It's time to pack up the camping gear and hit the trail at Virginia State Parks. While I was cleaning the garage last weekend and sorting out our gear, I got the idea of sharing some of my outdoor safety tips with our readers. Most of these are common sense, but some of them I had to learn the hard way.

Twenty Outdoor Safety Tips

1. Pack for, and dress for, forecasted weather. The day can cool down quickly in some of our mountain parks and it can heat up quickly in some of our beach parks. Check a weather app or online weather website and use the park's zip code not the city for the most accurate forecast.

2. Apply sunscreen often, even on cloudy days and even when hiking under a dense tree canopy.

3. Carry a small first aid kit in your hiking pack and keep a larger one in the car or at the campsite.

4. Carry a refillable water bottle and refill it often. Keep yourself and your pets hydrated. Soda, coffee, and sugary juices do not count. Water is the best thing for hydration.

5. Carry a whistle and cell phone in case of emergency. Jot down the list of emergency numbers at the trailhead kiosk before you start your hike.

Wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking to protect yourself from ticks and other insects.

6. Know your route before you hike, Bring a trail map or download the map to your cell phone. Download the Avenza app and use the Avenza maps to find your way.

7. Carry a small solar charger for your cell phone in case of emergency.

8. Use insect repellant that contains DEET. Ticks are becoming more prevalent in Virginia.

9. Wear light colored long pants and tuck your pants into your socks when hiking. Wear a loose fitting long sleeve shirt to protect your arms. This will help you spot ticks easier. Always do a full body tick check after your outdoor adventure. Remove a tick by using tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pulling upward. Be sure to disinfect the bite.

10. If you are going to the beach where jellyfish may be nearby, keep a squirt bottle of white vinegar in your beach bag. Vinegar will help neutralize the sting.  

Trailhead kiosks have emergency phone numbers and information. Take a picture of it on your phone or jot down the phone numbers before you head out on the trail.

11. Be mindful of snakes. Stay on the trail. Do not hike in the leaf litter on the sides of trails. Give snakes wide berth. Do not hike in sandals or flip-flops. Hiking boots are best.

12. Do not hike on mountain biking only trails. Pay attention to horses and bicyclists on multi-use trails. 

13. Keep your pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length and do not allow your pets to roam off the trail. Your pets can get injured if they disturb snakes, foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

14. Light campfires only in designated fire rings and keep the fire under control at all times. On windy days, build smaller fires and do not leave fires unattended.

15. If hiking with children, plan your hike to their ability and endurance level. Trust me, you don't want to have to carry a 40 lb. five-year-old down the trail!

Plan your hike to the ability and endurance of your slowest or youngest hiker.

16. When fishing, be aware of those around you. Give everyone plenty of room for casting and reeling. Secure fishing gear, hooks, and bait and keep them away from small children and pets. 

17. Keep a small flashlight and glow sticks in your hiking pack.

18. Keep snacks, water and a small emergency blanket in your hiking pack. 

19. Keep your food and trash covered and secure at your campsite. Sometimes it is best to lock your food and coolers in your car.

20. Let a friend or family member know your outdoor adventure plans. Let them know where you are going, your intended route, and the time of your expected return. Check in often.

Be careful with fishing gear. Teach children how to handle hooks, tackle, and to give each other ample room during casting.

Share your outdoor safety and outdoor adventure tips on Virginia State Parks Facebook page, on Instagram @VAStateParks or #vastateparks  or @VAState Parks on Twitter. Even though I've been with Virginia State Parks for many years, I still have a lot to learn and look forward to learning from you.