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The Complete Beginners Guide to Hiking

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You surf the web and browse through social media seeing sweeping views, incredible peaks and pristine nature. It is not surprising that your next logical step is to long after a piece of the action for yourself. But hiking isn’t just about finding a mountain and climbing to the top of it. If you have never been on a hike before, where do you even begin?

Choosing a Hike

I remember the first time I attempted an actual hike. Growing up, I was always interesting in the outdoors and spent a lot of time exploring the very flat woodsy Florida landscape. With mountainous terrain obviously being shortage, and a family that didn’t share the same passion for nature as I did, I did not get to spend much time in the mountains.

It wasn’t until college when I got to spend a week in Tennessee near Great Smoky Mountains National Park with great friends that I got to attempt a mountain trail. We didn’t do much research and we decided to wing our exploration, which is totally fine. But if we had known a little more about the trail we would have known that we would need crampons as we got higher in elevation to avoid slipping off the side of the mountain when there was no snow or ice on the ground from which we started.

So how do you choose a hike?

To answer this question you need to evaluate what you want to accomplish from a hike and in what physical condition you are in. Perhaps you want a physically demanding hike that ends in a scenic view, a waterfall, or a chance to view wildlife. Or maybe you want a little bit of everything. With a little research you can surely find exactly what you are interested in.

Frontcountry vs. Backcountry Hikes 

Hikes are generally classified as either frontcountry or backcountryHikes in the “frontcountry” are in more developed areas and are easily accessible by roads. Trails are more defined and mostly maintained. These trails are generally short day hikes like nature trails.

Backcountry hikes take you further into the wilderness and are generally encompassed of rougher terrain. Look for backcountry hikes to be longer in distance. Defined trails are usually marked with painted directional markers called blazes or stacks of rocks used as waypoints called cairns.

Types of Hikes

There are various shapes of trails that you have to take into account when planning distance.

Loop

Loops are a roundtrip circular trail shape. You will end at the same point that you began.

Out-and-back

Out-and-back (or in-and-out) trails are a one way trail shape that ends in a point of interest such as a vista or a waterfall. On an out-and-back, you will turn around and go back the way you came.

Other trail shapes include a lollipop, which is a combination between a loop and an out-and-back, making the shape of a lollipop. There are also point-to-point hikes which are very long distance one-way hikes that you take a shuttle or arrange a ride at the end.

Trail Information

There is a ton of information out on the web that documents first hand accounts of hikers experiences. Mobile apps like AllTrails lets users review trails and record their routes for others to view. But possibly the most valuable resource on the day of a hike is to have a quick chat with a park ranger. Rangers can provide the most up to date information on trail conditions, expected weather conditions and any reports from the area. The best part is, rangers will recommend other hiking options if a trail isn’t feasible.

Trail Tips

It is very important to respect nature when you are out on the trails. Staying on the designated trail and packing out anything you bring in ensures that you leave as minimal impact on the ecosystem as possible. Remember the rule of thumb is to “leave no trace.”

What to bring on a hike

The equipment that you should carry with you all depends on the type of hike that you attempt. On a short nature hike, I will often carry just a bottle of water and a few other items in with me. On a backcountry backpack, my pack will be loaded with everything I need to survive my time in wilderness. Conditions can change rapidly out in nature so you should be prepared for whatever is thrown at you. With that being said, you can follow this generic pack list and adapt it to your specific needs.

  • A comfortable and sturdy pack
  • Water bottle(s)/reservoir and water treatment/water filter for longer hikes with water sources
  • Food/snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Map/trail information (preferably in a waterproof sleeve)
  • Traction devices (for winter hikes)
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Waterproof matches
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • Knife
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat

I am right in my element when I am out on the trails and hiking is one of my favorite pastimes. I recommend that everyone attempt it at some point and I hope that these tips can get you on your way!

Chris Fluitt
Chris Fluitt
I am an all around tech guy, a graphic designer and programmer, a car enthusiast, and a coffee and beer lover. When I'm not behind the keyboard I am probably exploring a national park.

3 Comments

  1. Olivia M. Wade says:

    My partner and I want to start doing some hiking, starting out with overnighters and then building up to some multi-days and Tassie!! But we’re complete novices with no idea of what we really need to get started. We’ve camped before but always with others who were organized and had a lot of gear, and in warm climates. We’ve certainly never packed our own cereal in snap lock bags! So what do we really need – what would set us up as a basic kit that we could add to over time? What are the things that even a beginner should spend their money on – and what are luxuries that can be updated over time?
    How do we pack stuff in the first place, what do we wear??? My greatest fear is shelling out a lot of money on something that I really don’t know anything about and then finding it not suitable. I’m not sure if you’re happy to recommend brands etc but that would certainly be helpful.
    Olivia M. Wade recently posted…Top 10 Best Mountains to Climb in USMy Profile

  2. Hiking is something brings many experiences packed in a trip, I prefer atleast spend 2 or 3 days following Hiking, camping, water exploration and it would be ideal that the hiking end with the beautiful scenery with waterfalls…

  3. Jemi says:

    Hiking is a great activity for me. I love to do it every year. You shared very amazing and valuable tips of hiking for beginners. Really a great reading for me as well as for all hiking lovers. Thank you for sharing it.
    Jemi recently posted…Best Folding Survival Knife 2020 – [Small & Pocket Knives Critically Reviewed]My Profile

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