c/hiking-trails

Vent: My favorite quiet creek crossing is now on every social media map

It used to be a secret spot you had to earn by getting a little lost.

My phone dying mid-hike has me rethinking how we find our way

I mean, tech helps avoid getting lost, but maybe it's just me but using a paper map feels more connected to the trail. What's your take on this?

Was a music-on-hikes person. Left the earbuds behind one day. Ended up starting a trail sketch journal.

My brother brought a full picnic setup on a 10-mile hike and refused to leave any of it behind

Noticing a lot more rock piles along the paths these days

I keep seeing these little towers of stones on my hikes. Don't they mess with the natural look and maybe even confuse the trail markers? Just wondering if this is a new thing or if I'm late to the party.

Dealing with knee pain, I tried some simple stretches before my hike yesterday... and no soreness today.

Showerthought: Trail runners are actually better than boots for dry conditions

I kept getting sore ankles with stiff boots, so I tried flexible shoes on a sandy path. The difference was huge and now I pack both depending on the weather.

Why I'll never understand hikers who eat cold sandwiches at the top

Honestly, watching everyone eat protein bars while I have a warm meal feels like a cheat code. On my last hike up Granite Peak, I brought a container of pasta salad I prepped at work. Ngl, it boosted my energy and kept me happy all day. If you're serious about hiking, you need to step up your food game. Trust me, it's worth the extra five minutes in the kitchen.

Saw a bald eagle on my morning hike

It was perched right by the river bend. Made the early start totally worth it.

Giving up trail music opened my ears to nature

I used to hike with earbuds in. Now I hear things I never did before, and it's incredible.

Can we talk about when hiking makes anxiety worse?

I've found that being isolated in the woods without a plan spikes my worry. It's not the peaceful escape everyone claims.