Interested in taking up hiking? You are not alone! Hiking is becoming more and more popular in America. Over 55 million people decided to hit the trails in 2023, growing an enthusiastic community of outdoor recreationalists. As a hiker you will become part of this fun-loving community that finds relaxation, motivation, and inspiration by spending time in nature!
I started this blog because I LOVE hiking and I wanted more people to feel comfortable and confident being outdoors to Embark, Explore, and Enjoy. I truly believe that spending time in nature is deeply rewarding and feeds the soul. If you are wondering if you can be a hiker, read on about these 7 things that no one tells you about hiking to help you decide.
What Hikers Say About Hiking…
If you ask a hiker about hiking they will likely tell you what incredible experiences you can have! Or they might tell you that the trail helps you really reflect and get to know yourself on a deeper level. Or that you make so many friends and learn new things just by heading out on the trail! All these things are certainly true about hiking and more! It is also great for your physical and mental health. Hiking can decrease anxiety, stress, and depression and increase your cardiovascular health. Since hikers are excited about getting new hikers out on the trail, they want to share all these things with you! But there are some surprising things that no one tells you!
Here are 7 surprising things no one tells you about hiking:
- Hiking is for everybody!
- Gear matters, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
- Potty breaks are inevitable.
- Wildlife is mostly birds and insects.
- We are all a little out of shape.
- There is such a thing as trail etiquette.
- Hiking leads to more hiking
1. No, really. Hiking is for EVERYBODY!
HIking is really just walking outside! Maybe you already enjoy a daily walk outside in the neighborhood. Or maybe you prefer walking leisurely along the local nature trail. Or, perhaps, you spend a few times a year heading out to a state park or natural area for some day hikes. All of these things make you a hiker! Hiking is for everybody, because it is defined as the activity of going on long walks outside and even better if it’s in the woods or in nature.
Here are the key facts that prove anyone can be a hiker:
- You do not have to be an expert outdoors-person to enjoy this popular outdoor recreation. There are tens of thousands of miles of developed trails for hikers to embark, so no bush-whacking required.
- People of all ages can participate. There are paved trails, short trails, and trail routes with benches and areas of interest punctuated along the way to ensure there is something of interest for everyone.
- There are no specialized skills or equipment required. Some outdoor recreation activities require some training and specific skills to enjoy safely, for example, mountain biking or rock climbing. In contrast, the best way to prepare for a hike is to realistically consider your level of fitness (for more on this check out my post outlining 6 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers).
- The distance and level of difficulty of the trail is entirely up to you! Hiking is a personal journey and the experience should be planned around your own needs and goals.
2. Gear Matters, But it Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
You may feel like you need to load up on outdoor gear, and even be overwhelmed by what you think you have to buy to take up hiking. Boots and shoes, backpacks, hydration packs, special clothing, trekking poles, safety kits, and the list goes on. Gear is cool! And as you begin to give hiking a Google, more of this cool gear will be popping up on outdoor websites and resources you browse while planning that first hike.
But here are a couple of things to know before you begin adding items to your cart:
- You do not need all the cool gear to go on a hike. First, evaluate your hiking goals and make a list of the items you will need for a safe and comfortable experience. You can always continue to purchase other pieces of gear as you gain more experience and interest in hiking.
- You will want to invest in quality gear, because a pair of ill-fitting boots or a poorly designed backpack can turn a beautiful hike into a painful ordeal. Luckily, the availability of affordable quality gear has increased along with the popularity of outdoor recreation activities. Seek advice from other hikers and read customer reviews on gear you are considering purchasing before committing to spending. I also recommend looking at discount camping and gear websites. Steep and Cheap has all the well-known outdoor brands at significantly lower prices and can be a good place to learn the landscape of hiking gear.
3. Potty Breaks are Inevitable
Ah, the joys of hiking! You are walking along enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, wandering happily along the trail when the inevitable happens, you get the urge to go. Staying hydrated while out on the trail is essential, but that also means you will need to empty your bladder. Depending on the length of you hike, you may also need to take care of #2. It is inevitable, but if you just follow a few guidelines you will be able to take care of business and other hikers will be none the wiser.
How to Pee in the Woods
When you gotta go, you gotta go. So, how do you go? First, when planning your route research the location of the closest public restrooms and any regulations that might be in place for ecologically sensitive areas. If there are no restrooms along the route, be prepared by bringing a wiping cloth (like toilet paper or a reusable sanitary cloth) and a container to pack it out (like a sealable plastic bag). You need to walk away from the trail, at least 200 feet or about 70 steps, and make sure to avoid going near small ponds, streams, and lakes to keep them free from contamination. Once you have found an appropriate spot, relieve yourself and carefully pack out the used tissue or cloth so you can dispose of it properly later. Easy peasy!
