Where Should I Go? Six Things to Consider When Determining Your Hiking Trip

There are so many places. So many trails. So many adventures waiting to be had.

Lots of trails. Lots of choices. 

What to do? Where to go? 

First, take a deep breath. Yes there are lots of places to explore. Maybe this is not the year though to do the big trails. The shorter trails, even trails in your own state, can bring great satisfaction and unique experiences than just the big trails we always hear about. No one heard of the Allegheny Trail in West Virginia which I thru-hiked in the past. It doesn't get the major press and hoopla. But wow, did I learn a lot by doing it. And grew in my hiking knowledge that I can now share with others. And it ended up being the catalyst for the Florida Trail the following winter. One never knows where a hiking adventure will lead. 

My finish of the 1100 mile Florida Trail, Feb, 2018

If you are planning a big one – like a multi-day backpacking trip, take a few things into consideration in planning. Some say you can just drop everything and go. Not wise. By taking the time to think things through that maybe you hadn’t yet considered, you will be steered towards that perfect trip meant for you! And without the distractions, misplanning can cause.

1.       Time. Do you have the time to do the trip you are considering? Will you need to take vacation time from work? Or a leave of absence for a major hike? Take into consideration how long the trip will take. You won’t be able to do 20-mile days. A 50-mile trip may take you five days. Plan accordingly.

2.       Money. It takes money to do a trip. Money for gear. For traveling to and from your destination. For expenses on the hike. For paying the bills or other needs on the homefront if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Be sure there are the finances to do this. Don’t think – oh, I will earn money on the way. Or I can skimp on things along the way. Or raid hiker boxes, etc. More often than not it never works out the way you think it will in the comfort of your home. Always plan for more money than you will need. Save up and be self-sufficient.

3.       Physical State. How are you physically? It is important to know if you are able to hike safely the trip you have planned. Even weekend getaways. Carrying a backpack is not the same as walking or running. It uses muscles differently, especially bearing a full load. For instance, if you are having knee issues, it’s doubtful they will suddenly go away on a hike! So take care to get checked out by the Dr. Get fixed what needs fixing so you don’t exacerbate a condition. If you need to change shoes do so. Work on physical strengthening, etc., do it. And make sure you have the proper gear and you are not burdening yourself with lots of extra weight that can rapidly turn a trip into a grueling experience. Learn from others on what to bring and what not to bring.

4.       Social Aspects. Are you going on this hike with others or going alone? Both need planning. For instance if going with a buddy, do you both hike roughly the same pace? Can you live with that person for an extended time? If the buddy must leave the trail on a long-distance trek, can you go on alone or are you sharing gear? Decide who carries what gear or if you should carry your own (which is a better idea). If you are going solo, prepare with your safety in mind. Maps, a cell phone, a guidebook, knowledge, even some personal safety devices like the Garmin Inreach. Are you also ready mentally to spend days and nights alone? Much of this can decide the kind of trip you want to do.

5.       Gear. Do you have the gear for the season and the area you plan to hike? Research ahead of time what you are going to need to accomplish your adventure. Adequate footwear, clothing, outerwear, sleep and cookwear. The backpack. All important. But remember, gear first, backpack last. Make sure you know weather conditions ahead of time and prepare accordingly for whatever you might face.

6.       The Mental Aspects. Are you accomplishing a hike to chip off sections on the AT? Doing a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail? Or going on your first expedition? Are you seeking waterfalls or a great view? Or another hiking challenge. Whatever it is, be sure your heart and mind are into it. The mental aspect of a hike is the number one thing that can kill it altogether if you are not ready and eager to get out there and experience the lows as well as the highs. The good and the bad. All of it is a learning experience. Stay positive even in the hard stuff. Limit expectations and take it one day at a time.

By looking at these different aspects of a hiking journey, you can better prepare for the perfect trip to fulfill your hiking dream this year. 

Do I Need to Be in Physical Shape to Hike?

“Do I Need to Be in Physical Shape to Hike?”- a young hiker asked tentatively on social media.

I responded in the thread – “No. The trail will help in that.”

And was rebuked in front of all. I was informed that is bad advice. Dangerous advice. Advice that can put that hiker in jeopardy. Make them miserable and quit. I had no business saying that. Of course  

they need to be in the best shape they can!

I thought about that. If one needs to be in physical shape to accomplish a trail.

I thought then about my son, a couch-type guy, in no shape whatsoever, who did the entire Appalachian Trail with me (in fact, he wanted to quit midway, in the best shape of his life at that point).  

I thought about the seven-year-old child who has done it. I thought about the blind person who did it, the one who has joint replacements, the 80 year old woman, the one with heart issues, cancer, or other issues, do it….

Were they physically fit?

No.

What did they have then that physical shape did not?

The will to accomplish something great in their lives.

I believe in the power of the mind. The will. I have seen the powerful will overcome whatever physical limitations a body has. I have seen folks with the drive and determination to make things happen and succeed when the odds speak against it. I have also seen physically fit people quit because they were mentally miserable. Multiple times.

To me - if you keep walking, it makes sense the physical shape will come right along with it. If you stop, it won’t.

That is what I meant by saying – the trail will get you in physical shape. “If” you keep walking.

You see, I was one of those people that was told I couldn’t do something (both in grade school and when I was injured as an adult). I was not in physical shape at all. I had a sports doctor tell me I’d never hike again because of a bad ankle. It was all impossible. But I found a doctor who said I could accomplish it. Most importantly, I had my will, my dream that I had dreamed for 30 years to keep me going. What the body seemingly could not do, the will could. And the body followed. One way or the other. Short or long.

The Florida Trail, a flat trail - is mental!

SO I did it. The Appalachian Trail, not once but twice. The Florida Trail. The Allegheny Trail. The Long Trail. The Colorado Trail. And yeah, I wanted to quit. I had physical issues. Mental issues. But I rose up with prayer and the will to do it. On some of those hikes I was in great shape when I wanted to quit. I was miserable anyway. But the mind overcame it. I found a reason to go on.  

Is it necessary to be in physical shape? It can’t hurt, except if that physical shape is from bicycling or running, for sudden backpacking and carrying a load uphill can still cause mega issues (those sports uses different muscle sets than hiking. ITB issues are major). Cardiovascular shape can help some. But I advise getting your mind in shape above all. And through that strong mind, you will make the right decisions so that you ARE in the best shape to hike. You will make the right decision with planning. Goal setting. The gear you need. Safety. Going to see the doctor and dentist too to make sure you are set (you never want to forego annual physicals). Have the mind ready to get up and do a hike, even in rain, sleet, snow, or when you are hurting or feel like, why am I doing this? You will keep walking. You will get in shape because you keep walking. But most of all, you keep walking in response to the will to keep walking. Then you will see a dream reached.

That is what I feel and believe and share with others. I don’t believe it's dangerous advice. I believe it’s victorious to achieve a dream.

4000 Miler. When doctor said I couldn't...