Dealing With Post Trail Blues | What Most Hikers DON’T Talk About

[@TheHungryHiker]

Have you struggled with some form of Post Trail Blues after coming home from a big trip? If so, tell me in the comments below, what has helped you get through this experience? Don’t forget to subscribe to The Hungry Hiker KZbin Channel: kzbin.info

[@Karen-dq8nw]

One of the hardest things is realizing that your friends and family are just not as excited about your amazing experiences as you are. They only want to see about 10 photos before they're done and say "nice!" and start talking about a TV show you've never heard of. Their eyes glaze over with the stories. So... finding and sharing with other hiking fanatics is critical! as is planning the next adventure. And staying in shape for it!

[@masterofnone1481]

This happens to me with all my hobbies/interests. I’ve learned to just not open up with anyone about the stuff I like. It’s obvious that no one cares.

[@matt67524]

This happens to soldiers also.

[@jessicathompson236]

@@masterofnone1481 , People do care. You just haven't found the right ones yet.

[@meganv1735]

I get post trail blues on short backpacking trips. When I get back I’m already itching to go back out. I remind myself of all the comforts of home that I miss while in the backcountry like my warm, cozy bed and most of all a TOILET. I can only imagine the level of blues after being out for weeks and months at a time. I appreciate this video and like reading how others cope. It’s always nice to know you aren’t alone when you sometimes feel lost in the everyday world.

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

I just left seven nights in a cabin on a Mexican beach and I cried leaving. Thanks for sharing.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you so much for publishing a video about this. I rode my bike across Canada last year. I was on the road for 5 months and it took me SO LONG to "get back to normal" after I came back. I had everything in life to be grateful for, but was so very unhappy to be back. A huge learning for me, as I never expected to feel all the feelings post tour. Thank you for sharing what's worked for you and for, once again, addressing this very important topic.

[@MakeItSo_ST]

I hiked the ACT in the 90s in my 20s. Coming back into “civilization” was so jarring for me that I went to a one-month yoga retreat, then transitioned from there, which was a bit easier to do since I had more human interaction and we went into the nearby town once or twice a week.

[@TheHungryHiker]

A one-month yoga retreat sounds like an awesome way to transition back into town life!

[@drewb5738]

The post trail blues have helped me remember while on the trail to enjoy all of the challenging and miserable moments too. When things suck on the trail, I tell myself that soon I’ll wish that I was right back in this spot and experiencing all of the trail challenges again.

[@overwatchxrescue]

Yes, this is definitely a thing, both for hiking and traveling of any kind. Thank you for talking about this often overlooked issue!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bq7227]

My "thru hike" was only three weeks long. I hiked the High Sierra Trail (Sequoia Crescent Meadows east to Mount Whitney) and the John Muir Trail (Mount Whitney north to Yosemite.) I had wanted to complete these hikes for over forty years. I finally did it, ten years ago. 271 miles over 21 days. A dream come true. And even as I was leaving Yosemite on the bus I could feel the depression settling in. I won't go into all of the details. But my advice to anyone thru hiking -- regardless of how long your thru hike is -- is to have a re-entry plan. You made reference to the same thing. Best wishes.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I've found it to be incredible important to have some sort of re-entry or Trail-To-Town Transition plan in place by the time I finish any of my big hikes. Having a plan like this has made a HUGE difference in my mental health with coming back home and transitioning back into real life. In 2018, I didn't know I needed to have a plan in place after completing my first PCT thru-hike and I was a mess.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Hi pal! I wish I could do this one too! I have done John Muir Way(coast to coast) here in Scotland and ended up in his birth place now museum in Dunbar. But amazing walk 220km in 8 days. I live here in Edinburgh, no crazy long hikes here like PCT or whatever else but still not easy to go back to this 'stupid' society, where were laughing at me at work and think Im crazy I walk in Scotland. Ppl are so boring and lazy this days, just TV and day dreaming. Anyway ATB

[@SwanQtrTom]

The Emerald Mile was a good choice. Great book.

[@Topo.On.Trail1]

Thank you for talking about this. It's so important and rarely spoken about in all the amazing videos people post (like you said) but it is so real. I'm a section hike (usually 6 to 11 days) and it can even be really hard adjusting after that. Particularly as winter sets in.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Absolutely!!! Post-Trail Blues isn't a glamorous topic, but it's super important to talk about because a lot of people might not realize that this could effect them on some level, especially when going on bigger trips and spending more time out in the backcountry. The trail to town transition can be rough!

[@mistermac4118]

Thank you for all your information videos, they have been very helpful. My wife of 36 years and I experienced the same experience. We are both private pilots and have flown coast to coast, camping along the way over many years. For medical reasons we have had to given that up. But, like you we have taken up some local field trips and moved on. We are thankful we had the opportunity we had but realize things change. Don’t give up, look for other twists that will allow you to keep doing the things you love. Best wishes, Svend

[@jeffogden5058]

In 2022 I spent 7 days in the high sierras near Bishop CA. It was the most amazing trip ever! I spent one and a half years planning and preparing for it. After it was over, I got slammed with "the blues". It took a year for me to go on a hike again, let alone an overnighter. When the previous year I did 45 nights outside. Now I'm planning to do PCT section P next July and I'm feeling better about myself. I think I just need to always have another big trip in the planning stages to look forward too.

