How to Start Hiking

So, you’ve been scrolling through social media, seeing people hike up ridiculous altitudes, looking all cool, confident, and slightly too coordinated in their fancy hiking gear. And now you’re thinking: Wait. I want to do that too.

You lace up your sneakers, head to the door... and realize you have no idea how to start hiking.

“Just start walking, duh!”

Well yeah. But if you're a total beginner, that advice doesn’t help. So here’s a better take on how to start hiking, presented to you in a little guide. This guide will help you figure out how to start hiking with confidence, even if you’ve never set foot on a trail before.

A wild Pepper, somewhere on the Appalachian Trail, on one of her very first solo hikes. She herself is still learning how to start hiking. The Q-Tip she's holding is named Finn. He is the ultimate hiking buddy.

How to Start Hiking

1. Pick a Trail Close to Home

If you’re not sure how to start hiking, begin with something familiar and easy to access. Look for a flat, well-maintained trail near you—think local parks, nature preserves, or paved loops.

You can use an app like AllTrails to:

• Find nearby trails
• Check user reviews
• See difficulty ratings and distance
• Download offline maps (only AllTrails+)

And you can get 30% AllTrails+ HERE.

When learning how to start hiking, it helps to pick a distance you already know you can walk. You want a win, not a sufferfest.

2. Gear Up (But Don’t Overthink It)

A common barrier for folks figuring out how to start hiking is thinking they need fancy gear. Spoiler: you don’t. My first hiking shoes were thrifted, and I used my school backpack. 

All you really need is:

• Sturdy sneakers with decent tread
• Clothing you’re comfortable moving in
• A backpack for your basics

Knowing how to start hiking doesn’t mean knowing how to buy gear—it just means knowing how to move safely and stay comfortable.

3. Pack the Essentials

Whether you’re day hiking or just doing a local loop, these are the basics for how to start hiking without overdoing it:

• Water – 1L per 2 hours of hiking. Add more if it’s hot or exposed.
• Snacks – Easy, energizing foods like trail mix or granola bars.
• Layers – Bring something warm or sun-protective depending on the forecast.
• Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Map – Download or print the trail. It's always a good idea to have a back-up way to navigate!
• Mini first aid kit – DIY it with band-aids and some ibuprofen.

When you’re learning how to start hiking, this list keeps you safe without needing a trip to your local outdoorsy shop.

4. Plan Ahead

One of the most important parts of learning how to start hiking is what you do before you hit the trail.

• Check the weather
• Read recent reviews on AllTrails
• Know your trail’s distance, terrain, and elevation gain

As you plan how to start hiking on your own, pay attention to details like trail conditions. If people mention “overgrown,” “muddy,” or “hard to follow,” maybe save that trail for later.

Always tell someone where you're going and when you’ll be back. That's the most important tip when it comes to how to start hiking.

And if you’re nervous about how to start hiking solo, bring a friend or join a local group. Groups will have experience under their belts, which will likely help you learn how to start hiking much faster!

5. Avoid These Beginner Mistakes

Understanding how to start hiking also means knowing what not to do. Here are some first-timer flubs to skip:

• Wearing brand-new shoes – Break them in first
• Not checking the forecast – Nature does what she wants
• Overpacking – You’re not prepping for the apocalypse
• Relying only on your phone – Have a printed copy
• Choosing a trail that’s too long or steep – Start easy, build up

Making mistakes is part of the process—but learning how to start hiking means minimizing the avoidable ones.

6. Get Out There and Have Fun

You don’t need to summit anything to call yourself a hiker. If you’re on a trail, moving your body, and carrying a snack? You've figured out how to start hiking.

The secret to how to start hiking is… to start. Go slow. Look around. Take breaks. Every hike makes the next one easier.

For the visual learners: A video on How to Start Hiking!

Now You Know: How to Start Hiking

Whether just just learning how to start hiking, or getting back into it after a break, this guide on how to start hiking gives you the foundation you need to feel safe and confident outdoors. 

You don’t need perfect gear or years of experience—just a plan, a bottle of water, and the willingness to take your first few steps. Hopefully you've now got a better idea on how to start hiking!

You’ve got this!

HAPPY STEPPIN'!
-PEPPER 👣