South Dakota — When hiking, people are usually told to stay on the set trail network due to various risks. However, various national parks have an entirely different policy.
One such example is Badlands National Park. In August, Badlands National Park detailed on social media why it has an open-hike policy. The reason for this policy is the rapid erosion in the Badlands. The formations have an average erosion of one inch per year, so footsteps won’t ultimately lead to disproportionate damage.
However, people should be wary of various risks when going off-trail. Running into wildlife is a significant risk, with bison and snakes being common. Badlands recommends keeping a 100-foot distance from wildlife. Relying on cell phones for GPS navigation isn’t wise, as coverage is poor in the Badlands. So, if you’re hiking off-piste, bring a map, compass, and GPS device. Climbing up the formations is relatively easy, but getting down them is more difficult. Other tips include bringing the proper footwear (hiking boots, not Crocs) and lots of water.
This isn’t the only US National Park that has an open-hike policy. According to Backpacker, other national parks with open hike policies include Cuyahoga Valley, Dinosaur, Lake Clark, Olympic, and Wind Cave.
Image/Video Credits: Max Vyölzse, Through My Lens, Badlands National Park
