If you have an interest in hiking but lack experience, starting out can feel overwhelming. In this guide for beginners, we provide all the necessary information to help you get started with hiking. This includes guidance on selecting a trail, suggestions for gear, tips on managing concerns of getting lost or encountering wildlife, and additional assistance.
Prepare yourself and get ready, as you are about to uncover all the essential information required to enhance your outdoor hiking experience.
How to Physically Prepare for Hiking as a Beginner
When you begin hiking, we suggest selecting trails that match your current fitness levels. While hiking is a great way to start exercising and improve your physical condition, if you choose a trail that is too difficult for you, you won’t have a good time and may never hike again. We will discuss how to find the appropriate hiking trail shortly, but before your first hike, it is important to physically prepare and become more attuned to your body, which will boost your confidence as a novice hiker.
Stretches and Exercises for Hiking
If you are a beginner hiker, incorporating some gentle stretches and exercises into your regular routine will help you develop strength more rapidly. Whether you choose to go to the gym, perform exercises at home, or begin your day with yoga poses, being more physically active in your daily life will enhance your endurance and self-assurance when you eventually hit the trail. However, it is important to note that you do not need to be a marathon runner or a professional athlete in order to start hiking. Simply spending time on the trail will assist you in getting fit.
As you train, it is important to constantly pay attention to your body and any signals of pain. This will provide valuable insight into when to push yourself or decide to turn back on more demanding hikes.
Improving Your Lung Capacity for Hiking
When I first started hiking, I was bothered by the fact that I would always get out of breath on the trail. This made me feel embarrassed and stopped me from hiking with people who were more fit than me. Even after fifteen years, if I neglect my routine, getting out of breath still happens easily. However, I have come to realize that there is no reason to feel ashamed as it is a common experience for many people.
Dealing with Aches and Pains
If you have weak knees or sensitive feet, there are proactive measures you can take to avoid hiking from having a significant impact on your body, whether you are a beginner or not.
What To Bring Hiking
When planning a hiking trip, the Internet provides many lists of items to bring. However, it can be difficult to determine what is truly necessary. Our suggestion is to carry the “ten essentials” – a reliable list of the top ten items that are suitable for most straightforward to moderately difficult hikes. These essentials include provisions such as snacks and water, as well as navigation tools, a first aid kit, and various safety items. Keep in mind that this list can be used as a reference and customized based on the specific activity you are undertaking.
Trails for Beginners
Neusiok Trail
Havelock is located within the Croatan National Forest.
A distance of 20.1 miles.
A time period of 2-3 days.
If you want to hike a long distance on your first weekend, this is the perfect hike for you. Along the way, there are three shelters where you can rest, allowing you to divide the hike into manageable days of approximately 4 miles, 7 1/2 miles, and 9 miles. However, because this is probably the flattest 20.1-mile trail in the state, it is easily possible to complete it in two nights. The shelters have water available and the trail is well-maintained by the Carteret County Wildlife Club. Additionally, this hike is considered the best option during winter, as the otherwise buggy and humid coastal forest is more enjoyable to explore at that time.
Hunt-fish Falls
The area known as Wilson Creek can be found within the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest in the Mortimer region.
A distance of 2.8 miles can be covered while carrying a full pack, whereas a distance of 13.6 miles can be covered while carrying a day pack.
The duration of 2-3 days.
Although we enjoy backcountry camping, we prefer not to carry heavy backpacks for long distances. Therefore, we tend to opt for basecamp trips: we hike a short distance with a full pack to establish a basecamp, and then hike with a day pack from there. This particular hike is one of our favorite basecamp options. It involves a 1.4-mile hike to reach the campsite, which is situated in a spacious and level area alongside Lost Cove Creek. During this trip, we like to spend one day hiking approximately 6 miles along the creek and on the Timber Ridge Trail. On another more relaxed day, we hike about 3 miles up Gragg Prong and enjoy the various pools at the base of several waterfalls. It is a great summer adventure.
Birkhead Wilderness
Asheboro is the location of Uwharrie National Forest.
A distance of 7.4 miles.
A period of 48 hours.
The quintessential one-night trip, which is often chosen for both first-time outings and testing new gear, is highly popular due to its close proximity to the three main population centers in the state: Charlotte, the Triangle, and the Triad. This section of the Uwharrie National Forest, covering 5,160 acres at its northern tip, is also highly regarded as a wilderness area, easily accessible within two hours for much of the state’s population. Campsite 5 provides the opportunity to enjoy both morning and evening sunlight, while Camp 3 is situated near a body of water. This area in the heart of the Piedmont region offers a mountainous feel without the extreme elevation.
Panthertown Valley
Cashiers are individuals who handle transactions and financial exchanges with customers at various establishments, such as retail stores, restaurants, and banks.
Backpacking for 1 mile followed by 30 miles of day hiking.
The duration is between 2 and 5 days.
Pantherton takes base camping to the extreme by offering an effortless hike in, a shelter, and campsites located near the water. Additionally, there are several must-see waterfalls such as Schoolhouse, Frolictown, and Granny Burrell. If you’re looking for scenic views, Little Green Mountain is an ideal spot for lunch due to its panoramic views. Moreover, the extensive trails will leave you thoroughly impressed. While it may be exaggerated to call it “the Yosemite of the East,” you will definitely notice the similarities.
