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What to Do if You Get Lost While Hiking

HealthDay News

(HealthDay News)—If you're enjoying the great outdoors on a hike, it's important to know what to do if you are lost.

The U.S. Forest Service offers these suggestions:

  • Carefully review your surroundings, and try to locate yourself on a map using nearby landmarks.
  • If you get lost, don't panic. Think back to how you arrived at your location.
  • If you're on a trail, stay on it.
  • Trust your compass and map.
  • If it is getting dark, you are exhausted or you are hurt, stop walking.
  • If you cannot find any other way, follow drainage or a stream downhill as they typically lead to a road.

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Published: July 2014

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