Winter days are short and cold, and winter nights are long and even colder. With the sun setting just after 4:00 p.m. this time of year, it’s very important to plan your hike accordingly, so you’re not racing the sun to get to shelter.

Here are some tips to prevent getting lost in the woods and stuck in the dark:

• Rather than using your cell phone flashlight, always bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably two, with extra batteries).
• Learn to use a topographic map, GPS, and compass, and carry them with you. Many people get lost because they don’t trust the readings on their compass. GPS units have become very affordable and can be extremely useful; however, they only aid in navigation and must be used with a compass and map. Knowing your GPS coordinates may be of little help if you cannot figure out which way and how far you need to walk to reach safety.
• Pick out landmarks that are easy to find at the end of the day. For example, if you hunt or hike south of a road that runs east-west, then you know that by walking north, you will eventually come to the road. Keep these kinds of landmarks in mind before and during your trip, especially when light is dwindling toward the end of the day.

For more info on how to avoid getting stranded or what to do if you are, visit DEC’s Lost In The Woods webpage.

DEC’s Hike Smart NY can also help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your next hiking trip with safety and sustainability in mind.