Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Day Hike

Plan Your Day Hike Like a Pro

Hiking is one of America’s most popular outdoor recreation activities! It is appropriate for all ages, young and old. There are no specialized skills or equipment required to participate, and the time, distance, and level of difficulty are entirely up to you! With more of us working indoors, sitting at desks looking at screens for hours at a time it has become essential for our physical and mental well-being to get outside, interact with nature, and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Even if you are brand new to hiking, it can be taken at your own pace and build your connection with nature.

You do not have to take long, epic multi-day hiking excursions to be a hiker! Day hikes, short hikes that can be done in a day, can be just as fulfilling and beneficial and are more accessible to those of us with limited time, funds, and access. In this post, we’re going to show you how to plan a day hike in 4 steps so you can: 

• Embark on your journey as a HIKER
• Explore a beautiful piece of nature
• Enjoy a safe sojourn into the wilderness

This is the call of the wild, to embark, explore, and enjoy! Read on to plan your day hike like a pro!

We Can All be Hikers

Hiking is for everyone! It is one of the best ways to connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy some fresh air. And the great news is that you do not have to be an expert outdoors-person or have expensive gear to enjoy this popular outdoor recreation. Hiking is really just walking outside! There are tens of thousands of miles of developed trails in the United States that over 50 million people enjoy each year. Not only is hiking great exercise, but studies show that it also improves balance and bone health.

Steps overview

Planning a hike will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip and takes just a few steps:  

1. Evaluate your abilities 
2. Explore trail resources  
3. Choose your trail and prepare
4. Grab your gear and head out

Step #1: Evaluate Your Abilities

If you are a beginner hiker it is important to consider your physical abilities. When beginning any new physical activity or exercise regimen it is important to take stock of your current level of fitness. It’s easy to underestimate the physical challenges of a hike, because after all it is just a walk outside! Uneven terrain, steep inclines, and exposure to the elements all have an impact on physical performance. So before heading off to that first trailhead, take a moment to honestly reflect on your level of fitness and any health issues that may impact your hike. Understanding your abilities will help you plan for a hike that best fits your needs.

Evaluate your level of fitness

Consider the questions below as a starting point for checking in your level of fitness: 

• What is my current level of physical activity? 

• Do I breathe comfortably while walking, jogging, or other light aerobic activity?

• Do I have any injuries or pre-existing medical conditions?
  • If yes, then contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your plans before hiking any type of trail. 

Low to Light Level

If you estimate yourself to have a Low to Light level of physical activity (need frequent breaks to breathe comfortably) then plan to hike a trail shorter than 2 miles round trip with a level terrain. This distance should take the average walker 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. A hike this distance would also provide time for you to get a feel for trail walking and enjoy the outdoor environment. As you build endurance and strength you can begin to plan for longer trails with more varied terrain.

Medium to High Level

If you estimate yourself to have a Medium to High level of physical activity (breathe comfortably by pacing yourself) choose a trail length of 2 to 6 miles round trip with terrain based on your personal comfort level. Hiking this distance will take about 1 to 3 hours, so you will need to consider your water carrying capacity more carefully. Understanding your abilities will help you plan for a hike that best fits your physical needs while ensuring you have a safe and invigorating experience!

Step #2: Explore Trail Resources

Apps and Maps

These days there are a number of high-quality resources about hiking trails available for free online or to download. Two resources that I highly recommend are AllTrails and TrailLink. They are both high-quality digital platforms that house comprehensive trail databases. Both sites have desktop and mobile app versions and with a free account you will gain access to detailed descriptions of trails in your area (city, state, zip), user reviews, trail maps, difficulty ratings, and insightful tips to help you plan. 

If you prefer the hands-on approach, a visit to local park visitor centers, ranger stations, and outdoor gear stores are treasure troves of printed maps, guidebooks, and expert advice tailored to the area’s terrain and conditions. At these designated hikers havens, you will find people with shared interest-your hiking community!

Hiking Communities

In addition to online resources I encourage you to reach out to regional hiking clubs or organizations. This is a great way to connect with the hiking community and get out on some trails with seasoned hikers. And, by engaging with the community you have an opportunity to meet new people willing to share invaluable knowledge about local trails or lesser-known trails. Whether tapping into the digital realm or seeking guidance from seasoned locals, the array of resources ensures hikers embark on their next outdoor escapade well-prepared and inspired.  

Step #3: Choose Your Trail and Prepare

At this point, you have evaluated your level of fitness so you have an idea for the specific parameters for your day hike and reviewed online and on-ground resources about trails in your area. Now it is time to choose your trail! Based on Step #1 (your estimated level of fitness), list the trails that fall within your fitness guidelines for time, distance, and difficulty rating.

For example, if your physical activity is low to light, then select a trail that is less than 2 miles round trip with level terrain which has an easy to moderate difficulty rating. I like to use highlighters and outline the trail I plan to hike on either a printed or purchased trail map to get a sense of the route, available amenities, and trail rules (pets on leash, bike only, etc.) and to match the user descriptions from AllTrails and TrailLink to what I am seeing on the map. 

It’s all in the details

Why are these trail details important? 

Details about the trail such as it being rocky, sandy, boardwalk, concrete, etc., having shade or no shade, or areas with water crossings inform the type of hiking attire needed to be comfortable and reduce risk of injury. For most trails, I recommend a water resistant day hiking shoe, like the Merrell Moab, that offers stability, cushion, and breathability for shorter and longer day hikes.

Another detail to note is potable (drinkable) water and restroom availability. If potable water is available at the trailhead or along the path, then you can carry less water, which means less weight! However, you will want to make sure that you have access to at least 1 Liter of water, per person, per 2 hours of hiking time. Other items to consider are sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, waterproof layers, and fleece outer layer, but this type of gear depends on the weather and decisions to bring these items should be made the day of your hike.        

Step #4: Grab Your Gear and Head Out

It’s the day of your hike! Since you know how long your hike should take, you will want to check the weather. Review the forecast around what time you plan on reaching the trailhead and what time you will return. This will help ensure you bring the right gear. If your hike is at a higher elevation, know that weather can change rapidly, so it is vital to know the weather before you go! Learn more about staying safe during dangerous weather conditions here at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Weather Safety resource. One last thing, an essential safety practice is to share your hiking plans with a friend or family member. Specifically, let them know the time you plan on leaving and returning and that you will check in upon returning.

Now you know how to plan a day hike!

Hiking is a great way to step away from the distractions of our modern day world and into the slower, more relaxed pace of nature. You do not need special skills to hike, and with just a little planning anyone can begin their journey as a hiker! Day hikes are a great way to begin developing your skills as a hiker and to reap the physical and mental benefits of time spent outdoors. Read my post covering the 6 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers for more detailed tips for getting out on the trail. 

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