How to Start Hiking – Tips for Beginner Hikers

Do you want to start hiking but don’t know where to begin? Here is How to Start Hiking with Tips for Beginners from a seasoner hiker.

Last year I was invited to go hiking with Walker Holmes, the Vice President and Connecticut State Director of Trust for Public Land. Our intentions for hiking together were simple: experience the healing benefits of hiking in nature and encourage others to explore/enjoy hiking. I literally walked away from our four mile hike on the Appalachian Trail with a newfound appreciation for being in the woods.

How to Start Hiking

We had many conversations during our hike, one of which I confessed my initial apprehension towards hiking. What do you wear hiking? Where do you go hiking? How do you not get lost in the woods? I had so many questions about hiking and Walker had answers for the very uncomplicated activity.

Step 1: Choose a Trail and Hiking Companion

There are countless hiking trails in our country – probably even a few right in your community. Walker suggests starting with free online resources like AllTrails: Trail Guides and Maps or the Trust for Public Land for places to hike in your state. These are useful for finding hiking trails – AllTrails actually indicates the level of difficulty based on user reviews (bonus: you can go through a user’s history to see if their experience matches your own). We actually used the app, AllTrails, to help with our route on the Appalachian Trail!

Choose a trail that loops or is an out and back experience. Trails that are highly trafficked provide a sense of security and well-marked trails make it easy to stay on the right path.

Don’t forget to tell someone your hiking plans before you go! It is important to hike somewhere with cell phone service. If you can, hike with a companion too!

“Be curious. Get prepared. Find a friend. Take deep breaths. Bring snacks. Have fun.” – Walker Holmes, Vice President and Connecticut State Director of Trust for Public Land

Step 2: Be Prepared with Suggested Items to Bring Hiking

When I think of hiking, I picture someone in big boots, high socks, a backpack and walking stick. If you imagine the same hiker, you’re not exactly wrong. Hikers need to wear/bring certain items for a successful hike – and high socks are a must have.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: You do not have to go out and buy a whole new hiking outfit before your first hike! Check the weather first, then plan to wear whatever you would to go on a long walk or to the gym. Dress in clothing that is comfortable – but note that cotton stays wet longer than other fabrics. I wore a cotton long sleeve shirt as a layer and immediately regretted my sweaty sticky situation once we got going. Sweat wicking fabric is ideal, as well as wool socks (they regulate temperature and are comfy).

• Backpack (any kind will do, even a kids school backpack)
• Water bottle (don’t forget this!)
• Extra layer in case it’s chilly or you get wet
• Raincoat (the forest can be wet)
• Snacks (just about anything will do if you can fit it in your backpack and keep it cold or choose non-perishable foods) 
• Bug spray 
• Sturdy shoes with good traction
• High wool socks (protect the ankles)
• Trash bag (for snack trash or litter)
• Extra shoes or sandals to change into after the hike, in case you get muddy. Keep a plastic bag in your car for shoes post-hiking

Step 3: Remember Important Hiking Etiquette

1. Leave No Trace! Literally leave the environment in the same of better condition that it was before you arrived. Read more about Leave No Trace here.
2. Respect other hikers. Be courteous. Avoid talking or listening to music too loudly. Move over. Say hello.
3. Take breaks when necessary. Pace yourself, but don’t stop mid-trail. Step aside to rest. Remember hiking is supposed to be fun and not tiresome.
4. Follow the trail. Stay safe. Don’t make up shortcuts.
5. Enjoy the beautiful world we live in. Respect the wildlife.

Read more from The Beginners Guide to Hiking on Treeline Review (a website dedicated to reviewing outdoor gear).