Different locations offer different hiking trails and opportunities, but why should you go hiking in the first place? And how do you choose a trail when you’re new to the hobby?
Table of Contents
- Tip #1: Consider Your Fitness Level and Goals for the Hiking Trail
- Tip #2: Think About Hiking Trail Length
- Tip #3: Check Hiking Trail Difficulty
- Tip #4: Check Weather Conditions for Your Trail
- Tip #5: Check for Hiking Trail Regulations and Permits
- Conclusion:
Hiking is a great way to connect with nature, stay active, and escape the hustle of everyday life. It’s an activity that can be done solo or with friends and it can be scaled to your ability level. Yet, a lot of people hesitate to go hiking because it can be a bit intimidating to get started. One of the biggest hurdles many of us face is how to choose a good hiking trail for our skills and time.
This is an important skill not only because it will help you enjoy your hike, but it will keep you safe. This guide explores my top tips for choosing the perfect hiking trail, regardless of where you live.
Tip #1: Consider Your Fitness Level and Goals for the Hiking Trail
Before you go out and about in nature, you want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what you want from your excursion. This means also assessing your fitness level honestly. Do you have any injuries? How fast would you like to go? How much elevation change are you interested in? Hiking trails have a wide variety of difficulty, and choosing one that aligns with your abilities and goals will enhance your enjoyment and safety.
For example, I broke my left foot and had to have surgery, but otherwise I’m in pretty decent shape. Now, when I choose a trail, I evaluate how well the trail is maintained because I could re-injure that foot if I slip or roll an ankle.
If the trail is popular and well-maintained, I know it’s probably fine even if it’s a moderate to difficult elevation gain. I also make sure I have shoes that protect and stabilize my ankles, and if there is a steep incline, I take hiking poles. My mother has a knee injury, so if there is any elevation change at all, she takes hiking poles in her bag, just in case. Fitness levels are about more than your cardio or muscular endurance. It’s about being honest with yourself in regard to what you want to do, what you would do, and could do in an emergency.
My biggest piece of advice with this one is to start out easier than what you can do and work your way up to harder trails. Most hiking forums and books will tell you if the trail is easy, moderate, or difficult. Always start with less distance than you think you can do and at an easier level until you start to feel more confident.
Even if you’re in excellent shape, you might only have time for a mile or two. Or you might not want to lose an entire day to back country hike and that’s ok.
Remember, this is about finding ways to enjoy nature and connect with it, not be the biggest baddest hiker on the path or push yourself to your limits.
Tip #2: Think About Hiking Trail Length
The length of the trail can make a big difference for your overall experience. Think about how much time you have and who is going with you (if anyone). Short trails are great for quick getaways, while longer trails provide an immersive, almost meditative experience. One of my favorite trails is 3/4 mile loop around a small lake. It’s completely flat, but it winds through the trees, offers peekaboo views of the water, and is accessible any time of year.
Another trail I love is a six-mile loop with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Once again, great trees, killer views, but tricky to access in winter. I only do this trail when I have an afternoon free and the weather is right.
When you look for a trail, make sure you consider length. It’s also a good idea to take a watch or use your phone so you can occasionally check your progress. Even though it pulls you out of the immersive experience a bit, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the time in relationship to the length of the trail.
Tip #3: Check Hiking Trail Difficulty
If you’re new to hiking, there are a few factors that can determine trail difficulty. First, elevation gain is the major factor in difficulty. Trails can gain elevation through steady inclines, short abrupt inclines, or through switchbacks. Anytime you check elevation gain, make sure you also check the the length of the elevation gain. For instance, 400 feet of elevation gain in an eighth of a mile is gonna be something really steep, but 700 feet of elevation gain over three miles is probably a gently rolling hill.
Terrain type and obstacles like rivers also contribute to difficulty. This is where online forums, hiking apps, and trail guides are really helpful. With this in mind, think about the types of terrain you are interested in and that are available in your area. I’m pretty content if I see a nice view or get to follow a river a little ways. Other people won’t go hiking unless there are trees. Understanding the terrain that’s available and that you enjoy not only makes for a better hike, but helps you pick gear like shoes and backpacks.
My advice is to think about what you have time for and what you’re interested in terms of difficulty. I hike the trails I want to hike, not always the trails I’m capable of hiking. Sometimes, I want an easy meander and that’s ok. Just make sure you do some research beforehand (you don’t have to know every detail about the trail). This will help keep you safe and will make the hike more fun.
And remember, if you’re ever on a trail that’s too difficult, just turn around. You still got outside; it’s still a victory.
One of my favorite hiking memories is from a trail that is absolutely flat, but follows a small stream. My friend and I went out for a hike on summer morning before work. When we crossed our first bridge, we both realized that really what we wanted was to sit and listen to the water.
So instead of pushing ourselves to finish the trail, we sat on the bridge and talked before turning back down the trail to our cars. I can’t remember what we talked about, but I remember the feel of the wood under my legs, the sun on my face, the comfort of companionship, the burble of the stream, and the smell of pines and river grass. And I’m so happy we didn’t finish that trail.
Tip #4: Check Weather Conditions for Your Trail
Weather can play a significant role in your hiking experience, so keep an eye on it before hitting the trail. This is particularly true if the trailhead is higher up than your home. Just because it’s sunny and warm in your town or city doesn’t mean it won’t be cold and windy at the trailhead. Knowing the trail conditions and the weather helps you prep your gear, too.
Any time you go hiking, you should have water, dress in layers, and pack some kind of snack. Ideally, you’d also have a small first aid kit, sunscreen, and bug spray.
After that, it depends on the weather and location. If you live some place with rattle snakes, wear boots, not sandals. If you live some place with bears or coyotes, carry bear spray (also great for aggressive dogs). If you’re going out in the fall, take gloves, a hat, and an orange vest so you’re easy for other hikers and hunters to see.
Not sure what kind of gear you need? Let me know in the comments or send me an email!
Tip #5: Check for Hiking Trail Regulations and Permits
Most city or county trails won’t require permits for parking or hiking, but they might have restricted hours (like dawn to dusk). Make sure you check when the trail is open. Some trails are seasonal, so you can only access them from May to September, for example. In Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim trails are open pretty much year round, weather dependent, but the North Rim trails close for the winter. In Washington State, you have to have something called a Discover Pass for state-owned lands. In Montana, trails and parking are generally free.
In order to find out what you need in terms of permits, first check the trail itself for any restrictions. Government websites are the best for finding these. Check if it’s a national, county, or state trail and go from there. Next, check if you need any special permits in general. National Parks have their own passes. You can find more info about that here.
This process normally only takes about ten minutes and it’s a step worth taking to avoid fines or unpleasant conversations with park rangers.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right hiking trail for you can feel a bit overwhelming, but you can start with these five tips and then add to them with your own experience as you get outside more and more. By considering your goals and fitness level, trail difficulty, weather conditions, and local regulations, you can tailor your hiking experience to meet your preferences and capabilities. And remember, the goal is to get outside, not climb Everest. Even if you turn around halfway up the trail, you still made it outside.
Nature is for everyone and hiking is a great way to connect with nature.
Where are your favorite places to hike? Any questions about the info above or do you need more help? Let me know in the comments!