Trail Talk: Rainy days bring slippery trails and surprising sights
Wet weather offers challenges and rewards for fall hikers across Huron County. Rain gear becomes essential, though it's hard to stay completely dry.
Gore-Tex is supposed to keep rain out while allowing moisture to escape, but I still end up damp from sweat.
An umbrella works best for staying dry but isn't practical in windy or narrow trails. Many hikers prefer to wait for a dry day. However, growing up in Britain, where it rains often, teaches you to hike in nearly every kind of weather.
On a recent hike, a group of us hiked the Taylor and Mavis trails, then continued to the Bannockburn Conservation Area trails, which had become quite wet. We took cautious steps, as some sections of the boardwalk were very slippery. Additionally, windy days pose the danger of falling branches.
Author's summary: Rainy days bring challenges and surprises for fall hikers.
- Wet weather requires essential rain gear
- Slippery trails and falling branches pose hazards
- Hiking in various weather conditions can be rewarding