All nature enthusiasts know that nothing can compete with the thrill of exploring a new destination for the first time. Seeing a lake, river, or mountain that you haven’t seen before up close makes you realize how breathtaking our planet is. And there is so much to explore; so many hidden corners of the world are filled with wild natural beauty. But being a nature lover isn’t enough when exploring some of these places. You need to do your research and be prepared. You could end up in a potentially dangerous situation if you don’t plan accordingly. And while there are many great places to visit, we turned our focus today to one specific place, and that is Woodall Mountain. The highest natural point in Mississippi, this mountain, while beautiful, requires you to be prepared. To make that journey a little easier for you, we made a list of some tips for exploring Woodall Mountain that you should check out.
Some basic info about Woodall Mountain
Before we start giving you tips for exploring Woodall Mountain, we will first tell you some basic information about it. As we previously said, Woodall Mountain is the highest natural point in Mississippi and stands at 806 feet. This place was called Yow Hill during the American Civil War and carried a historical significance. The famous Battle of Iuka happened there. The mountain and the entire area around it are some of the most beautiful in the entire country. So if you ever decide you want a change of lifestyle and want to be closer to nature, this place would be perfect. And thankfully long distance moving and hiring movers in Mississippi is very affordable, and you will be able to get there with ease.
Get a map or a guide
Your first order of business should be to research the mountain area and road you will be taking. You can’t just show up without prior knowledge of the route and the geographical circumstances that await you. While you will have some road signs to point you in a general direction, there is nothing better than getting a map. With a map, you will be able to see every part of the road you will be taking, where to turn, etc. But if you want to feel really secure before you go, you can look for a guide online. Those guides can be even more detailed than the map. They will tell you exactly where to go and what kind of terrain you can expect there. This way, you won’t be surprised when you get there.
Check the weather report
Before taking any trips to nature, hiking, or exploring a mountain, the smart thing to do is to check the weather forecast. You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a rainstorm while exploring Woodall Mountain. While huge winter storms aren’t that common in this area of Mississippi, there is still a chance they might happen, so you should definitely check the forecast. Also, doing anything too physically draining on extremely hot days is not recommended. Weather can have a huge impact on your experience, and you should be mindful of that. Pick a day when you know the weather will be pleasant so you can enjoy your mountain exploring adventure stress-free.
Avoid hunting season
Mississippi is well known for its hunting season. And much of the land near Woodall Mountain, especially around the North Ridge trail, is owned by a local hunting club. This can be potentially dangerous for some uninformed mountain climbers. While there are safety measures and good chances that everything will go smoothly, it is still something to think through. If you want to be completely relaxed when exploring Woodall Mountain without being anxious about a stray bullet, you should probably wait until hunting season is over. It will be very easy to find out when the hunting season begins and ends, as it is posted online every year. And if you are going in a group, you should check with everybody if they are comfortable visiting this place while the hunting season is happening so you are all on the same page.
One of the tips for exploring Woodall Mountain is to dress accordingly
To be able to climb to the top, you will need to dress accordingly. You can just show up in jeans or a skirt and expect you will be able to finish the route. This is also why checking the forecast is so important. When you know what the weather conditions are going to be like, you will be able to pick the right clothes. The main thing is that your clothes should be comfortable and you can move easily in them. The next important thing is layers. Wearing a layered outfit when mountain climbing is a must. As you progress up the mountain, and as time passes, you might experience a change in temperature. So you can easily either remove a layer of clothing if it gets hot or add a layer if it gets cold. The same rules apply to footwear. Wear something that is comfortable but still durable enough to help you climb Woodall Mountain.
Pack wisely
One of the most important tips for exploring Woodall Mountain is to pack wisely and bring all the necessities. First, you will need to get a good-quality backpack that is suitable for these adventures in nature. Your backpack should be strong and durable but not too heavy; you don’t want to carry that extra burden up the mountain. It also needs to be big enough for your items. When going on trips like this, you should always carry the following things: a first aid kit, phone, flashlight, water, food, and map. These are the basics you have to have with you no matter what. Then you can add other items you might need. For example, if you have a certain medical condition where you need to take your meds at certain hours, you should carry them as well. Then if the day is going to be hot, don’t forget to bring that SPF.
Don’t push yourself too hard
While Woodall Mountain is not one of the hardest mountains to climb and explore, it might be challenging for some. In that case, you shouldn’t force yourself to go through with it; it is better to stay safe. If you find yourself unable to go on in the middle of that route, there is nothing shameful about giving up. It is better to do that than to potentially injure yourself. You can always try again some other time when you are more ready. And as a bonus, you will have the advantage of trying once and knowing what to expect the next time.
In conclusion
These were some essential tips for exploring Woodall Mountain. Hopefully, they were helpful to you and inspired you to go on an exciting journey and experience its beauty firsthand!