For a complete guide to local areas including photographs, routes, and descriptions pick-up a copy of the Washington and Lee Outing Club Guidebook, available through the W&L Outing Club, University Bookstore and at local book shops. For a list of items to take with you on a hike you can view this Personal Equipment Checklist.
When you choose any of our hikes you'll find the format below. We've included a brief explanation to each of the headings you'll see to explain how we've set up each of the hiking web-pages.
Hike: Name of the hike
Summary: Quick summary window of the hike so that you can see if this hike is what you want and have time to do
Total Time: An estimated time to do this hike from when you leave Lexington, do your hike and return back to Lexington.
Hike Time: The time it will take from the trailhead to get to the summit, waterfall, etc... (one way)
Distance: The distance from the trail head to the summit etc.. in miles.
One of the most important pieces of gear you'll ever own is your hiking boots. To keep your feet comfortable, i.e. blister and foot injury free, it is very important that your boots fit. The following suggestions are good things to keep in mind when buying a pair of boots.
There are two types of boots on the market, leather boots and lightweight hiking boots. Leather boots tend to be more durable and last longer, and can be waterproofed. They are expensive. Lightweight boots tend to be more breathable, more comfortable, cheaper, and require a shorter break-in time. However they aren't as durable as leather boots and they aren't waterproof. Your boots should have good ankle support.
Your feet swell as they warm up. Therefore, it is very important that your feet be warmed up when you try your boots on. A good idea is to park far away from the store. Walk a half mile to the store in the afternoon when it's warm. That way your foot will be more the size it will be when you are actually hiking.
The best way to prevent blisters and an uncomfortable foot while hiking is to protect your foot by wearing two pairs of hiking socks. When you go to try on your boots, bring two pairs of hiking socks with you. Two pairs of socks will not only give you good padding, but will also wick the moisture away from your foot as well.
When you are guessing your foot size, go up a ½ size. When you put the shoe on, you should also be able to put a finger between your foot and the heel of the boot.
Once you have the shoe on, lace the boot up. Don't lace it too tightly, but just snugly. Walk around the store and see how they feel. In particular, make sure that your heel can slide around slightly. The boot should be comfortable but stiff.
Your toes should not hit the front of the boot too much. To simulate walking down a hill bang the toe of the boot on the ground or against a wall. Your toe shouldn't hit the front of the boot too easily. If it does, either your boot is too small or your laces aren't snug enough. Your boots should feel a little big.
Remember that it takes awhile for boots to be broken in, in particular full grain leather boots. Some companies say that about 200 miles is the break-in time for leather boots! Wear your boots around the house and in the yard before you go on a long hike. Many people also wear different sock combinations when hiking. Try different thicknesses, but always use at least two pairs of socks. For example; a liner and midweight, two pairs of midweight, liner and heavy weight, etc... Go with what feels best.
Clean your boots after a hike. The grit in boots can abrade the leather.
Grease your boots often. This will not only help keep them waterproof but it also makes you clean your boots every once in a while.
Buy a boot that has very few seams. The more stitching in a boot, the more places there are for water to leak in.
Buy a boot which can be resoled. Usually the sole of your boot is the first thing to go and in most cases $35 will get you a resole/'new' boot.
Jack Albright, Appalachian Trail Guide to Central Virginia. c1994
Allen de Hart and Bruce Sundquist, Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide. c1993
Claudia Person, N.O.L.S. Cookery. c1997
Tod Schimelphenig and Linda Lindsey, N.O.L.S. Wilderness First Aid. c1992