Hey there, adventure seekers!
Let’s talk about hiking—not the kind where you have to summit mountains or crush miles, but the kind that actually makes you feel good. The kind that lets you soak in the beauty of nature, breathe fresh air, and move your body in a way that works for you.
Because here’s the thing—hiking isn’t just for the ultra-fit, the mountain climbers, or the people with expensive gear. It’s for everyone. But sometimes, we have to change the way we think about it.
For a long time, hiking has been framed as an intense activity—an endurance sport where mileage, difficulty, and elevation gain determine whether it “counts.” But that’s just not true.
Hiking is simply spending time outside, on a trail, at your own pace, in your own way. And when we embrace that idea? The outdoors opens up in a whole new way.
So, let’s talk about how to hit the trails and actually enjoy them—no matter your ability, experience, or energy level.
Table of Contents
- Change Your Perspective: Every Trail is a Hiking Trail
- Hike the Distance You Want (Not What the Sign Says)
- Know Before You Go: Research the Trail
- Use the Right Gear (It Makes a Huge Difference!)
- Train for It (But Make It Fun!)
- Mind Over Matter: Embrace the Hard, But Know Your Limits
- Give Yourself Grace (The Outdoors Is for Everyone!)
- Hiking Is for You—However You Do It
- Looking for Places to Hike?
Change Your Perspective: Every Trail is a Hiking Trail
One of the biggest barriers to enjoying the outdoors isn’t the terrain—it’s how we think about it. For too long, hiking has been framed as a rugged, strenuous sport. But in reality, hiking is just walking outside.
Here in Florida, a lot of people don’t think routes that double as logging roads or flat terrain are hiking, but it all counts!
Here are few ways to redefine hiking:
- Paved paths through the woods or open, wild lands? Absolutely hiking.
- Nature paths that wind through a park? Definitely hiking.
- Using a mobility aid like a cane, walker, or wheelchair? Still hiking.
- Taking a slow, mindful walk through the woods? 100% counts.
The goal is simple: get outside and enjoy it in a way that feels good for you. What others think doesn’t matter!
Hike the Distance You Want (Not What the Sign Says)
Just because a hike is marked as an 8-mile loop doesn’t mean you have to do all 8 miles. Maybe you walk half a mile in, find a nice bench, and enjoy the view before turning back. That’s still a hike.
A lot of hikes have multiple access points, so if the whole thing sounds overwhelming, start where it makes sense for you. You control your adventure, not the other way around.
The key to knowing when to turn around is to actually track the amount you have walked and always remember that you will be doubling whatever you have already walked. I use my Apple watch to track my miles and I often take breaks and rest if I’m on a longer hike.
Know Before You Go: Research the Trail
A little research can go a long way toward making a trek easier. Check out maps, read reviews, and look for photos.
Apps like AllTrails often have accessibility details and notes from other hikers. State park websites also have great information about routes and terrain.
Don’t forget about blogs like mine that have information about hiking locations and routes. There are also a lot of groups on Facebook where you can ask specific questions about hikes you are unfamiliar with.
Things to look for:
- Trail surface (Paved? Dirt? Rocky?)
- Elevation changes (Is it steep, or mostly flat?)
- Trail length and access points
- Shaded areas and benches (Great for breaks!)
- Alternative routes (Sometimes, there’s an easier way!)
If you know a footpath has tricky sections, you can plan around them, take a side trail, shorten your route or choose to avoid it and find another route altogether.
Use the Right Gear (It Makes a Huge Difference!)
Having the right gear isn’t about looking like a pro—it’s about making your time outside safer and more comfortable.
For rocky or uneven trails
Hiking boots with good traction can prevent slips. Trekking poles give extra stability, especially on hills.
For paved or hard-packed trails
A good pair of sneakers is all you need, but hiking sneakers that provide a little bit more protection are also available. These are good to have in case you plan on treks with various types of terrain, but not necessarily rocky.
For wheelchair users
Many parks now offer free track chairs, which are all-terrain wheelchairs designed for rougher paths. These are game-changers! If you’re not sure where to start, here are few sites you can search to see if there any available in your desired location:
- Trackchair Finder
- State Parks with Track Chairs (published a few years ago, so there might still be more locations).
- Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida
- De Leon Springs State Park in De Leon Springs, Florida.
Bottom line
The right gear = a more enjoyable adventure. If you have a limited budget, buying used is always an option. And only buy what you need.
Train for It (But Make It Fun!)
If a longer or harder trek is on your bucket list, you can totally work up to it. Building endurance can be as simple as:
- Walking a little farther each time.
- Adding gentle hills to your usual route.
- Using a treadmill and increasing the incline gradually.
- Practicing with your gear before a new trek.
- Researching mobility aids that you might need for longer routes. For those with limited budgets, look for places that offer them for free.
But here’s the key: don’t feel like you have to train to “earn” a hike. You’re already allowed to enjoy nature exactly as you are today.
Mind Over Matter: Embrace the Hard, But Know Your Limits
Hiking is just as much mental as it is physical. Some trails are tough, and that’s okay. But instead of thinking, This is too hard, try shifting your mindset to:
- I’m strong enough to try this.
- I don’t have to rush—I can take my time.
- Every step I take is a win.
- I never have to do the hard hikes or the long ones. It’s my choice.
That said, knowing your limits is important, too. If something feels unsafe or too exhausting, it’s okay to turn back. The path will always be there another day. Or allow yourself to be ok with doing the nature walk and distance that is comfortable and nothing more.
Give Yourself Grace (The Outdoors Is for Everyone!)
You’ve done everything to make the hike easier. You planned, you geared up, you mentally prepared… and it’s still hard. That’s okay.
Some routes will be tougher than expected. Some days your body won’t cooperate. And sometimes, a peaceful paved walk will feel way more enjoyable than a rocky, steep climb.
And guess what? It’s all hiking. It all counts.
So, if you ever feel disappointed, remind yourself:
- You showed up.
- You tried something new.
- You learned what works (and what doesn’t).
- You belong on the trail, no matter where or how you hike.
Hiking Is for You—However You Do It
The best part about the outdoors? There’s no right way to enjoy it. Whether you’re using a track chair, a walking stick, or your own two feet, nature is there for all of us.
So go at your own pace. Take the easy path if you want to. Challenge yourself when it feels right. Redefine what hiking means, and make it your own.
Because, at the end of the day, it’s not about how far you go—it’s about how much you enjoy the journey.
See you out there!
Looking for Places to Hike?
I’ve got you covered!