What I wish I knew BEFORE my first hike

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Those were all excellent tips to get people to go out and walk, even if it's not up steep hills!

[@memathews]

Solid tips for beginners in this video. We have many less-experienced hikers who decide the Columbia River Gorge is a great place to start hiking. This is a mistake because they set goals that are too advanced, areas where parking is crowded, start times that are far too late in the day, and just generally make poor decisions because of their inexperience. Your thoughts on elevation gain/loss is important here because 1/4-mile past the parking lot the Gorge trails climb between 1,000-3,000 feet, challenging even for moderately experienced hikers. The trails also branch in many directions at the top with limited signage and limited-to-no access to mobile coverage. These conditions can be daunting to beginners and there are several SAR missions each year.

[@rootsandpeaks]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! And thanks for watching the video!

[@westaylor5508]

Hiking/backpacking has a skill set to be learned just like any other activity. Great tips for the newbies or anyone to minimize or eliminate failure in early outings that might stop them for going out.

[@creativegeek1515]

I’ve been hiking for 11 years now. I was 50 pounds heavier and out of shape. I started out with path type hikes like you suggested. I selected subsequent hikes based on difficulty, length, elevation gain, etc. I did what I was comfortable with. I made it easy to succeed and that made all the difference. Now doing a 15 mile, 3000 ft gain hike is no big deal. Backpacking for multiple days is no big deal. I don’t live in NH but visited family there a few weeks ago and used your Mt Roberts video to do it and loved it. Did Mt Pierce a few days later. Get out there and have fun. Keep it low stress and low pressure and you’ll do great. BTW… Dropped by Bergeon and bought a few items based on your reviews and dropped your name 😊

[@rootsandpeaks]

Wow! This is amazing. I love everything you wrote. I'm glad you are hiking, and my videos helped you find a fun path a few weeks ago. And I love that you bought some Burgeon gear. Let me know what you think? I really love those folks.

[@munton5150]

Really good points- don't overthink a plan that might be too challenging to execute early on! Build up to those after gaining experience.

[@Doc_Watson]

I found this video because I'm subscribed....

[@Doc_Watson]

Flat hikes are great.... views of peaks can be just as satisfying as views from peaks.

[@kgwash]

Sooooooo...not Franconia Ridge on summer weekend. Heck last October, I had to tell numerous people they couldn't park in the walkway to the state park. Volunteering is fun. 😂

[@rootsandpeaks]

Man, that is such a great hike…But not a beginner trip in anyway. I think people get confused because you can see it from the highway. They think, “this must be easy!”

[@kgwash]

The amount of people who come up to the tent asking if this is the hike in National Gepgraphic or other magazine is mind blowing. I've had to convince several people who were not prepared to do Lonesome Lake or Indian Head. Rocksylvania is not the Whites. So many stories.

[@rootsandpeaks]

But for those prepared, it is one of the best hikes out there! I can imagine you have some amazing stories. At least those people have other great options right in the neighborhood.

[@RhodySeth]

All fine tips. But when are we going to see another video about an actual hike? You live in New Hampshire. Get out there man!

[@rootsandpeaks]

Oh man! I've been hiking a lot, but with the family, and sometimes I just don't want to document those moments. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get out soon. Glad you enjoy them.

[@williamlepse7077]

Good tips for those who are thinking about giving it a go. By the way...love the shirt...who makes that?

[@rootsandpeaks]

Thanks for watching! The shirt is by “The American Outdoorsman”. It’s a poly fishing shirt. Really lightweight.