I love hiking. I love the smell of the forest, the sound of my trail runners crunching on dirt, and the quiet satisfaction of climbing a mountain and seeing the world open up below me.
But here’s the truth: I also stress—a lot—when I’m on trail.
Some of these worries are small, nagging thoughts in the back of my head. Others can grow so loud they almost drown out the joy of the hike. Over time, I’ve realized that most of my trail stress isn’t about my physical ability—it’s about my mindset and preparation.
Here’s what I stress about most, and the game plan I’ve built to keep those worries from stealing the joy out of my miles.
1. Being Slow
There’s nothing like watching someone bound up a hill while you’re still halfway down, trying not to look like you’re dying. For me, being “the slow one” is a major source of trail anxiety.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’ve had to remind myself that speed isn’t the measure of a good hike—endurance is. I plan to maintain my own pace, take smaller but consistent steps toward increasing my stamina, and focus on steady progress instead of comparison. Basically, I’m going to “hike my own hike”, without apology.
2. Running Out of Energy Mid-Hike
Few things feel worse than suddenly hitting a wall when you’re miles from the trailhead. This happens to me time and time again; halfway through my hike, I “bonk”.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m getting more intentional with fueling. That means eating before I’m hungry, snacking regularly, and packing energy-dense foods like nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars (that I actually like). Staying hydrated is equally important—dehydration sneaks up fast and zaps my energy.
3. Arriving at Camp After Dark
Hiking by headlamp might sound adventurous, but for me it’s one of my biggest stressors—especially when I’m tired and still have camp chores ahead.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m setting earlier start times and tracking my pace during training hikes so I can better estimate how long a route will take me. I’m also making peace with the idea that it’s okay to stop short if needed. It’s also okay to turn on that headlamp, if need be.
4. Hanging My Bear Bag
Some hikers make it look effortless. Me? I’ve spent what feels like forever throwing a rope, snagging it in the wrong branch, and starting over (repeatedly).
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m practicing at home—yes, in my backyard—until it becomes second nature. I’m also considering alternative food storage methods, such as a bear canister. Which, while adding a little extra pack weight, will eliminate this stress.
5. Not Having Cell Service
No bars, no signal, no comfort blanket.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m learning to trust my offline skills. That means carrying physical maps, downloading offline GPS apps, and letting someone at home know my route and expected check-in times. I’m also becoming well acquainted with my satellite communicator, for peace of mind.
6. Getting Injured
Twisted ankles, falls, blisters—they’re all possible. The “what if” often lingers in my head.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m building strength and balance in the gym, breaking in my gear ahead of time, and learning basic first aid. Carrying a well-stocked kit and knowing how to use it gives me confidence. This also goes back to maintaining a pace that I’m comfortable with.
7. Slowing Down My Hiking Partner
Hiking with someone faster than me can turn my stress into guilt, and that guilt really messes with my brain. How I’m Overcoming It: Honest conversations before the trip are key. If we agree on pace and breaks in advance, I don’t feel like I’m “ruining” their hike. I’ve also learned that good hiking partners value the shared experience over speed. I’m fortunate to have found a hiking partner who is considerate of my pace, and enjoys the hike for the sake of the hike—not putting down big miles.
8. Anxiety Getting the Better of Me
Sometimes the real obstacle is my own mind—especially when I start imagining everything that could go wrong.
How I’m Overcoming It: I’m practicing mental reset techniques: deep breathing, focusing on my surroundings, and reminding myself of past successes. I’ve also started journaling after hikes to process what went well and what I can improve upon.
The Takeaway
My trail stress isn’t going to vanish overnight. But by acknowledging it, preparing for it, and finding practical solutions, I’m giving myself space to enjoy the reason I hike in the first place—to feel alive, connected, and free.
If you’ve got your own trail worries, you’re not alone. But with a plan and a little self-compassion, we can both keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can hike our own hike, with confidence.
Thank you for sharing and talking about your anxiety issues. Mental health issues are difficult/embarrassing to talk about. I’m sure the information you are giving out will help someone. It gives me hope that someday I will overcome my anxiety. Your positivity is awesome!
Thank you Betsy!
Laura, I have been following your hiking since AT trail prep. I’m amazed at your personal growth over the past year. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to others. This article is well-written and will absolutely be helpful to others. I too have struggled and overcome some of these same things in the same ways.
Thank you for following my journey!