[@randygodfrey7809]

I was overwhelmed by the post trail blues after my PCT hike in 2016, missing that indescribable, months long experience and my trail family so much. Since this very much took me by surprise, I hadn't planned for this mentally and wasn't very smart about helping myself to get out of it. This went on for many months before I was finally able to get my head above water. I made a 2 hours long PCT video (!) of my hike afterward, during that long winter here in Washington. Ugh, non-long distance hiker friends had a hard time getting through it. I cant blame them! Anyway, making the video helped me to process the grief and as I began to transition into gratitude, realized how fortunate I was to have even had that experience. One that most people will never know. I had a much easier time grappling with the post trail depression after hiking the Washington PCT SOBO in 2018, and although I again missed my friends dearly and the amazing daily adventure, the gratitude part pulled me through. Thank you so much for posting this video! As you've explained, it's a very important topic that isn't much discussed.

[@TheHungryHiker]

This is a huge reason why I created this channel and make hiring and backpacking videos. Creating these videos (and getting to go back to watch them and relive some of my favorite trips) has helped me process Post Trail Blues more than people could ever imagine.

[@kleenexhikes]

After my AT thru in 2012 i took a two week drive seeing friends on my way home. That helped some. I remember not finding joy in the things i used to before i hiked. My job after the trail was at Target and that was a shock! It takes time, but it does get better. I'm planning a thru of the PCT in 2024. It's good thing to think about my return to 'real' life. Thanks for the video!

[@kristinneuschwander9936]

Thank you so much for this video! I did an 84 miles section hike in Oregon in August this past summer, it was my first multi-day backpacking trip and loved it and can't wait to do it again! What made my post trail blues a summer bummer, was that I developed achilles tendonitis during the hike. It prevented me from being able to day hike or maintain my work out regime (rowing, weightlifting). The healing and strengthening process has been very slow and frustrating. I live in Oregon and love fall hiking and the sunny days just feel taunting! ;)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you for sharing. Bummed that you got injured during your hike this summer. Hang in there. Hopefully you're on the mend and will be out there again soon.

[@michellealley7812]

I can so relate to this video - I recently hiked Everest Base Camp including the 3 high passes. Was a big accomplishment + dream. So much planning and training. No one was really interested in it when I got home + I now feel like it never happened.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad you can relate to this video. This is one topic I don't hear get talked about a lot. Post Trail Blues is a really important topic and affects so many of us who do these bigger trips.

[@RussOnAdventure]

Emerald Mile. I loved that book. I've rafted the upper half of the canyon and hope to do the lower half some day.

[@RoyADane]

Thank you bringing this up.

[@TheHungryHiker]

It's a really important topic that I know a lot of hikers deal with and doesn't get talked about nearly as much as it should.

[@jessicathompson236]

The post trail blues are 100% real. You have a nomadic soul and wandering feet and a grateful heart. You go to the trails and want to return to the trails because THAT is HOME to you and it's really home/safe for so many others. In essence you get homesick. That's the only way I can explain it.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Great explanation. I love it!

[@rachelhunter6546]

Blues in general - what works for me: farmers market (and bringing home flowers and fruit), making black bean soup, hydration - pots of Greek oregano tea for me. All these things simply fire senses and mindfulness and gratitude - super healing. And lists of what I can leave behind and self care tasks for the day. Hope you all feel your blues lessen like I did reading these comments.

[@chrissyt6959]

Wow. I had no idea this is what this called. I have been doing small day hikes and I notice the next day I feel blue like. Like its not enough and I long to go back. I did a hiking weekend trip and I felt so sad the following week. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

It's real it's very real even day hiking and then coming home you gotta keep doing it at least once a week

[@TheHungryHiker]

And getting outside for a hike always just feels good. :)

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I just got back from the Red River gorge today I'm sitting in my room like well dam that was awesome what now lol

[@drewyager4020]

Well done!! Great message and beautifully filmed

[@shellyehrman3171]

Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. One of my highlights on trail this year was meeting up with you. I love your videos and feel your positivity always shining through even on subjects like post trail depression. Much love to you on your journey. I finished my adventure at 1,100 miles and felt bad about that but then after watching your why I quit video I realized it was the right decision for me and that's just fine.

[@carolguezen5829]

I think any time we do something that is so big on our dream list we deal with post blues. My first experience was hiking the Inca Trail and 2 days later sitting behind my desk at work…now I don’t hesitate to sit on my couch and close my eyes and relive the moments… but if you can’t find a tool to help you deal with post trail blues you can find a professional who can help you deal with your post trail blues

[@mikeb5664]

Just got back from 6 nights in the Canadian backcountry. Nice to be home, yet it sucks not to be outdoors. I find myself planning another trip and watching hiking videos on KZbin to deal with not being out there.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Same!!! As soon as I decided to come home from my hike this year, I was already starting to plan my next one. As a goal oriented person, having something to look forward to and planning the next adventure are always really helpful for me when sorting through the Post Trail Blues. I've also been finding myself wanting to watch more PCT-related content, just so I can see and experience the trail in some way.

