AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/lost-on-trail

You're lost on a hiking trail. What do you do?

Stay put, hug a tree, and blow three whistle blasts.

Start playing free

The Just Right card

Too littleHead downhill, because streams lead to roads
Too muchClimb to high ground to get a look around
Just rightStay put, hug a tree, and blow three whistle blasts

Huh, didn't know that: Some lost kids hide from searchers because they are scared of strangers. Teach yours that searchers are friends.

The dad joke
How do trees get on the internet? They log in.
Like this card?
Play the game
AhaBulb card: You're lost on a hiking trail. What do you do?

Download the printable card

References

Answer: Stay put, hug a tree, and blow three whistle blasts. Searchers start along your planned route, so staying put makes you easier to find. Hugging a tree keeps you calm and in one place. Three blasts means "I need help," and a whistle carries farther than your voice.

  1. National Park Service outdoor emergency plan www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/upload/NPS-Outdoor-Emergency-Plan-508c.pdf
    Blow your whistle three times, take a break, and blow three times again.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. National Park Service Hug a Tree guidance home.nps.gov/articles/000/junior-ranger-my-favorite-tree.htm
    Hug that tree and stay put! Remember to use your whistle and stay by your tree.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. Alpine Rescue Team Hug a Tree guidance alpinerescueteam.org/safety-education/hug-a-tree
    Some are afraid of strangers and people in uniform, and don’t respond to yells. Many have actually hidden from searchers they knew were looking for them.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Outdoors & CampingA thunderstorm chases you away from the campfire. When is it safe to go back out?Outdoors & CampingYou find a tick stuck in your skin after a hike. What's the best way to get it out?Outdoors & CampingTime to leave camp. What's the right way to put out the campfire?

That's stuff everyone should know.