How to Plan a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

How to Plan a Safe & Enjoyable Hike

A good hike rarely starts at the trailhead. It starts earlier — at the kitchen table, the weather app, or halfway through scrolling a map and thinking, yeah, that looks doable. Planning doesn’t have to be rigid or joyless, but a bit of thought up front is often the difference between a great day out and a long, uncomfortable one.

This isn’t about over-engineering every step. It’s about setting yourself up so you can actually enjoy the walking, the views, and the quiet moments in between.

Choose a hike that suits the day — not just your ambitions

It’s easy to pick a trail based on how good it looks in photos or how impressive it sounds on paper. But a better question to ask is: Does this suit today?

Think about distance, elevation change, exposure, and how much time you realistically have. A shorter walk with interesting terrain is often far more satisfying than a long one you’re rushing through or second-guessing the whole way.

If you’re hiking with kids, new hikers, or on tired legs, dial it back. The bush isn’t going anywhere.

Check the weather — and then check it again

Weather influences more than comfort. It affects track conditions, creek crossings, visibility, and how safe certain sections are.

Look beyond the temperature. Wind strength, recent rainfall, and storms matter just as much. A cool day after heavy rain can turn a normally straightforward track into a slippery, slow affair.

If the forecast changes overnight, be willing to change plans. Some of the best days in the bush come from choosing the safer, simpler option.

Know where you’re going — even on “easy” tracks

Even well-formed trails can be confusing in poor light, fog, or dense forest. Before you go, take a few minutes to understand the route: where it starts, where it ends, and any junctions or side tracks along the way.

Offline maps are invaluable. Phone batteries don’t last forever, and reception is often unreliable. A paper map and compass still earn their place, especially on longer or quieter walks.

You don’t need to memorise every turn — just know enough to feel oriented rather than guessing.

Pack for comfort, not just survival

Most people think of safety gear first, which is important, but comfort plays a big role in decision-making on the trail. When you’re cold, hungry, soaked, or sore, mistakes creep in.

Water, food, sun protection, and an extra layer go a long way toward keeping spirits up. Even on short walks, it’s worth carrying a little more than you think you’ll need — not out of fear, but out of kindness to your future self.

Tell someone your plan

It sounds obvious, but it’s often skipped. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back — even for short hikes.

You’re not predicting trouble by doing this. You’re just making sure that if plans change unexpectedly, someone has a starting point.

Build in time to stop

Some of the best moments on a hike happen when you’re not moving. Sitting on a rock, watching clouds roll through a valley, listening to water or wind in the trees — these are the things you remember.

If your schedule doesn’t allow time to stop, it’s probably too tight. A good plan leaves space to wander, notice, and breathe.

Know when to turn around

Turning back isn’t failure — it’s judgement. Weather shifts, energy dips, tracks become slower than expected. Choosing to turn around early often means you get to come back another day, rather than forcing a decision you’ll regret halfway through.

The bush rewards patience and respect far more than stubbornness.

Final thoughts

Planning a hike doesn’t take away from the experience — it protects it. The more confident you feel about where you’re going and what you’re carrying, the easier it is to relax into the walk itself.

Do a little prep, stay flexible, and let the day unfold. That’s where the good stuff usually lives.