I’ve always seen photos of people hiking—standing on cliffs, smiling at the top of mountains, or simply walking through the forest looking completely at peace. Every time I scrolled past those pictures, I thought, “That looks amazing… but it’s not really for me.”
Why? Because I didn’t see myself as that type of person. I’ve never owned proper gear, I get winded just running up a flight of stairs, and honestly, I worried I wouldn’t enjoy it. Hiking always felt like something for people who already knew what they were doing.
But after weeks of sitting at a desk, I started craving something different. Fresh air. A break from screens. A chance to do something outside of my comfort zone. So, with no real plan and even less experience, I decided to try my very first hike.
Doubts Before the Trail
On the way there, my mind was spinning with “what ifs”:
- What if I run out of energy too quickly?
- What if everyone else moves faster and I can’t keep up?
- What if I don’t enjoy it and just end up frustrated?
I imagined every possible problem. My shoes weren’t fancy, my backpack was just a small one I used for school, and I wasn’t sure how far I would actually make it. But something inside me told me to go anyway.
The First Strides
The beginning was harder than I expected. Even the first slope had me breathing heavily, and I kept glancing up the trail, wondering how much longer it would take. My legs protested almost immediately, and I thought, “Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea.”
But then, something changed. As I slowed down and found a rhythm, I started noticing things around me. The crunch of gravel under my shoes. The way the air smelled fresher, cleaner than in the city. The way the trees stood tall, forming a quiet shield against the noise of everyday life.
Little by little, my focus shifted from how tired I was to what was in front of me.
Small Joys Along the Way
The most memorable parts weren’t at the end of the trail, but in tiny, unexpected moments:
- Watching a butterfly rest on a flower as if it owned the whole meadow.
- Spotting sunlight breaking through a canopy of leaves, turning the path golden.
- Laughing at myself when I tripped over a root, caught my balance, and kept going.
It wasn’t about covering miles—it was about slowing down enough to notice things I never would have seen from behind a screen.
What I Learned
By the time I turned back, I hadn’t gone as far as others on the trail. I didn’t reach a peak or take a dramatic summit photo. But strangely, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything.
What I learned is that hiking isn’t about being strong, fast, or experienced. It’s about showing up. It’s about giving yourself permission to move at your own pace, to take breaks, and to let the trail surprise you.
I realized that even as a beginner, I had gained something I didn’t expect: a sense of calm, a reminder to be patient with myself, and the joy of simply trying something new.
A Note for Other Beginners
If you’ve never hiked before and feel nervous like I did, here’s what I’d say: start small. Don’t worry about distance. Wear shoes that feel comfortable. Bring water and maybe a snack. Go with someone who doesn’t mind walking slowly, or go alone if you want to move at your own rhythm.
The point isn’t to “conquer” a trail. The point is to walk, notice, and let yourself enjoy the journey—no matter how far you get.
When I look back now, I’m glad I didn’t let doubts stop me. My first walk into hiking wasn’t about reaching a summit. It was about taking a chance, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and finding joy in the little moments along the path. And that, to me, feels like the start of something I want to do again.