Are you trail ready?

Serpentine Jarrahdale is home to a magnificent network of local trails, but it's important you are prepared before taking the first step on your journey.

Whether you are planning a multiple-day trip to Mount Cooke (section of the Bibbulmun Track) or simply a day outdoors on a loop trail, thorough preparation will help keep you safe and ensure your experience is much more enjoyable.

Below are some tips, split in categories, on how to get "trail ready".

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace (LNT) principles were developed to increase public awareness of how to minimise the impacts of visiting conservation areas.

Plan ahead and prepare: be aware of your capabilities
Travel and camp on durable surfaces: good campsites are found, not made
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, Pack it out
Leave what you find: Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife without disturbing it

What to pack

Making sure you have the correct equipment is key when heading out on a trail trip. Here are some basic things you will want to remember for a day hike:

A simple, frameless, lightweight pack for comfort and stability
One litre of water per hour per person on hot conditions
Nutritious snacks

What to wear

What clothing you should wear while out on a trail varies from season to season, but there are some basics that will keep you safe and comfortable while you enjoy the outdoors. These include:

Comfortable, protective shoes. Do not wear thongs (and especially no high heels!)
Hat and sunscreen
Lightweight layers that you can take off when you warm up and put back when you cool down

Blisters

Blisters are due to friction, caused by ill-fitting footwear and excessive moisture.

Buy your shoes too big. For long hikes and in hot conditions, shoes that feel nice and snug in the store, will most probably feel tight and uncomfortable after a long day on the trail. Correct fit for hiking footwear is one finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. Before purchasing walk up and down stairs, run around the store and wiggle your toes vigorously. If there is any tightness whatsoever, the shoes are too small. Remember, your feet WILL swell.

Sprains and strains

Pre-hike preparation: Conditioning, strengthening and flexibility are key elements to focus on prior to a hike. Aerobic fitness, strengthening exercises, and regular stretching will help you to hike more efficiently and minimise your chances of injury on the trail. Built slowly overtime, preparation for a hike should be pain free.

Snakes

Snakes aren’t interested in biting bushwalkers. Whether you’re walking down the trail, or sleeping under the stars, snakes want to avoid a potential encounter just as much as you do. But snakes will protect themselves if the need arises.

Follow these simple tips:

Watch you step
Make yourself heard by stomping the ground when unsure
Never jump over a log, or place your hands anywhere you cannot see
Trekking pole are handy when crossing overgrown path

Trail etiquette

Be courteous and considerate of other visitors.

Some trails are shared between different activities, such as horse riders and trail runners. Respecting others, giving way if necessary, greeting others as you pass them: these simple actions contribute to a good trail experience, as well as feeling part of a community.

Are you trail ready? is an initiative co-designed with various stakeholders, including trail user groups. Its content is in essence a work-in-progress, completed as information is provided and lessons learnt.

New content will be added, specific to all type of activities applicable to Jarrahdale, with a particular objective to raise awareness about sharing trails, and optimise the "trail experience" for all.

Other resources

Prescribed Burns

Emergency WA

Parks and Wildlife

Leave No Trace Australia