would/do you hike alone?

[Deleted]

I love the idea; it sounds very peaceful.

But it scares me - the idea of being an easy target for the wrong person.

Do you go anyway?  Where do you go & do you do anything precautionary to feel safe?

[zoidberg]

I don't. I'm sure it would be very peaceful and pleasant, but I am too much of a nervous nelly for that.

What if I got hurt or sick? What if I fell? And don't even get me started on the crime shows I've watched.

There are some places I might consider doing it, but as a rule I feel like hiking is a buddy-system activity. At least for me.

[hannahb]

I wouldn't. My imagination would drive me insane. I do a lot of hiking with my sister, and even with both of us we get a little nervous. Particularly when we are starting early and its still dark out, there are wierd noises, etc. My mind immediately goes to serial killer from criminal minds.

[foundmylazybum]

Sure. I probably wouldn't do some Appalachian Trail 50-100 miler all on my own situation, but a couple hour loop with me and my dog with my phone, a knife, Mace, and my trail shoes on a trail I'm familiar with and I know is well traveled...yes.


But I'm also used to trail running all over on my own, and from areas where trails are heavily used.

[jchokie79]

Oh hells no.

[ckinla]

No. Especially because BF and I were running Friday with no phones. He ended up spraining his ankle at the furthest point in our run and we had no choice but forme to leave him there and run home myself to get the car. I am terrified to think what would have happened if I had not been with him. I can't imagine something like that (or worse) happening to me if I was alone in the woods somewhere.

[archaeominx]

I've done it and probably would again but only on trails I'm familiar with and preferably would have cell coverage. I definitely wouldn't do something like the Appalachian trail solo, I've heard of too many bad things happening along it.

[cinco]

Well yeah, but I live within walking distance of the AT. I don't go for long hikes or am ever that far from town, so it doesn't seem that different than walking around the neighborhood. I have my phone and only go when DH is home. It isn't a remote part of the trail either. I think it depends on the kind of hiking you want to do.

[Susie]

No, when we go backcountry hiking we always do it together. It's too easy to twist an ankle or do something dumb, especially carrying a full pack, and there's no cell service there to call for help.

[labbie]

I do, and just got home from one with my dog. I should preface this by saying I am going on day hikes on a nearby public trail system (i.e. not in the backwoods/unmarked trails,etc.)
I always let DH or someone know where I am going/when to expect me home, have my phone with me, and if I do have an MP3 player on, I keep the volume very low.

[hazel]

I would, but only on a very popular trail or during a high volume time.

My ex-husband used to go trail running on deserted paths for hours at a time. It always worried me. There were a few times I started getting ready to go look for him because he was gone at least an hour longer than expected. So while I do recommend telling someone where you're going and how long you'll be gone, please be mindful they will probably start worrying about you after a certain time.

[sadlebred]

I would no nearby trails but nothing backwoods. We have several nice trail systems close to Atlanta like the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area and Kennesaw Mountain. Both are very well traveled, and there is cell phone reception throughout the trails. I have walked both of them before and felt very safe. Local rescue crews are well versed in getting injured people out of there.

[wildfloweragain]

I used to, but don't anymore. Husband who has seen too much, kids, etc.

[hannahb]

Aug 4, 2013 10:18:25 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Sure. I probably wouldn't do some Appalachian Trail 50-100 miler all on my own situation, but a couple hour loop with me and my dog with my phone, a knife, Mace, and my trail shoes on a trail I'm familiar with and I know is well traveled...yes.


But I'm also used to trail running all over on my own, and from areas where trails are heavily used.

Ok yeah, I take back what I said because I've gone out on popular trails around my house with my dog before. I guess I was thinking more overnight or all day hikes in not as populated areas. But a couple hours with my dog, yes.

[Deleted]

Depends where. I spent a summer living in Shenandoah NP. My roommates knew generally where I was going. If I hadn't come home by sundown, they would have sent a ranger for me.

Trails at most of the major parks around here? Sure. I probably wouldn't do something super isolated or advanced rock scrambling alone.

I see it like any other activity - biking, running, etc. Take normal precautions and stick to trails that get at least moderate foot traffic.

[Chelle]

Only on popular trails during daylight hours.

[G22]

I do day hikes with my dogs. The farthest I've gone alone with them is 10 miles.

I'm took much of a sissy to go completely alone sans dogs or overnight.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't because I'm a klutz and likely to need to be carried out at some point...in our area there are a lot of walking groups which like everything if you find the right one can be a good alternative

[itsme]

I have not hiked alone yet. I'm a little paranoid about the wrong people happening upon me or coming across an animal (we have mountain lions here). I usually go with SIL or my daughter. Sometimes my husband and the kids.

[Brit]

I have done it, but only with my dog(s) in tow. I don't do it all that often because H gets super freaked out about it and I don't really value the experience enough to put him through that much trauma over it. Usually I can find a willing participant to go for a hike with me.

[LWoods]

Yes, but there are certain areas I avoid (those that have more difficult terrain, are in a more "sketchy" area, etc.)

[flycatcher]

I go alone-to pretty popular parks- I still am usually the only person I see alone. Anything over 4/5 miles is with my hubby.

And I always have my knife in my pocket...

[Deleted]

I have--I hiked up to a mountain lake shortly after I moved here.

Looking back on it, it was pretty stupid.

[marclovesme]

I go out alone on trails near my house all the time, but they are maintained by our town and very, very popular (in the middle of a residential area).  If we're talking 'need a pack' or 'taking a pack' hiking, then definitely not.  Last time I went on one of those hikes DH hurt his ankle - can't imagine what he'd do if he were alone.

[aurora]

I suppose it depends on your definition of hike, but I absolutely do and will continue to walk and run the local trails by myself during daylight hours, even without mace or a cell phone or a dog. I'd even hike in quite a bit of the backcountry in this area by myself, probably up to around 3-4 hours. I probably wouldn't backpack to camp alone because I don't love being alone in the woods after dark, though I don't judge others who do it.

[grace]

All the time. The trails I go on can be dangerous in terms of animals, but they're fairly populated, so I figure I'm safe. Maybe it's naive but I like to be outside, and I could get hurt doing lots of things.