Some people have no sense of direction and it gets worse when they are under tree coverage. Don't worry about getting lost in the woods; Salemtowne has a perimeter fence, so you will always be in Salemtowne.
Here are some tips to help you stop worrying about getting lost:
When the leaves are off the trees, you can see more landmarks to help you determine your location, so walk the trails during these times until you become familiar with them.
If you can remember how you got to your location, you can always retrace your steps to get back to where you started.
When you are in the woods, the main campus is always to the west or southwest, so when in doubt, walk west or southwest.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Listen for traffic on University Parkway; the parkway is always to the east.
The lake is on the west side of the woods. All streams flow toward the lake or to the creek just below the dam.
You can carry a small cheap compass or download a free compass app to your smartphone.
You can open this website or AllTrails on your smartphone and find directions.
The woods are shaded and offer some protection from the wind, so there will be temperature changes depending on where you are in the woods. There are lots of elevation changes on the trails that can affect air temperature. Check the weather before you set out on a walk. Smartphones are great for keeping a continuous check on developing weather conditions.
Most of the trails in Salemtowne are in old-growth woodlands. Many of these trees are hundreds of years old and some are dying or dead. After a windstorm, trees, and parts of trees fall, many times they fall onto a trail. Stay out of the woodlands when strong winds are blowing.
ALWAYS take a water bottle with you, dehydration is always a concern for older adults. You need hydration no matter the outside temperature. It can also be used to wash something you may find.
Dress appropriately for you and the weather. Keep in mind the weather conditions may be a little different in the woods. No matter where you begin your walk, a lot of it will be in the sun use appropriate sun protection.
Any type of closed-toe walking shoes are suitable for walking the trails, but shoes made for hiking are better. Remember that a large portion of a trail hike will involve walking on streets and sidewalks to get to the trail.
Sometimes the trails cross grassy areas. After rain or even heavy morning dew, the grass is very wet. Shoes that are also water-resistant will keep your feet dry when walking in these areas.
Walking poles are helpful and useful. They give you support for extra balance and going up and downhill and give you confidence in your walking ability. They are also useful tools for poking something, holding back limbs, flicking small twigs off the trail, picking up something you don’t want to touch, etc.
Collapsible metal poles are located at the Access Point Markers. Deadwood walking sticks are laying on the ground or leaning against trees at many Access Point, or you could find your own laying in the woods.
Take a cell phone with you with preset Salemtowne emergency numbers to call for help or to call 911 if needed. Fitness apps on smartphones can track your steps and mileage and show your location. You can also use the phone to take photos, view this website for information or directions on the trails, or use apps and websites to identify flora and fauna.
If you don’t have a smartphone, bring a camera.
Binoculars are useful for viewing, plants, animals, and distant sights.
If you have a Salemtowne PAL location tracker, make use to take it with you. It is good to carry a whistle with you all the time; three loud, short blasts on your whistle, each lasting approximately three seconds are a universal sign of distress or needing help.