Trail & Wilderness Safety

The trails around Blue Ridge range from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, and being prepared is essential for a safe experience. Always tell someone your plans and expected return time. Carry plenty of water (1 liter per 2 hours of hiking), snacks, a basic first aid kit, and a charged phone. Cell service is unreliable on most trails — download offline maps before heading out. Creek crossings can be dangerous after rain; turn back if water is high or fast-moving. Watch for venomous snakes (copperheads, timber rattlesnakes) on rocky trails, especially in warm months. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present — check yourself thoroughly after every hike. Weather changes quickly in the mountains; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Start early and be off ridgelines before storms arrive.