Hiking in lightning is highly risky, as lightning can strike even a person within a lightning-struck mile. Tall or isolated trees, open areas, and elevated areas are like magnets for lightning, which can make them particularly dangerous in storms. A lightning strike can instantly kill or seriously injure you, leaving you with potentially permanent damages.
To mitigate the risks, plan your hikes wisely with the weather forecast in mind. Avoid hiking during periods known for thunderstorms if possible. Don’t wear metal objects like jewelry, as these can increase your chances of being struck. Never overestimate your abilities to hike back in time; lightning can happen even in short, quick storms.Â
Find a brushy area that is away from tall trees, but an area that the bushes are taller then you are when you are sitting. Leave your hiking sticks on the ground away from you. Use your sleeping mat by sitting on it too insulate yourself from the ground if possible. I sit on part of it and pull the rest of it behind my back and over my head to block rain.
If you are caught in a storm, avoid high ground and open fields. If you hear thunder seek out a low, flat area that's away from isolated trees. Using the ‘30-30 rule’ can often be helpful: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, look for shelter. After the storm, wait for 30 minutes since the last crack of thunder before resuming hiking activities.
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