Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t head into the woods planning to lose my way. I pack snacks like I’m preparing for a week-long expedition, charge my phone like it’s my lifeline (because it is), and even pretend to study the map at the trailhead like I know what I’m doing. I do the things. I try to be responsible.
And yet, somehow, without fail, I end up standing in the middle of nowhere squinting at a crooked tree that definitely wasn’t part of the original route.
You’d think I’d be annoyed by now. And honestly, sometimes I am—briefly. But mostly? I’ve learned to lean into it. There’s something strangely enjoyable about the uncertainty, the detour, the not-so-planned parts of the journey.
Because when you get off course, you’re no longer just following signs—you’re figuring things out as you go. Every step becomes a choice instead of just another dot on a map. You slow down. You notice weird tree shapes, unfamiliar bird calls, and how silence can hum if you give it enough time.
I’ve stumbled upon tiny creeks tucked behind rock walls, quiet corners of the forest where it feels like the rest of the world hit pause, and views so unexpectedly stunning they felt like a secret. Not marked, not named, not crowded. Just… there. Waiting.
Would I have found those if I’d stayed on the marked trail? Probably not. And that’s kind of the point.
Getting lost teaches you a lot—not just about your surroundings, but about how you respond when nothing goes the way you planned. You learn to laugh at yourself, to trust your instincts (even when they’re slightly off), and to keep moving even when the path disappears. It’s uncomfortable sometimes, sure. But it’s also real. And honestly, kind of unforgettable.
I don’t hike to tick boxes or chase records. I go because it reminds me that even when I feel directionless, I’m still moving forward. And sometimes the wrong turn ends up being the best part of the trip.
So yeah, maybe I’m directionally challenged. Maybe my “quick loop” turns into a full-blown saga. But every unexpected turn, every mystery path, every “uhhh this isn’t the way back to the parking lot” moment? I wouldn’t trade it.
Getting lost might not be the goal. But it’s definitely part of the adventure.