Guide On How To Have Fun Hiking

Have you ever gone hiking before? If you have, then you know how fun it can be. But if you have never gone, then you have no idea how much fun you're missing out on. So today, for those who have been missing out on this kind of fun, or those of you who want to spice things up, here are some essential tips to make hiking genuinely enjoyable, turning it from a simple walk in nature into a memorable adventure.

The first thing you need to know when you're ready to go hiking is that the right trail sets the tone for fun. If you do your homework and find the perfect trail, your fun day is basically guaranteed, but if you pick the wrong one, the day is ruined. So, as you decide where to go, remember to pick scenic, moderate trails with rewarding views, waterfalls, or interesting features rather than just distance goals. That way, you enjoy the journey as much as getting there.  

Mix it up to keep things fresh and exciting. Opt for short and sweet trails for a quick mood boost, longer ones for a full-day adventure, or easy loops when you want relaxed vibes. If you put some thought into this, you can find yourself in a peaceful, comfortable environment with beautiful views of wildlife in the distance.

Your hiking company, the people you choose to walk with, can make or break the experience. Sure, you could hike alone, but when you bring friends, family, or a hiking buddy, you'll have so much fun. Laughter, stories, and shared photos make everything better and create lasting memories.  

To add even more enjoyment, you can play trail games as you hike. Something like "20 Questions" about nature, storytelling, or even silly challenges can spice things up. But this is not to say you can't hike on your own. If that's more your thing, then bring music, podcasts, practice mindfulness, or talk out loud to yourself. After all, there can be no judgment on the hiking trail.

You do not know what true misery is until you get hungry or thirsty on a long trail. That's why it is absolutely essential to remember that food is fuel and it makes your hike a good one. Bringing tasty treats turns an ordinary walk into something special and rewarding.  

So the next time you're on a hike, bring your favorite trail snacks: energy bars, fruit, nuts, chocolate, or even mini sandwiches. If you want to take this to the next level, then intentionally plan a scenic snack break at a viewpoint or waterfall. This will turn your outing from a simple walk into a mini picnic that you will look forward to.

A hike is more than just walking to a set point and coming back. If walking was the point, you would just use a treadmill. A lot of the magic is in observational curiosity: seeing new trees, new bugs, plants, animals, and everything else around you.  

Every time you hike, you can be a Sherlock Holmes and spot things you had never seen before. Break the cycle of just walking and instead make the hike interactive and curious. Listen for birds, wind, or water; smell pine trees or wildflowers; touch different textures (moss, bark, cool rocks). You can even play spot-the-difference games: find 5 shades of green, identify animal tracks, or count different wildflowers. Bring binoculars or a small magnifying glass for extra fun exploring tiny details.

This goes without saying, but when you're out on a hike with friends and family, capture the moments and don't take yourself too seriously. Be sure to do funny poses at viewpoints, jump shots, or dramatic trail selfies. Make them funny, make them fun, and make them memorable so you can look back and smile.  

If there's a bunch of you or you just need to make the pictures more scenic, bring a small tripod or prop your phone on something for wide-view shots. In fact, you can create a mini photo challenge: best nature mimic, worst trail face, or scenic victory pose. One day when you have a whole collection, those pictures will serve as a time machine, transporting you to a simpler, happier time.

This tip does not apply universally because it can carry a lot of danger when the environment is not suitable. But if you are on a safe, well-known, well-traveled trail, you can add music, podcasts, or audiobooks to create a soundtrack for your adventure and make the time pass even more pleasantly.  

Ideally, just use one earbud while keeping the other ear open for safety so that you can hear people, bikes, or wildlife. Now picture this with us: a calm, comfortable hike while listening to your favorite nature song at your favorite time of the day. It's all just beautiful, isn't it? So improve your walks, your adventures, and your outings by having a spring in your step.