Did you know that regular hiking can reduce the risk of mental health problems by 50%?

With this surprising statistic, you may be considering getting into hiking. But there’s much to consider before you begin. 

Choosing a hiking trail and being prepared is vital for beginner hikers. Not sure if you’re ready? Read on for our complete guide to choosing a hiking trail and completing it successfully!

Why Do You Need To Prepare In Advance?

Preparing in advance for hiking helps ensure that you understand safety measures. You will want to make sure that you are properly equipped for any adventure.

It can be very dangerous to embark on a hike that you have no knowledge of. It is even more dangerous to go hiking without the proper gear and safety measures. 

Hiking Gear

You can’t just expect to go hiking without gear for hiking. You will need a hiking backpack first and foremost to store all your necessities.

A good-sized water bottle will be necessary for your hike too. Depending on the temperatures of the hike, it can be very easy to become dehydrated or have heat stroke. Having a good supply of water can prevent this. 

You will also need proper clothing for the temperament and trail you have chosen. Some trails that are colder might require heat-retaining clothing, while others that are hot may require cool clothing. 

When you hike, you will also need a map and a compass. GPS navigation will more than likely not be available at a trail since you won’t have a connection. 

Lastly, you should ensure you have good hiking boots or shoes. With all the walking you will be doing, you can’t risk wearing the wrong shoes and harming your feet.

Hike In Groups

It can be tempting to go off into the wilderness for a time of isolation and meditation. For a first-timer, however, it is safer to hike in a group.

There are plenty of official hiking groups you can join. Some of them even have tour guides to help you along the way.

If hiking groups aren’t your thing, then choose some friends to go with instead. Hike with other people a few times before you start hiking alone. It is always better to hike with others in case of an emergency or injury. 

Choosing a Hiking Trail

There are a few different things you should consider when choosing a hiking trail. The options for hiking trails are vast and can be overwhelming. It’s not rocket science, but it is something you should think through to ensure you choose a trail that will fulfill your goals. 

The Right Time To Hike

First, you will need to choose a time of year for your hike. Some trails may not be open year-round, or the climate and temperature may not be safe for a normal hike. 

Depending on where you are, hiking between the summer and fall may offer the best experience. This is because it’s not too cold, but the heat won’t be unbearable either. Snow at this time also shouldn’t be an issue unless you choose to hike in an arctic area. 

The Length

Some people can choose to hike for days and want a trail that will last them a while. Others, however, may only want to go for a short day-hike. 

Hiking trail length is something to consider when choosing a trail.  For a beginner, you might want to choose a hike that’s only a few miles long. This way, you can test your abilities before jumping into something that’s more of a challenge.

Once you’ve got your feet wet, you can choose hiking trails that are several miles long.

The Terrain

What kind of hike are you looking for? The kind that follows a clear path? Or the kind where you embark on rock climbing and wading across rivers?

You will want to choose a hiking trail that correlates with your abilities and desires. If you aren’t ready for more of a challenge, you may want to choose a hiking trail with a simpler terrain. 

If you want a challenge, however, there are plenty of hiking trails that offer more. Doing your research on different terrains will help with finding the right one.

The Reviews

Most public hiking trails will have reviews. Sometimes, people will even blog about their experiences on certain hiking trails. Researching these trails online and finding out what other people have to say is vital.

The reason reviews are vital is that they will be honest about the difficulty of the hiking trail. Many times this will also give you insight into if the signs and direction of the trail were easy to follow and navigate, or if it wasn’t very clear.

Your Goals

Lastly, consider the goals that you have for hiking. If your goal is to eventually climb Kilimanjaro, then you will want to start out small and slowly work your way up to more difficult hikes.

If you simply want to hike for enjoyment, then experimenting with the different trails offered in your area is a great way to start. Eventually, you may find that you want to do more challenging trails. 

What Now?

You know all about choosing a hiking trail, so what’s stopping you? Hiking can open your mind and body to nature and offer peace and tranquility. Go find your trail today!

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