Hiking skills?

sheltondq
sheltondq Posts: 51 Member
edited February 2018 in Chit-Chat
I would like to start doing more outdoor activities. This past summer I went kayaking for the first time. I have also hiked a few easy trails near my home town. I’d like to get more into hiking and kayaking in the future but I’m afraid to do it alone. Most of my friends are not very active/outdoorsy/ or healthy enough to want to or to even try to do these activities with me. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to safely hike by myself. Or places that I might meet people who would be willing to have me tagalong on their hikes.

Replies

  • CoachJen71
    CoachJen71 Posts: 1,200 Member
    edited February 2018
    Look up hiking groups and clubs in your area. Don't just look for national and state parks, keep an eye out for local conservation groups and trails.

    Also, visit sites like backpacker and look for books on hiking. "Wild," "Grandma Gatewood's Walk," "The Barefoot Sisters," and "A Walk in the Woods" are all entertaining. The National Geographic survival guide is a good reference. (I need to work on my survival skills too!)
  • BlueRosie80
    BlueRosie80 Posts: 14 Member
    I hike alone with my dog all the time. I just make sure someone knows where I’m going, I know my route, take a map, take water and don’t attempt something you’re not ready for just yet :)
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  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I second meetup.com, that's where I met my hiking group (although I haven't been in a while).
    Definitely invest in hiking boots and sticks though.

    I'm too nervous to go alone also... I got a new dog to come with me but she turned out to be totally the wrong kind of dog for that (barks at everything and everyone and chases everything that moves). Oh well.
  • Versicolour
    Versicolour Posts: 7,164 Member
    I have also joined a hiking group on Meetup. They tend to always go on a Sunday though. What's up with that? As soon as they have a Saturday hike I'll be there
  • Happysoul0317
    Happysoul0317 Posts: 119 Member
    Firstly, I would say to stay within your means. I used to hike alone all the time. It's easy to get caught up in your hike, and all of a sudden, you notice the sun going down. That can be a little scary. Trail maps are fantastic. Always tell someone where you are going and when you think you'll be back. I live in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and every weekend I see reports of hikers being rescued, but only because someone knew where they were going and when to expect them back. Secondly, please be prepared. Bring water, snacks, flashlight, lighter, a general purpose knife, etc. Just in case something happens, like an injury or you get off trail. Thirdly, enjoy the peace of the experience. Just start easy and work your way up to more difficult hikes - pay attention to trail markers along the way. You will get more comfortable out there as time goes on. It really is fun!
  • angel4732
    angel4732 Posts: 14,898 Member
    I never hike alone, always with others or with my dogs.
    If you do hike alone always let someone know which trail you're hiking.
    Be safe.
  • Carillon_Campanello
    Carillon_Campanello Posts: 726 Member
    edited February 2018
    I echo those stating Meetup.com

    Because nothing says outdoor adventure like meeting a bunch of internet strangers to go for a walk in the forrest. If you are really brave try going at night.

    Seriously though...find a hiking group with Meet up that is established with several hundred/thousand members. After a few months you'll have done enough hikes that you will find yourself out on the trail by yourself or taking friends of your own or family.
  • Caporegiem
    Caporegiem Posts: 4,297 Member
    I've heard on backpage.com you can get escorts of some sort. Might see if they have any on there that offer hiking.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    If you have a store like REI or similar, they often post group activities like hiking and whatnot as well.

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