For a long time, I thought I needed company before I could start hiking regularly.
There was always someone I wanted to go with. My sister had young children and rarely had a free weekend. One friend was pregnant. Others didn’t enjoy hiking, lived abroad, or simply had different schedules.
Meanwhile, another season would pass.
I kept saving trails on maps, reading about nature spots near my city, and imagining future weekends that somehow never happened.
Eventually, I realized I had two choices: keep waiting for the perfect hiking partner or start going anyway.
I’m glad I chose the second option.
Start Smaller Than You Think You Need To
For my first solo hike, I didn’t choose a mountain peak, a difficult route, or an all-day adventure.
I picked an easy trail within a two-hour drive from home.
Before leaving, I spent some time preparing. I explored the route using Komoot, marked important points on Google Maps, estimated how long the hike would take, and made sure I would return well before dark.
The preparation itself gave me confidence.
The more familiar the route felt before I left, the less intimidating it became.
Preparation Makes Everything Easier
I wasn’t only planning for myself.
I was also hiking with my dog.
That meant bringing enough water for both of us, food, a collapsible water bowl, and making sure he was protected against ticks.
I also packed a seat cover for the car because every dog somehow finds a way to become twice as dirty in nature.
Before leaving, I charged my phone fully and paid attention to battery usage throughout the day. Having navigation, emergency contacts, and maps available made me feel much more comfortable.
None of this was complicated.
It was simply a way of removing unnecessary stress before it had a chance to appear.
You Are Usually Less Alone Than You Expect
One of the things that surprised me most was how quickly the feeling of being alone disappeared.
Popular trails are often full of people.
Families.
Couples.
Groups of friends.
Other solo hikers.
People walking dogs.
You pass each other, exchange greetings, ask about trail conditions, or stop for a quick conversation at a viewpoint.
The hiking community is generally friendlier than many people expect.
Sometimes a simple “hello” is enough to start a conversation.
Nature Introduced Me to New People
On one of my hikes, I met a group that was hiking with an organized guide.
They seemed friendly, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there.
I asked about the organization they were hiking with and looked them up afterward.
A few weeks later, I joined one of their organized hikes.
It turned out to be a great experience.
The guide handled the logistics, the group was welcoming, and I didn’t have to worry about planning every detail myself.
More importantly, I realized how many people had joined alone.
I wasn’t the only one.
Not even close.
Joining a Hiking Group Can Be a Great First Step
If hiking completely alone feels intimidating, joining an organized group is a great alternative.
Spend some time exploring local hiking organizations and outdoor communities.
Look at their social media pages.
Read reviews.
Browse comments.
Pay attention to the people who participate.
You’ll probably notice something interesting: many of them joined for the exact same reason you’re considering it.
They wanted to spend more time outdoors but didn’t have anyone available to go with.
Different groups have different personalities. Some are more focused on sport and performance, while others prioritize socializing and enjoying nature.
Try a few until you find one that feels right for you.
You Don’t Need a Mountain to Start
One mistake many people make is thinking hiking only counts if it involves mountains.
It doesn’t.
Start with your own city.
Visit a forest you rarely go to.
Explore a park on the other side of town.
Take your dog somewhere new.
Pack a snack.
Put on your favorite playlist or podcast.
Sometimes the change of scenery is enough.
You don’t always need a summit to feel refreshed.
The Real Reward
The best thing hiking gave me wasn’t a specific trail or destination.
It was the realization that I didn’t need to wait.
Not for friends.
Not for perfect weather.
Not for the ideal plan.
Spending time outdoors improves your mood, helps you move more, sleep better, and disconnect from screens for a while.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll meet people who enjoy those things too.
But even if you don’t, the day will still be worth it.
Sometimes the hardest part of hiking is simply deciding to go.
Once you do, the trail usually takes care of the rest.
Nature gives you that bare feeling of being alive and present in the moment. Return to nature whenever you can.