seeing you soon!