[@paulastamper6225]

I’m glad you are doing well! Thank you for all your help

[@jcmuellner]

Great topic! Had to laugh at the similarities of when I got back from riding 1/2 the Great Divide Route this summer - I purged loads of things, started reading books regularly and immediately started planning the next trips. Heading out this week for a few months riding the Baja Divide and leaving the rain and dark of the PNW ;-)

[@_andy_gibb_]

I haven't done any trips longer than a week but even with those it takes me several days to readjust to being at home again. As @meganv1735 mentioned, I let myself feel gratitude for the things I couldn't have on the trail - especially readily accessible hot and cold water, and a real pillow! I really know what you mean about driving too - one reason I like remote trailheads is that there's some readjustment time before you get back on a faster road. Highway driving is just terrifying after spending a week at walking pace!

[@chiaraperry472]

I appreciate this video, feeling the same way after ECB.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Totally relatable. I had a bout of the Post Trail Blues when I came back from my EBC trek in 2022 as well.

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Realizing this has been my challenge in moving from the wilderness into town. I am learning local trails and training my new "ATD"... All-Terrain Dog. Swapped out my old mountain bike for one better suited to bikepacking. A new chapter and new adventures......

[@queenanne94101]

Love that you included a list of the expressions of the “post trail blues” (especially enlightening was being apprehensive about driving busy highways…makes TOTAL sense…and I never would have suspected that). Thank you for talking about this. 😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

Driving my car on the highway whenever I come back from a big trip like this always scares me and freaks me out. At this point, I'm usually still getting used to being in a car, much less drive one.

[@ironpig701]

Im just south of you in oregon and I think one big issue for me atleast is the weather. Yes Ill hike in the wet conditions but alot of the longer trails are closed. Got snow at higher elevations. And then add in shorter days and it makes it hard.

[@StephsHealthMatters]

Thank you for sharing

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@robinsouth8555]

My thoughts on this, is the depression is related to the decrease in endorphins. With heavy exercise, your body produces endorphins that make you feel good, and after these endorphins drop off. Look it up and tell me what you think.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I completely agree with this.

[@dangaspar1707]

This is part of it, but there is also the psychological part - being on trail is a relief from the daily grind with very specific and easy to see progress and milestones.

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@dangaspar1707 Agreed. I've always found it to be incredibly overwhelming to go from the simple trail life of "hike, eat, drink, sleep, poop, repeat" to coming back into town where there are so many people, so many distractions and so many choices that need to be made. This is a big reason why I took my time coming home. Even getting on the Metrolink was really overwhelming for those of us hikers who were on the train together.

[@fatmantv1]

Thanks for the video!

[@DJStatexFreudIanSlip]

Great video discussing this often overlooked topic. I can't say that I've had post trail blues but I do have a solution for myself: keep hiking! :)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Absolutely! Just keep hiking. That's one of my mottos!

[@DJStatexFreudIanSlip]

@@TheHungryHikerNice!

[@kylesmamawat443]

Mt. Rainier is so beautiful

[@TheHungryHiker]

I agree. Mount Rainier is one of my favorite places here in the PNW.

[@mountaincat8]

My thoughts on how to counter post trail blues....1) Become extremely busy. Have tons of activities to do. 2) Exercise. Double your exercise routine for a few weeks. 3) Contact a few friends and have some good conversations

[@TheHungryHiker]

These are all solid ways to deal with the Post Trail Blues. I've been doing all three and am starting to feel better. One day at a time.

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

“Normal Life”. I say being in the wilderness is what we were meant to do. This artificial lifestyle we now experience is what causes post Trail blues.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Totally agree with this!

[@billseay6399]

THANK YOU

[@huntarama9375]

If you hike to try and give meaning to your life then the post trail blues will occur as sure as night follows day, If you are suffering from post trail blues then you probably need to address other things in your life. LOL I am not a trained trick cyclist but I have given this a lot of thought over many hundreds of nights spent alone in the wilderness planning my next adventure, Some body asked me the other day if I still enjoyed getting away by myself in the great outdoors . My reply was yes I enjoyed it more because its not what defines me as a person anymore . I do the outdoors purely for the enjoyment of being in the outdoors , Be a happy hiker not someone "trying to hike their way to Happiness"

[@TheHungryHiker]

Everyone has a different reason for why they hike. Everyone experiences the trail differently and everyone has a different readjustment process back into non-trail life. None of these reasons are bad or make anyone an unhappy hiker. Hike your own hike!

[@katygrayell9227]

What tent is that? How much does it weight? Thank you

[@TheHungryHiker]

My 2023 PCT SoBo Thru-Hike Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/keiy5r My tent is included on this list along with the weight.

[@VegasHikes]

It's a real deal.. Cope..Time will heal..