The Black Hills Forest Service has some safety tips ahead of hiking season [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Hiking in the Black Hills is already underway with all the nice weather, but before you hit the trails there are some important things to remember about your safety.

Before you leave home, you should pack a bag full of essentials you think you’ll need – and even some you don’t.

These items include food, water, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a small blanket, in case of bad weather. The Black Hills Forest Service suggests you bring a map that you can keep handy, they suggest the app Avenza (link for the Apple app, and link for the Android app) which allows for free use of any map even while offline.

Also, make sure to tell someone else where you will be and how long you’ll be there.

While on the trails, be mindful of other hikes, wildlife, bikers, and horses, as some trails in the Black Hills allow access to all.