What to Do When You Get Lost While Running Trails

The trails, especially for the inexperienced, can become a touch confusing at times. And, in the worst case scenario, you can discover yourself lost in a thick wood with everything in each direction looking the same. Without a way out, you can get rather disoriented and upset, so to keep yourself calm and get yourself back on the right trail, you need to become a nature lover. The clues that exist all around you can take the place of that forgotten GPS, and you can, at the very least, get headed in a positive direction.

Before you venture out into the trails for a solo run, think about the following ideas. Having these basic tools in your mind can assist you in handling an emergency, and they will let you remain relaxed and collected at a time that could easily get you mentally panicked.

Look at the sky: Unless it is a rain-soaked grey sky, you should be able to watch the direction of the clouds. Generally speaking, clouds move East to West, so seeing the pattern can help you directionally. While the clouds don't always fit this script perfectly, they can offer some help.

Keep looking at the sky: While you're cloud gazing, take a moment to track the sun. If you watch it over a short period of time, it too will give you a directional clue. Knowing that the sun always rises in the East and sets in the West, seeing how it crosses the sky can send you along your way.

Check out the trees: Often times, moss grows on the North side of a tree. If you are lucky enough to find this, it can serve as a personal compass for you.

Find water: If you are up on a hill, work your way down and find a stream or river. Water sources will eventually lead you to people, and following a river will keep you moving in a positive direction. Roaming in circles when you cannot get your bearings is a distinct possibility when lost in the woods.