The above picture is a favorite hiking spot of mine nestled in the NC Mountains!
Hiking For the Beginner
Hiking offers so much more than just physical fitness. Exploring dirt paths by being submerged in the natural world is such an uplifting activity for the soul. The habit of participating in regular hikes offers many benefits. The beginner hiker can become a seasoned hiker in no time with a little practice. Keep reading as we explore the ways to safely make hiking for the beginner achievable and enjoyable.
Where to Hike?
Oftentimes, the beginner hiker can become overwhelmed with the logistics of hiking. Especially if you live in a city covered with asphalt and buildings. Hiking does not require social media worthy views. Views are nice but sometimes you just have to work with what you have available in your daily life. Due to this misunderstanding, it is easy to think that hiking is only reserved for vacations or getaways. Hiking can be found in many of our everyday surroundings.
- Local Parks or Greenways – Parks offer much more than often meets the eye! Many local parks or greenways offer paths and terrain suitable for a nice stroll. Don’t forget to think outside the box when planning your excursion. Zigzag around outside spaces, be sure to add a hill or two to your path, travel along the tree line or flower beds. Online, a listing of local parks can usually be found by visiting your local Parks and Recreation website for your city or county.
- State and Federal Parks – Some of the best hiking can be located in federal and state-operated parks. Many states have hiking opportunities in their park systems. With 63 Federal National Parks and over 2,400 State Parks, many of us in the United States have ample opportunity to enjoy hiking in beautiful locations. For federal park information, visit their website. Likewise, for state park information, visit their website.
- Other Hiking Opportunities – Living in urban cities can offer a challenge when looking for open, outdoor spaces. Sometimes the best advice is to think outside the box! Basically, anywhere you can get outdoors in nature and put in some mileage on your own two feet, can be considered hiking. Oftentimes, these spaces can come disguised as Botanical Gardens, Nature Trails, Lakes and Ponds, or even walking tracks.
Hiking For the Beginner Safety Points
Enjoying a day in nature while hiking is usually a very safe activity. However, there are always several points to keep in mind when planning your first hiking excursion. Always use common sense and be prepared when exploring the outside world. Furthermore, if hiking in a forest, remember you are strolling in a habitat of diverse animal and plant life. Always respect nature and all her living beings.
- Be aware of your surroundings – Enjoy your hike but be aware of what you see, hear, and smell at all times.
- Maps and Routes – Always have a full understanding of the route you will be exploring. There are many apps that offer very good maps, but be sure you will have phone service for these gadgets to work. If unsure, old-fashioned paper maps always work.
- Water – Always take plenty of water and nutrition to keep yourself hydrated and healthy. This is especially important during hot, humid conditions.
- Supportive Shoes – Good supportive shoes or boots and well suited socks are a must for a safe and enjoyable hike. See below for more info on gear.
- First Aid Kit – Always hike with a first aid kit because accidents happen and you want to be prepared.
- Let Someone Know Your Whereabouts – Before your trek be sure to let a friend or family member know of your plans and your planned route. In the rare occurrence of an emergency, it is always good that someone knows your whereabouts.
Hiking for the Beginner Planning
- Physical Fitness – Begin by making a fair assessment of your physical fitness. Be realistic with your abilities and start off small.
- Trail Selection – Choose a trail or path that uses beginner-friendly language. Most guide maps rank trails’ level of difficulty as easy, moderate, or difficult. Start off with an easy, gradual grade trail. This will allow for a good gauge of your abilities and give you room to grow safely.
- Mileage – Choose a route with reasonable mileage. The average pace for a beginner hiker on gradual terrain is approximately 30 minutes a mile. However, there are many variables at play with this estimate. Always error on the side of caution.
- Hiking Buddy – If possible, find a hiking buddy to join you. A dependable hiking buddy with a similar pace as yours is more valuable than gold! Local hiking groups can also be a great option as well.
- Weather – Check the weather conditions and plan accordingly! Try to choose days to enjoy hiking outdoors with fairly clear weather forecasts.
- Recap – Start Small, Play it Safe, Don’t Overestimate, Don’t Underestimate, Prepare, Have Fun!
- Rather take a guided hiking tour? Check out these outdoor experiences Here!
“Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.” Theodore Roosevelt
Beginner Hiking Gear
Before we cover the necessary gear for the beginner hiker I would like to start by stating the obvious. Hiking gear, as with most gear related to performing an activity, can be expensive. Nice gear is…well…. NICE. However, please don’t let lack of nice gear stop you from exploring the great outdoors! I believe in the old adage of using what you have until you have better. Above all else, just be sure to just start!
- Supportive Shoes or Boots – Shoes which are made for physical fitness are a must. Look for shoes that offer good support and protection to your entire foot and ankle. If money is tight, better to put the extra funds in shoes above other gear.
- Socks – It is easy to underestimate the importance of good quality socks. Blisters from hiking are the worst! Always wear good socks while hiking, preferably socks intended for active use.
- Water Container – Water is a must! Many backpacks are made with water bladders for ease of use. Packs are also available with holders for water bottles. A bottle of water can be carried as well, but I find the convenience of a pack worth the expense and weight.
- Backpack – A small day-pack is nice to have. Of course, you could get by without it as a beginner, but they are nice to have. A small pack with a bladder is perfect to carry all your necessities.
- Clothing – Comfortable clothing with breathability and stretch is usually the most ideal. Layering is also a good rule of thumb. Choose clothing that protects the body from the elements as well as the sun.
- Sunscreen/Hat/Bug Spray- Don’t forget sun protection. Sun and bug exposure goes along with outdoor activities. Prepare for the elements prior to stepping out into nature.
A Note About Cost
Once again, use what you have until you have better. Good hiking shoes are critical, but be creative with the other gear. Consignment shops offer used gear for a fraction of the cost of new gear. Another tip for saving money on gear is to stock up after each season. For example, stock up on hiking pants and flannels at the end of the winter season. Likewise, shop for shorts and t-shirts at the end of the summer season. One final note on cost, good quality is usually worth the expense. Spending a little more money on gear built for performance almost always pays off.
Final Thoughts
The adventures are plentiful for the beginner hiker. Hiking is wonderful at building cardiovascular strength, balance, and muscle. Mental health is also greatly improved by outdoor physical activity. Hiking is readily available and accessible, which makes it a great habit to practice. Start slow, go prepared, and enjoy your journeys on dirt paths! Before you know it, you will be on your way to being an avid hiker!!