In need of Hiking Dates?
There are so many fun and exciting things that you can do on a date – but hiking is a classic. Summer, winter, spring, or fall, there’s never a bad time for a good hike.
But do hikes make a good first date? What can you do to spice up your hiking date? And what other dates pair well with hiking? Join us as we talk about it all!
How To Do A Hiking Date
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Let’s talk about it.
Who can you take on a hiking date?
Pretty much anyone can find a place to go hiking. Even those with limited walking abilities or those who use wheelchairs can find accessible hiking trails. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a good date for everyone.
Before you invite someone on a hiking date, you might want to make sure that it’s up their alley – not everyone enjoys that kind of thing. And if you invite someone who doesn’t enjoy nature and long walks the same way you do, you could be setting yourself up for failure.
So before you set up a hiking date, just make sure that it’s a cup of tea for both of you. It can be a good low key date idea for the right person.
Where can you go hiking?
You might think that this is a pretty obvious question, but when most people think of hiking they think of long walks through the woods, up the hill, for hours in the heat. This isn’t always the case.
There’s so many different hiking trails out there for all different interests and abilities. Some hiking trails are difficult and uphill, others are easy and on a flat path. Some hiking trails are through the mountains, others are on the beach, which makes a perfect beach date.
There’s even wheelchair accessible paths for those with limited abilities. So whether you want a long or short hike, a hike through the woods or on the beach, hiking dates can look different for anyone.
Hiking is also a great activity to do in any national park, and one of our favorite activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When is a good time for hiking?
You can go hiking pretty much anytime of year. With that being said, some times are better than others. We love hikes during all seasons, but there are, of course, some precautions you need to take.
We would suggest avoiding hiking in extreme weather, such as extreme heat or extreme cold. Obviously, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the woods during a storm either.
We also suggest avoiding times when mosquitos and horse-flies, or other biting bugs are out. Be sure to check with your local advisories to find out when is the best time to go hiking to avoid these types of bugs.
You can hike anytime of day, but morning is usually best to avoid the mid-day heat and to prevent getting lost in the dark.
Why Does Hiking Make a Great Date?
There are so many reasons we love hiking as a date idea! First and foremost, nature is good for the soul. Just spending a simple 5 minutes in nature is enough to help ease anxieties and improve your mood. So imagine what a few hours or an entire day in nature can do!?
Not only does nature help to heal your soul, but hiking can help to boost dopamine levels in your body. This is the feel good hormone. So when you hike with a parter, you start to relate those feel good feelings with the person you’re with, creating a deeper bond.
In addition to that, hiking is a great way to connect with your date. On a good hike, there’s little distractions. No traffic driving by, no people interrupting you, and – if you’re lucky – no cell phone service. Just you and your date, talking and connecting the old fashioned way.
A perfect chill date idea!
How to plan a Hiking Date?
The first step in planning a hiking date is to make sure it’s something your date will enjoy. If you don’t know your date that well, it’s best to just ask them straight up. You don’t want to get off on the wrong foot before your date even begins.
If all is a go, plan when and where you will go. Be sure to check local weather forecasts, as well as when is the best time to go to avoid any biting bugs.
Once the date is set, you’ll need to pack everything you need. You don’t want to bring a lot (it will get heavy), but a small backpack should carry all of your necessities. Be sure to pack water, as you’ll both need to stay hydrated throughout your hike. You may also want to pack some small snacks for if you get hungry.
We also suggest packing sunscreen, bug spray, a map and a compass (in case you get lost), your cell phone, a first aid kit, and any personal items that you may need (prescriptions, etc).
Be sure on the day of your hike that you dress appropriately. Wearing weather appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear will be essential to enjoying your hike.
Always be sure to let someone know where you are going on your hike and what time you plan to be back. In case of emergency, you’ll want someone to know where you are. If you do have cell phone service, it’s best to keep in close communication with someone throughout your hike.
Hiking Date Ideas
Hiking is fun on it’s own, but we found some ways to make it even more exciting:
- Create a hiking date scavenger hunt
- Walk in nature barefoot to ground yourselves
- Pack a picnic and make it a picnic date
- Bring music and dance in the forest!
- Swim under waterfalls (if it’s safe)
- Walk in the river
- Hike at sunrise or sunset
- Make it a photoshoot!
What other dates pair well with hiking?
Finished your hiking date but not ready to end the night? Here are some dates that pair well with hiking:
- Ice cream date
- Movie night
- Netflix and chill
- Dinner and a movie
- Have a picnic
- Bubbly and Bubble Bath
- Massage and Spa
Is hiking a good first date?
It depends how long you’ve known someone. Hiking can be a great way to get to know someone new, but if you have never met them before, it might not be safest option.
We don’t recommend going into the woods with someone you’ve never met. If you’ve been friends for a long time, however, hiking can be the perfect first date – or any date thereafter!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.