Which statement best describes safe cross-country hiking?

Which statement best describes safe cross-country hiking?

• A. Start without planning.
• B. Make a hiking plan.
• C. Ignore the map.
• D. Rely on memory alone.

Answer: (B)

Planning ahead sets the foundation for safe cross-country hiking. A hiking plan covers your route, expected times, terrain and weather considerations, water and food needs, and the gear to carry. It also includes navigation methods (maps, compass, or GPS), potential turn-back points, and a check-in plan with someone who knows your route. With this, you can pace yourself, avoid hazardous areas, anticipate delays, and respond if conditions change. Sharing your plan with a trusted person adds an extra layer of safety, because someone knows where you should be and when to raise an alarm if you don’t check in. Starting without planning leaves you vulnerable to getting lost or exhausted; ignoring the map removes reliable navigation references; relying on memory alone is risky because details can be forgotten under stress or at challenging moments. Making and following a hiking plan directly supports staying on track, managing risks, and ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the trail brings.

Planning ahead sets the foundation for safe cross-country hiking. A hiking plan covers your route, expected times, terrain and weather considerations, water and food needs, and the gear to carry. It also includes navigation methods (maps, compass, or GPS), potential turn-back points, and a check-in plan with someone who knows your route. With this, you can pace yourself, avoid hazardous areas, anticipate delays, and respond if conditions change. Sharing your plan with a trusted person adds an extra layer of safety, because someone knows where you should be and when to raise an alarm if you don’t check in.

Starting without planning leaves you vulnerable to getting lost or exhausted; ignoring the map removes reliable navigation references; relying on memory alone is risky because details can be forgotten under stress or at challenging moments. Making and following a hiking plan directly supports staying on track, managing risks, and ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the trail brings.