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Hiking Do’s and Don’ts

How to get started on your hiking journey

How to Start Your Hiking Journey

Do

Begin with short, easy trails and give yourself time to fall in love with just being out there.

Don't

Try to conquer a mountain on day one. Pushing too far, too fast is a quick way to burn out, get discouraged or injure yourself. Start small and build from there.

Do

Make sure to pack the basics: water, snacks, a waterproof jacket (no matter what the weather forecast says), a map, whistle, first aid kit, pocket knife and a flashlight.

Don't

Wear the wrong shoes. Hiking or running shoes are best. Sandals or flip flops are never acceptable (you’d be surprised how often this happens, so make sure to pack the right gear).

How You Know It’s Time to Level Up

Do

Think about stepping it up when you’ve got a handful of hikes under your belt and they start to feel easy. If you know how to read a map, handle some hills and end most hikes with energy to spare, you may be ready for longer routes and more challenging terrain.

Don't

Base a hike’s difficulty solely on the distance. Consult resources like AllTrails to learn about factors like incline and terrain to understand how challenging a trail may actually be.

Hiking During Hunting Season

Do

Wear blaze orange vests or jackets to make sure you stand out. If you have a dog that’s tagging along, make sure they’re in reflective or fluorescent gear to keep them visible as well.

Don't

Blend in. Don’t wear earth tones and camouflage on the trail, since they make it harder for others to see you.

Do

Stick to marked trails and hike during daylight hours.

Ledge photographer

At the end of the day, hiking is about enjoying nature and keeping yourself safe while you do it. Keep these simple tips in mind, and you’ll be conquering 4000-footers in no time.

Feeling inspired? As you start packing for your next adventure, consult our 10 essentials list to make sure you have everything you need!