How to Make Hiking Feel Less Intimidating When You’re Not Super Outdoorsy
As you already know here, there are plenty of hobbies that are good for your mental health, be it reading, writing, gardening, exercising, and another popular one that often comes up is hiking. But at the same time, here it can seem a tad intimidating too. Well, some people talk about hiking like it’s the most natural thing in the world, like everyone just casually owns trail shoes, knows what elevation gain means, and can look at a map without immediately needing a second opinion. Which is good for them, but meanwhile, plenty of people like the idea of hiking, but the actual doing of it feels a little suspicious, like it’s off.
But that’s the thing with hiking: it can sound simple because technically, yeah, it’s walking outside. But it’s not always the same as walking around the neighborhood. There can be rocks, mud, roots, hills, no bathrooms, weird parking, confusing trail signs (and honestly, they are confusing just like the maps that are nailed into the trees), and people who say “it’s easy” when they apparently mean “it’s easy if you do this every weekend.”
But it’s really about the approach, because when it comes to literally any hobby in existence, there’s the “hardcore” people, and then theres the casuals, and so going about it the casual way honestly makes it a lot less intimidating.
Pick a Trail that Honestly Seems Easy Enough
So, there’s a good reason to just start off right here because trail descriptions can be so unhelpful. “Easy” sounds comforting until it turns out there are stairs made of tree roots and a downhill section that makes every knee in the group feel personally attacked. “Moderate” is even worse because that word’s doing way too much work.
Well, for someone who doesn’t hike all the time, shorter is usually smarter. No, really, it’s true, so a two-mile loop can be plenty. Actually, even a flat nature path can be plenty; even a trail with benches, signs, bathrooms nearby, and actual parking isn’t less valid because it doesn’t involve climbing anything. There’s no prize for choosing the trail that makes everyone miserable.
Again, you don’t need to do anything hardcore like the Samaria Gorge or climb a mountain, or anything crazy like that. No, really, you don’t! Starting off super small is more than okay, and those crazy hardcore hikers started off that way too!
Look into Reviews
One more thing to keep in mind here: it helps to read reviews from normal people, not just the ones who say things like “nice little warmup hike.” No offense to them, but their definition of “little” can’t always be trusted. Instead, you might want to look for comments about shade, parking, mud, hills, bathrooms, and how clearly the trail’s marked. Usually, Google Reviews is a good frame of reference for this.
Be Picky with Who Actually Joins You
Some hiking people are lovely. Some hiking people make everyone feel like they’re being judged, which, clearly, isn’t a good feeling to have here. If someone’s new to hiking, going with the wrong person can ruin it fast. Which, of course, you wouldn’t want to deal with. But the person who never wants to stop. The person who acts like snacks are silly (or only gross trail mix is enough). The person who says, “It’s just a bit farther,” when it’s absolutely not just a bit farther (like literal miles away). How can anyone in their right mind actually be motivated by someone like that?
If you don’t want to be intimidated, then don’t do it with someone who only further feeds that intimidation. Instead, maybe consider a friend who is also a beginner. Solo hiking can be nice too, but for someone still figuring it out, it’s usually better to start somewhere popular, clearly marked, and not too isolated (especially if you’re a woman; this honestly can’t be stressed enough here).
Always Carry Some Support
And this right here is basically the part a lot of people overthink because support gear can make them feel like they’re being too serious. Which sure, if it’s a two-hour hike and you’re packing one of those giant camping backpacks, then it can be a bit weird (putting it bluntly). But just in general, though, you should absolutely pack a backpack with some items. Even for an hour hike in the woods.
For example, you should wear some good shoes. Sometimes, you might not actually need to wear hiking shoes, especially if it’s a flat dirt trail with no incline (tennis shoes work, but please make sure they’re closed-toe shoes). If you have sensitive knees that hurt with maybe too much pressure, especially during an incline, then you should ideally look into a compression knee brace to help make this outing more bearable. If you have bad balance, even with a small incline, then it could be a good idea to get a trekking pole (especially if theres some uneven ground). If it’s going to be really hot, pack water, pack snacks, maybe a first aid kit. But hopefully you’re getting the point here.
Turn Around Whenever You Want
Well, who’s stopping you? Plus for most hikes, you eventually have to turn around anyway to get to the entrance. But no, really, this might be the most underrated hiking rule. Turning around is allowed. It’s not like anyone can stop you, so yeah, changing the plan is allowed. Deciding the trail’s too muddy, too hot, too crowded, too steep, or just not it today is allowed. Whatever vibe you’re getting, it’s fine, and no, don’t beat yourself up about it either.
Some people get so fixed on finishing the trail that they stop paying attention to how the day actually feels. But for someone who wants hiking to become enjoyable, forcing it isn’t the move. The body remembers when an activity felt miserable. The brain does too, and then the next time hiking gets suggested, everything inside says, absolutely not. The whole point is for this to be a hobby, something that’s actually enjoyable, but it’s really up to you to make it enjoyable, rather than “doing it the right way” or “doing it how others do it” or other silly reasons like that.
