So you’ve decided to go on your first proper hike. Not just a walk in the park, but an actual trail with elevation, distance, and maybe even a summit view waiting at the end. That’s exciting! It’s also completely normal to feel a little nervous about what to expect.

I remember my first real hike vividly. I was equal parts excited and terrified, convinced I’d either get lost, run out of energy halfway up, or realize I was completely out of my depth. Spoiler alert: I survived, and it was amazing. But there were definitely a few things I wish someone had told me beforehand.

If you’re standing where I was a few years ago, here are the five things I wish I’d known before hitting that first trail.

1. You’re Going to Be Slower Than You Think In Your First Hike (And That’s Okay)

When I looked at trail descriptions that said “2-3 hours,” I assumed that was for slow, out-of-shape people. Surely I could do it faster, right?

Wrong.

Trail time estimates are usually pretty accurate for the average hiker, and when you’re new, you’re likely going to be on the slower end of that range – or even beyond it. Between navigating unfamiliar terrain, taking water breaks, stopping to catch your breath, and pausing to actually enjoy the views (which is the whole point!), things take longer than expected.

The lesson? Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time, especially for your first few hikes. Starting early in the day takes the pressure off and ensures you’re not racing against sunset.

2. Your Feet Will Make or Break Your Experience

I can’t stress this enough: proper footwear matters more than almost anything else.

For my first hike, I wore old running shoes that seemed “good enough.” By mile two, I had a blister forming. By mile four, every step was uncomfortable. I spent the next week nursing sore feet and learned a valuable lesson the hard way.

You don’t need expensive hiking boots right away, but you do need shoes with good tread, ankle support, and a proper fit. Wear them around the house and on shorter walks first to break them in. And please, invest in some decent hiking socks – your feet will thank you.

3. Bring More Water Than You Think You Need

“It’s only a few miles, I’ll be fine with one bottle.”

Famous last words.

Hiking burns more energy and fluids than you’d expect, especially on inclines or warm days. I’ve made the mistake of running out of water with miles still to go, and it’s miserable. Now I follow a simple rule: bring more water than seems reasonable, and if you finish the hike with some left over, great! That’s far better than the alternative.

A general guideline is about half a liter per hour of hiking, but adjust based on weather, difficulty, and your own needs. And yes, that water bottle might feel heavy in your pack, but dehydration feels a whole lot worse.

4. The Trail Looks Different on the Way Back

This one caught me completely off guard.

On my first solo hike, I confidently followed the trail up to a beautiful viewpoint. Easy! But on the way back down, I second-guessed myself at every intersection. Did I come from that path? Or was it the other one? Everything looked different from the opposite direction.

Pro tip: Pay attention to landmarks on your way up, and don’t be afraid to occasionally glance back to see what the trail looks like from the return perspective. Taking a quick photo at trail junctions can be a lifesaver. And if you’re using a trail app or map, follow along as you go – not just when you think you might be lost.

5. It’s Okay to Turn Around

Here’s the truth nobody tells beginners: you don’t have to finish every hike you start.

Maybe the weather turns bad or you’re more tired than expected. Maybe your body is telling you something isn’t right. Whatever the reason, turning around isn’t failure – it’s smart decision-making.

I used to think that not reaching the summit or endpoint meant I’d somehow failed. But hiking isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about enjoying the experience, staying safe, and coming back for another adventure. Some of my favorite hikes have been the ones where I didn’t make it to the “official” destination but found a perfect rock to sit on, enjoyed the view, and called it a win.

The Best Part? You’ll Learn as You Go. And Just Hike!

Looking back, those early mistakes and surprises were all part of the learning process. Each hike taught me something new – about the trails, about my limits, and about what I’m capable of when I push just a little beyond my comfort zone.

So if you’re planning your first real hike, embrace the newness of it all. Prepare as best you can, stay flexible, listen to your body, and remember that every experienced hiker was once exactly where you are now.

You’ve got this. And trust me – the view from up there is worth every step.

Ready to hit the trail? What’s holding you back, or what questions do you have about your first hike? Let me know in the comments!