With summer approaching, many of you are probably starting to make plans for potential vacations. How about a hike?
While many people opt for relaxing beaches or exciting cityscapes, others want an experience that will combine relaxation, beautiful scenery, and a bit of a challenge.
If you’re looking for a great vacation activity that includes the great outdoors, hiking may be just what you’re looking for.
The idea of a hike, however, might seem overwhelming for some, and impossible for others. They might say to themselves, “where do I begin?”
With so many different hikes to choose from, especially just in the USA alone, it can feel daunting to choose the one that’s right for you and your skill level.
Choosing the right hiking trail can be a challenge, however, since there is a multitude of options ranging from beginner day hikes to week-long backpacking adventures.
There are so many things that go into choosing the right hike- the distance, the geographical location, the scenery, the difficulty level, terrain, the list goes on and on.
You want to ensure that you’re challenging yourself a little bit, but not too much since you’re still supposed to be on vacation! Not only that, but if you’re bringing the family along, it can definitely change up the dynamics.
Here are some tips to help you sort through the stats indicated on most trail finder apps and websites and choose the right hiking trip for you and anyone with you.
4 Ways to Make Sure You’re Choosing the Right Hike
Understand the Stats
If you’re a beginning hiker, the plethora of stats available on trail-finding websites may be overwhelming and confusing.
Here are some of the stats that you’ll see and how they might factor into your decision on what trail to choose.
Distance is one of the most important factors to consider. Make sure to check whether you’re looking at the full roundtrip distance – these are often referred to as out-and-back trails or distances.
Less experienced hikers will want a shorter route of 2-3 miles, while more experienced hikers will appreciate a 6-8 mile range.
An all-day hike will generally be in the 10-12 mile range depending on the elevation and difficulty of the trail – anything longer, and you’ll be looking at a backpacking or camping trail.
Elevation gain indicates the total elevation you’ll climb over the course of the hike. For rookie hikers, look for trails that have less than 500 feet of elevation gain – this may not sound like a lot, but especially for shorter hikes, a small amount of elevation gain can quickly make for a steep and strenuous trail.
Finally, look at the terrain and any potential weather or seasonal hazards. Many trail-finding sites will have comment sections, and these are a great resource if the information in the entry is sparse.
Potential terrain hazards include streams, drop-offs on the side of the trail, and rocky sections of the trail. Seasonal hazards can include seasonal rivers, snowmaking the trail difficult to see or hike through, and muddy trails due to spring rain.
Decide on the Challenge for You (And Those With You)
After understanding the stats, it’s time to decide what kind of challenge you and those who are going with you are up for.
Generally speaking, it’s better to be safe than sorry, starting with beginner-level trails and then gradually building up your strength and stamina.
Even if you’re a more experienced hiker, make sure to keep the experience and fitness level of everyone in your group in mind.
Children, older friends, and friends with issues such as joint pain will need special consideration, and you should look for trails that will take these factors into account. If you’re planning on hiking with your dog, consider how active and well-behaved your pet is likely to be.