Common Hiking Mistakes

Common Hiking Mistakes 

A few years ago I was hiking in Lamington National Park, Queensland. I had gone there because of one specific hiking trail - Thunder and Lightning Falls. Everything I had read about it said that it was a difficult hike. An estimated 9 to 11 hour hike, involving a steep off-track section through the rainforest, followed by rock-hopping up a river to reach a narrow canyon with two waterfalls hidden inside.

The first time I went I got the off-track entry points mixed up and tried to enter by the abseiling route on foot. A mistake I quickly realised, and turned around before getting myself into too much trouble. The second time I went, I was determined to reach it. I did more research on the trail and felt I was prepared. How wrong I was. What should have been a 9 hour hike blew out to 15 hours.

Mistake #1: Underestimating the Trail

It's easy to glance at a map and think, "That looks manageable! All these reviews are exaggerating how difficult it is!” I was confident. Overly confident in my skills. As I set out that morning I was already writing the social media post in my head about how tough the track was, but how proud I was of myself for conquering it. I cringe at the thought now.

The first part was easy. A well maintained track winding through the rainforest, that I already knew well. This time I chose the right entrance point for the off-track section and I began my descent down the hill. It was steep… Really steep! Like, holding onto tree roots as I slid down on my butt kinda steep. I kept checking the time, and was surprised at how long it was taking me. 

Mistake #2: Poor Footwear Choices

The off-track section was slippery. I was, after all, walking through a rainforest. Before setting off I knew the day would be long, so I had chosen a pair of old hiking shoes that were well-worn and comfortable. I thought it was smart, I wouldn’t get blisters wearing these. Except the grip on the soles had worn down so I couldn’t travel as fast as I usually would down the hill. 

By the time I reached the river it was 2.00pm. Fear told me I should turn back. Pride told me to keep going. Surely it wouldn’t take me that much longer to reach it. The river isn’t deep, it’s rocky most of the way, I should be able to make good time and be back here in an hour, hour and a half tops! (I wasn’t).

Mistake #3: Not Budgeting Your Time Correctly

I had left early. Much earlier than I usually would. Normally I’m good at budgeting my time and skilled at estimating how long each section of the trail will take me. Not on this hike though. On this hike everything took me far longer than I thought it would. I took off, rock-hopping the river and switching to walking along the banks when I could. Time was still slipping away from me. The feeling of dread grew stronger each time I checked the map and realised my destination was still so far away. 

Finally after 2 hours I saw the entrance to the canyon ahead on the river. In the middle of the lush green rainforest, full of so much life, was a large overhang of black jagged rocks. From a distance it looked like a black hole where all life just disappeared. It was actually really intimidating! As I reached the edge of the overhang, I saw it. Thunder and Lightning Falls. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. 

I stepped into the canyon. The cool mist from the falls, and the roaring sound of water rushing to the ground filled the air around me. For a moment I forgot about how hard it was to get here, and the anxiety of how long it would take me to return. I was finally here, and the sight was incredible. I rushed to take my photos - proof that I had made it. I looked around me trying to find a way I could exit from here back to the track without returning down the river. 

Mistake #4: Ignoring Your Limits

I began to climb up the steep wall near the entrance to the canyon. It was covered in trees and ferns, and it looked like there might be a way through. I knew the maintained track crossed over the river just above the falls, so if I could reach it, I would save heaps of time! I got maybe 20 metres up before I hit a point that I just couldn’t pass. The ground was slippery, and if I fell, I’d likely fall all the way to the river. 

I climbed back down, looked at the time and realised I’d just lost half an hour on a foolish endeavour. There was no choice but to return the way I came. There was no way I’d make it back before dark. I turned to look once more at the waterfalls I had been so desperate to reach, regretting that the memory of seeing them would always be tainted by the mistakes I had made that day. I took off, back down the river, hoping it would take less time than getting here. The time was 4.35pm.

Mistake #5: Forgetting Essential Safety Gear

I moved as fast as I could. Exhaustion was starting to set in. My muscles ached. I got stung half a dozen times by Gympie-Gympie leaves and my arms felt like they were on fire. Even my brain felt tired. It took me 2 hours to get back down the river to the off-track section of the hike. I looked up to see the sun low in the sky. I had maybe a little over an hour of daylight left. It would get dark in the rainforest early, especially this deep in the valley. It would also get cold, and hypothermia was a real risk. 

I pulled my day pack off my back and reached for my Personal Locator Beacon. I always pack it with me whenever I hike, but never thought I would need to use it. Should I use it now? I hadn’t forgotten to pack my safety gear (I was bound to get one thing right that day). But is this situation dire enough for me to call for help? I sat on the river bank, ate my last muesli bar, changed my socks, and put the PLB back in my pack. Setting my mind to not giving up, I began the climb up the hill. The time was 6.45pm. 

Mistake #6: Not Packing Enough Water

About 15 to 20 minutes into the climb I realised I was almost out of water. I had packed three litres, but it was hot and humid, and the long day meant I was almost out. I should have refilled it at the river. It was too late to go back now, I was fast losing daylight, and I needed to get as close to the track as possible before it got dark.

Everything hurt, I was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was sit down and cry. But I couldn’t because crying would only lead to dehydration. I also couldn’t afford to lose the time - and so I climbed, and I climbed, higher and higher. The further up the hill I got the longer I would have daylight for. I pleaded with any God who would listen, “Please let me get over the steep section before it gets dark”. Because at least once I was over that, I could stand up properly and would be walking up a hill, not pulling myself up by tree roots and branches. 

I pulled out my head torch for the last maybe ten minutes of the steep section. A fair effort to be proud of. It was a little slower in the dark as it was harder to see any of the markers that had been left out by previous hikers. I know a lot of people are against the use of markers on a trail, but that night I was incredibly grateful for them. Finally I reached the track. It had taken me hours to walk down that hill in the morning - It only took me 75 minutes to climb up. The time was now 8.00pm.

Mistake #7: Poor Clothing Choices

Finally I was on the trail. It may be dark, I may still have 6km to go, but I was on the track and things would be easier from here. Nothing else could possibly go wrong I thought - 30 seconds before it started raining… It wasn't a light shower either. This was proper Gold Coast Hinterland heavy rain that doesn't let up for hours.

I shoved my hand deep into my backpack and pulled out one of those plastic ponchos that fold up to the size of a credit card. I was already soaked anyway, but maybe this would stop me from getting completely drenched? (It did not). I kept walking, refusing to stop for anything until I reached camp. So there I was, 8.30pm, wearing a poncho, hiking by torchlight through a rainforest. I was exhausted, soaked to the bone, and had to dodge spiny-crayfish on the track who for some strange reason walk around the forest when it rains… Well, I told myself, at least I’ll have a story to tell. 

Final Thoughts

At 10.15pm, just as the rain stopped, I walked into camp, and let me tell you, my tent was looking like the Hilton at that point. So many things had gone wrong that day, because I had made mistakes. I should have been better prepared. I should have turned around earlier and tried again another day. It could have been a lot worse than what it was though, and I’m grateful to have learnt from the experience - I’m a better hiker because of it.