Finding Quiet Trails: How to Hike Away from People

It's getting harder and harder to find quiet places to hike. And if you're like me, you just want your own place to get away from the noise. This is a remoteness map, and if you don't live next to one of these remote places, finding peaceful hikes can be about as hard as Chinese algebra. So, in this video, I'm going to share with you my five quick tips for finding peaceful hikes. Tip number one is use the tech. There are several research tools out there that can help you identify great trails. They can also provide some peace and solitude. I use an app called All Trails, and I know that some people don't love Alt Trails, but it's really great for research and finding areas that are potentially peaceful, but there's also others like Gaia and OnX. I start with a simple search of the area that I'm in, and I look for suggested hikes that look more remote. I can also view recent trail conditions based on community feedback. And for the paid version of the app, you can see community heat maps that show if a trail is busier than others, which is an amazing feature if you're trying to get away from people. Tip number two is get off the trail. Sometimes if I'm trying to find a peaceful spot, I get off trail and go cross-country hiking. Now, this isn't always an option depending on the land that you're on. So, it's a good idea to verify that you can do it before you go trekking like Louis and Clark across private or protected land. The key for me is finding national forests, state natural areas, or wilderness areas that are in your neck of the woods. These areas often allow for offtrail hiking and allow you to get away from the crowds fast and feel like you're in a remote area, even if you're not going that far. Bring a map with you or a charged up navigation device so you can find your way around and not get lost in the process. That's a key step. Tip number three is go on off peak times. Go to local trails at different times of the day and see which ones seem to be more vacant. Early mornings, weekdays, or late afternoons can be less crowded. Avoid weekends and holidays for more solitude. We are cruising through these now. Tip number four is pick difficult trails. That's right. I found that picking a trail with some elevation gain or difficult terrain can actually deter people from hiking the trail altogether. So, if you're looking for some peace and quiet, be ready for some type two fun and you just might get it. Tip number five is don't shy away from bad weather. Probably the best time to hit up a trail is during rain or while it's snowing. Some of my favorite experiences in the wild have been when I strung up a tarp and had a coffee during a blizzard or during a rainstorm. There's just something really great about trudging through the elements, setting up a shelter, and having a nice cup of hot coffee while you watch the precipitation. Well, I hope those tips help you on your journey to find some peace on trail. Don't forget to like and subscribe if you haven't already, and thanks for being here. We'll see you next time.