How to Protect Yourself When Hiking Illinois and Wisconsin Trails

After seeing a heartbreaking news story this week about a husband and wife who were stabbed to death while hiking with their children, it got me thinking about my next hike.

I hike quite often at Starved Rock State Park and Devil's Lake.  Never have I ever felt unsafe walking through the trails solo or with friends, until now.  I've started thinking, "what would I do if I was in a dangerous, life-threatening situation like they were?"

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Hiking should be a way to clear your mind, connect with nature, and not stress you out, but this tragedy was a huge wake-up call.  It's a reminder that we need to be just as prepared for people as we are for all the bugs that attack us along the trails.

Read More: One Of The Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Illinois

I carry pepper spray, find a walking stick, and am extremely alert every time I hike.  I also make sure to keep my location on for everyone in my family in case they need to locate me.  There are so many ways to protect yourself next time you hit the trails.

How to Protect Yourself When Hiking Illinois and Wisconsin Trails

• Stick to popular, well-marked trails
• Tell others where you're going
• Don't wear headphones
• Carry a walking stick you find on the trails
• Have a plan in case of an emergency

It sucks we have to prepare like this, but this day in age you never know what people are capable of.  That's for damn sure.

Related: 4 Beautiful and Easy Hikes in Northern Illinois

It's terrible that something so senseless could make us second-guess what we love to do outdoors, but I'd rather be prepared than caught off guard.