A great way to enjoy the Raleigh, North Carolina, area is to take advantage of all the local attractions. When it comes to camping, hiking, and sightseeing, there’s much to do all year round.
As a personal injury lawyer who’s been practicing in the area for many years, I can attest to the variety of fun activities and beautiful sights to see—but I also know that with any location rich with opportunities to explore, there is also the potential for accidents and injuries.
Luckily, many of these potentialities can be avoided with a little knowledge and common sense. Here’s a look at a few things you and your family should be mindful of while enjoying all that our hometown and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Before your trip
Preparation is key, when getting ready to venture out into North Carolina. Before going on a local adventure, be sure to:
- Gear up: Good shoes or hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing will keep you comfortable and sure-footed, no matter if you’re heading out to a trail, or hitting the pavement.
- Safety first: Pack a fully-charged phone, water, and a snack for your day out. Additionally, you’ll want to bring along sun protection and bug repellent, if you’ll be outdoors. If you’ll be driving, make sure you’re gassed up and road-ready.
- Know your surroundings: Familiarize yourself with the area you’ll be exploring, prior to making your trip. You can often find mileage, incline, and walking time information online if you’re planning a hike.
For city exploration, checking online is still a good start—parking info, construction detours, and more are all readily available to help you plan a successful trip.
- Bring a friend: Hiking or traveling alone can be a great way to find solitude, but if you’re not an experienced hiker or you’re unfamiliar with the location or part of town you’re visiting, it is always a good idea to partner with a friend.
Another option: Bus trips and guided hikes or walks are a great way to explore a new area. These small-group trips can be a fun option to sightsee both in the wilderness and in tourist areas.
- Check the weather: Before planning your trip, check the weather reports and pack accordingly. It doesn’t hurt to plan for the unexpected, as well, and bring extra layers, rain protection, and so on.
Trail and waterfall safety tips
One of the draws to hiking and camping in North Carolina is the wonderful wilderness, particularly trails and waterfalls. Make sure to abide by careful safety guidelines, and you’ll not only get to enjoy the sites—but keep yourself and family safe, too.
- Don’t venture off of marked trails. Stay on observation decks and platforms and don’t venture off of marked trails and pathways.
- Look for posted safety signs, warnings, or trail rules and be sure to follow them.
- Watch your footing on stone walkways near the falls. Damp rock is inherently slippery underfoot (and icy during cold months).
- Don’t swim, jump, or dive in or around pools close to the falls. It can be especially difficult to check for debris in these areas, and chances for injury are high.
- If you’re visiting with young family or friends, keep an eye on children. This is the perfect time to hold hands.
We're at your service!
Many injuries occur while in transit to specific parks or while visiting attractions. New construction, high-traffic areas, and negligence may all contribute to accidents at nearby shops, eateries, hotels, or events.
If something should happen, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you figure out if you can make a claim, and guide you through the process of making a case. That’s where we can help.
Give us a call today at (888) 253-4071 to learn more about how we can help you build or manage your specific personal injury case. We look forward to helping find a successful resolution in a timely manner.
Note: This blog is intended to be informational only and shall not be construed as legal advice.
