A woman in athletic wear stands on a rocky ledge holding a leash, with a black dog beside her. They overlook a vast canyon under a clear blue sky, surrounded by distant mountains.

14 Solo Hiking Tips Every Beginner Needs to Know (From a Digital Nomad Who Hikes Alone All the Time)

ByNatalie Rushing

Hiking alone is one of my favorite parts of solo travel. A quiet trail on a crisp day, with no small talk (except the awkward hiker “hi” every now and then) is just so peaceful and relaxing. It’s generally a safe activity, but there are important solo hiking tips that will make the experience go smoother if you follow them (take it from me, I’ve made every hiking mistake out there). Here’s what I’ve learned after years of hiking solo around the U.S.

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Tell someone where you are

Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and how long you expect to be on the trail. A quick text with the trail name and your ETA back is enough to keep you covered.

Stick to well-traveled trails

When hiking solo, it’s best to stick to popular trails where there will be other hikers in case you need help. Unlikely, but best to play it safe.

Woman drenched in rain water posing by Mt. Mitchell sign at the summit of the trail.

Me, soaked after my Mt. Mitchell hike

Prepare for the weather

Check the weather ahead of time, and if you’re in an area prone to rain, make sure to bring a rain jacket and maybe a change of clothes (at least socks).

On my Mount Mitchell hike, I got rained on nearly the whole time. Don’t be like me.

Woman with scrape on cheek

Don’t let this be you.

Bring a first aid kit

Again, on Mount Mitchell, a branch I didn’t see scraped the side of my face and I did not bring a first aid kit, so I had to make do with that I had on me (some old napkins and a Covid mask). At least bring some bandages in case of scrapes or cuts.

Bring layers

It’s a good idea to bring along extra clothing–the higher the altitude, the cooler it will be.

A wooden cabin with large triangular windows and a deck is set against a clear blue sky. Solar panels are installed on a slope near the building, and pine trees are visible in the background.

Where I found Elgie

Keep dogs leashed, or make sure they have excellent recall

Learn from my mistakes. On my Red Mountain #3 hike, I lost my dog Elgie for about an hour (but it felt like an eternity). Keep your pup close by, preferably on a leash.

Bring snacks and Water (and toilet paper)

At least bring water, and lots of it. And while we’re on the subject, bring some TP (and a bag to put it in), especially on a long trail, or if you have high blood pressure and you go a lot, like me. TMI? Better safe than sorry.

Woman in front of red and brown mountains

One of my favorite solo hiking photos!

Use an app to help you take photos

Who doesn’t want good hiking photos? I love Lensbuddy, personally. Push a button and it will continually take photos so you can go through and delete the horrible ones and post the good ones! If you have space in your pack, you could bring a small phone stand or a collapsible tripod for even better photos!

Start early

I’m a later riser, but honestly, it pays to start early, and you don’t want to feel rushed trying to finish before sunset. You also don’t want to be hiking in the dark–unfortunately I’ve ended up in the dark a few times, including–you guessed it–Mount Mitchell.

Stay on the trail

When you’re solo, it’s not the time to go off trail. Honestly, it rarely is, but especially not when you’re solo.

Download a map

I highly recommend AllTrails-I can’t count how many times it’s saved my ass because I was starting to wander from a not-well-marked trail (or well-marked, in some cases. User error.) Be sure your phone is fully charged, and bring a portable charger.

Bring a whistle

Just in case you get lost or need help, 3 blows of a whistle is the international signal for distress.

A woman wearing a knit hat smiles in the foreground with snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes in the background under a clear blue sky.

Cheeeese!

Trust your gut

If anything feels off, just turn around. It’s not worth the risk.

What to do if you see wildlife

Most times, wildlife will not bother you. In most parts of the U.S., the main animals you might see are deer, elk, black bears, and moose. Here are some quick tips:

Don’t get close. Give every animal plenty of space, and don’t try to go around an animal that’s blocking the trail. Wait it out or turn around.

If it’s a bear or moose: stay calm, back away slowly, and never run. If you’re in an area with bears, you may want to carry bear spray. If a moose charges, hide behind a tree–this will end the encounter as moose do not “hunt” you.

Final Thoughts: Solo Hiking Tips

Hiking solo is safe as long as you are prepared and not careless about it. It can be incredibly rewarding, stress relieving, and a great way to stay fit while traveling. Enjoy the trails!

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A woman in a blue hoodie hikes on rocky terrain with hills in the background. Overlaid text reads: Travel Guide: Solo Hiking Tips for Beginners, featuring essential solo hiking tips at outsiderodyssey.com.

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