How to Poop in the Woods
Bears do it, and sometimes we need to do it too. To take care of your business you will follow the same preparedness for peeing in the woods. Research the area you will be visiting to learn where there are public restrooms. Be prepared by bringing a wiping cloth or toilet paper, and sealable container(like a ziploc bag). Also, to poop in the woods you will need a small trowel.
When it is time to go, find a spot away from the trail (remember, 200 feet or 70 steps is the recommended distance), use your trowel and dig a small hole about 6 inches deep and at least 4 inches wide-this is your latrine. Go about your business, use as little toilet paper as possible to leave in the hole and cover everything completely. As you gain comfort with going in the woods, I encourage you to review the Leave No Trace guidelines to reduce your impact.
4. Wildlife is Mostly Birds and Insects
Have you ever wondered why birding is such a popular outdoor recreation activity? I’ll give you a moment to wonder about now. It’s because birds are everywhere! Most of the wildlife hikers encounter are birds and great numbers of their main source of food, insects. Birds and insects abound in the wild and their sounds and beautiful displays of feathers and unique body types add so much to your outdoor experience. But, that is not to say that you will not encounter other more intimidating types of wildlife…
Depending on where you hike, you may encounter larger, more intimidating wildlife such as deer, snakes, bears, or even mountain lions. It is important for you to know how to react to these encounters and to practice proper wildlife safety. But don’t let the idea of these encounters worry you, or keep you off the trail! Remember, most of the wildlife you will be encountering while on an average day hike will be birds and insects. Larger types of wildlife tend to avoid humans for their own safety, whereas birds and insects just keep going about their day. Birds and insect life adds both sights and sounds to any walk in nature with colorful butterflies fluttering from plant to plant and bees happily buzzing as they collect pollen.
Just in case you do encounter some potentially dangerous wildlife here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Tip #1 – Store any trail snacks in containers to reduce odors that might attract or excite wildlife
Tip #2 – If you come upon wildlife in the course of your hike, use the thumb rule to ensure you give them plenty of space
Tip #3 – Be prepared by researching the trail for wildlife encounters and recent sightings so you know what to do ahead of time
5. We are All a Little Out of Shape
Hiking can reveal physical limitations you didn’t know you had. Just keep in mind that when you engage in any new type of physical activity, your body will be challenged. In other words, if you are taking up hiking as a new activity you may feel a little out of shape. That’s okay! We are all a little out of shape! It’s not uncommon to discover weak ankles, poor balance, or other issues when navigating rough terrain. However, I do recommend that you take time before heading off to that first trailhead to honestly reflect on your level of fitness. As well as consider any health issues that may impact your hike.
Understanding your own physical abilities will help you plan for a hike that best fits your needs in terms of distance, terrain, and level of difficulty. Start with asking yourself these two basic questions:
Question #1 What is my current fitness level?
Question #2 Do I have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries to consider prior to taking a hike?
Based on your answer to these questions, consider the following hike characteristics to plan for a trail that will best meet your needs. Look at the total distance of the trail, type of terrain, elevation changes, availability of assistive facilities, and proximity to aid. Start slow and easy, and as you gain in physical abilities and develop trail knowledge you will be excited to take on more challenging hikes!
6. There is Such a Thing as Trail Etiquette
For the hiking community, trails are a shared environment. More than hikers use trails. Mountain bikers, bird watchers, backcountry campers, horseback riders and others rely on trails for their outdoor recreation activities. And that is where trail etiquette comes in. Trail etiquette like any form of etiquette is not a set of strict rules but are instead helpful guidelines. Trail etiquette has evolved as hiking has gained in popularity over the past several decades. Trail etiquette has also become more intentional as ecologists and biologists learn more about how to reduce the impact on the natural places that hiking trails go through. For in depth trail etiquette information, visit the National Park Service site to gain deeper knowledge of how you can make trails more enjoyable and safe for everyone.
A few key things to be mindful out there on the trail are:
- Uphill hikers have the right of way. (Uphill is hard! Let’s open the trail!)
- Hikers yield to horses and other livestock.
- Be friendly out there! Hikers are a welcoming bunch, say Hello!
- Stay on the trail. Do not create shortcuts and walk around puddles, that’s half the fun!
7. HIking Leads to More Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy some fresh air. What’s more, time spent in nature is never wasted! You will find yourself gaining knowledge about wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, and at the same time build muscles you didn’t know you had. The sense of accomplishment and connection with nature that hiking provides can be addictive. So be aware, many hikers find themselves constantly seeking new trails and challenges once they catch the hiking bug!
If you are ready to become a hiker and need a little help getting started, read my post Your Step-By-Step Guide to Planning a Day Hike so you can Embark, Explore, and Enjoy this wondrous Earth! Go Hike the Earth! I hope to see you out there!
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