do you keep your head down when you hike?

[Malto]

I normally will never be looking at my feet. Frankly, I don't even think about what I'm looking at. I noticed that after I started trail running and after hiking many thousands miles that foot placement became second natured.

[HooKooDooKu]

Depends upon the likelyhood of poison-ivy being around.

[jeffmeh]

As said, it depends on the terrain. Rarely in northern New England is the trail clear enough of roots and rocks to spend significant time without watching for foot placement. When it presents itself, I take advantage of it. Generally, I quickly scan ahead, so I do think I take in most of my surroundings, but then it's back to looking down.

In the west, I have found long sections of trail that are much easier to hike without worrying about foot placement.

[Edro]

I tend to look down 10-15 ahead of me until i encounter a low hanging tree branch.

[hikerboy57]

I can agree with something dogwood said about trekking poles. ive learned to put them away over rocks and roots, as I have to think about where the poles are going rather than just walk across the rocks/roots. I also keep my eyes in front of me on uphills so that I don't think "how much farther". those three words will tire you out more than the terrain itself.

[Drybones]

Depends upon the likelyhood of poison-ivy being around.

4 of us guys and 9 gals did a night hike, in torrential rain, week end before last, on the Pinhoti over Dugger Mt, from Burns Trailhead to FS500, about 9 miles. I was leading the group, the trail disappeared into waste deep poison ivy, didn't have the heart to tell them what they were wading through. I haven't heard any bad reports from any of them so hopefully none were allergic to it, the rain probably help wash the ivy oil off.

[Kookork]

Depending on the terrain I divide my attention to three different distances. 60 percent on where I put my feet immediately , 30 percent on the immediate trail ( say 10 to 30 feet ahead) and 10 percent looking at the bigger picture and scenery and wildlife.

These percentages varies widely depending on the terrain but they are always part of my visual attention.

[rocketsocks]

I think I prolly scan the area in front of me 5-8 feet and then look around...then repeat as necessary for snakes, holes, roots, rocks, and vistas.

[Dogwood]

You lost me this time Dogwood. Where did the angry , selfish hiker bit come from ?

You lost me this time Dogwood. Where did the angry , selfish hiker bit come from ?

I can see why. I was off base with some of those adjectives. That physiology, how one holds their body in a heads down position, really doesn't aptly apply to someone who's angry and, only sometimes, to someone who's being selfish(as in someone trying to hide something or focused inwardly). I think the rest of those adjectives can aptly apply though to someone in a consistent slumped over, shoulders drooping, chin down, and vision focused down position. In a real sense, our inward states are reflected by our outward physioogy; that's my main pt.

[atmilkman]

I keep my head down when I cyberhike because I 'm a terrible typist.

I use my index fingers like hiking poles.

[slow mind]

Great question HB. I haven't read this whole thread but my honest answer is I don't know. Never really paid attention to it.

[ryanwflynn]

My eyes are always here, there, and everywhere!

[English Stu]

With me I must be subconsciously looking all the time, as soon as I fiddle with the MP3 or look at map whilst I am walking I trip or stumble.

[-SEEKER-]

I feel like I hike head down but, somehow I still end up with hundreds of pictures.

[Rasty]

Only when it's really needed to get through roots or rocks.

[WalksInDark]

It's the rocks, stupid!

For me, my eyes are mostly on the ground...directly in front of me (+18"), then after I have found a safe footfall, I scan out 5-10' both on the trail and an equal distance out to both sides. When I pause walking, I l spend 30 seconds to a couple of minutes checking out the scenery. Every 15-30 minutes I do a dead stop and turn scan the area behind me. After all, being a short, old, slow hiker I have to worry about bobcats, bears, and the occasional possum sneaking up on me.

Without thinking about it, my eyes constantly scan my surroundings for movement. If something catches my eye, I stop, look, and listen.

You would be quite surprised to see how many critters and artifacts are out there when you just take the time to actually see them!

[fredmugs]

for myself I find after an hour or so of hiking I get into a zone where my feet know where to go without me thinking about it. I don't look directly down but rather 10-15 feet ahead of me, with my peripheral vision is enough.thre are exceptions of course over some rocky and rooty stretches , and of course on steep downs its essential.

Same here except for me it's the DANGERZONE. I am currently sporting 3 dead black toenails and one completely missing that I yanked off. Thanks Long Trail!

[fins1838]

Ever since almost stepping on a rattlesnake in Pa. I find I look at the ground in front of me. Occasionaly I remember to look around and take in the scenery.

[slbirdnerd]

Not much. I would rather fall, a little, than miss everything.

[Theosus]

When I'm barefoot, damn straight! When I'm shod, I usually look 6-10 feet in front of me most of the time.