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Picking Your Line

© Karen E. Lynn

Hiking is an easy sport to do. Out on the trail I’ve seen a wide range of participants. From trim, lean fitness freaks hopped up on power bars and trail mix to grandmothers and children. One of the great things about the sport is that pretty much everyone can do it. Most of us start off in local parks with easy terrain. The rocks are smooth and gradual. The paths are wide and gentle. Although these trails are enjoyable, once your sense of adventure gets the better of you, it won’t be long before you look for more of a challenge.

If you are a beginner looking to do more challenging trails, one particular skill set to absorb is picking your line. Picking your line is something done in several sports. It’s about looking ahead and charting your best course over rough terrain. It’s trying to pick the path of least resistance. Mountain bikers do this constantly. They have to survey the trail and instantly make a decision to which invisible line their tires will most easily negotiate the scene. Skiiers do it too, looking for where to cut and turn down the mountain. It is a visualization game. Even in team sports, athletes do this mental exercise to achieve a better performance. Basketball players visualize the ball going through the hoop as they shoot it. Baseball players see themselves making contact with the ball as they swing. Hockey players visualize the puck gliding across the ice into the net. If you have a clear picture of what an action may look like, the easier it is for your body to follow the action with every success. The same applies to hiking, although the luxury hikers have is that we have time to determine the best line, and since we’re not traveling at high speeds on bicycles or skis, it’s easier to go back and correct yourself if you hike yourself into a tight spot.

Upon approaching a steep, rough area on the trail, stop and rest a moment. Look up the trail and find the path of least resistance. Some trails have a lot of debris, roots, loose rock, and leaves to navigate through. These can all be hazardous obstacles that can cause you to slip and fall. Some leaves look dry and crunchy on the top, but underneath they are wet and slippery. Some rocks look firmly embedded in the earth, but when stepped on they give way and move under foot. Take all this into account when choosing your route. Also remember, you should make every attempt to stay on the trail. When hikers start walking next to the trail or around minor obstacles, they start to create their paths and contribute to trail erosion. Heavily eroded trails are unsightly and compromise the beauty of the outdoors. Make every effort to pick you line on the trail and only hike on marked trails.

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