Day Hiking Trails: Dealing with stinging nettles on the hiking trail

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Dealing with stinging nettles on the hiking trail

Stinging nettles. Photo courtesy
of Indiana DNR.

Fortunately nettles only result in the temporary pain of being stung. Watch for an itchy red rash, however, as this indicates an allergic reaction.

To avoid nettles, stay in the middle of the trail. In addition, if walking through an area with nettles, cover exposed parts of body with clothing.

Treat a nettle cut by plastering baking soda or a cold compress on the area that stings. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Meet the Author

My name is Rob Bignell. I'm a long-time hiker, journalist and editor. My son Kieran and I have been hiking together for the past decade. Before Kieran, I taught middle school students in New Mexico and Wisconsin, served as an infantryman in the Army National Guard, and worked in newspapers. I've won several journalism awards, from editorial writing to sports reporting. In 2001, The Prescott Journal, which I served as managing editor of, was named Wisconsin’s Weekly Newspaper of the Year. Currently I own and operate an online editing business, Inventing Reality Editing Service. After spending several years in Southern California, my son and I now live in Wisconsin on the scenic Red Cedar River.