Why Hiking Is A Great Date Idea (Plus 10 Hiking Date Tips)
Hiking makes for an incredible date idea, whether it’s your first date or your hundredth. So if you are looking to have a memorable and rewarding date, then planning a hike is for you!
As opposed to the more traditional dinner and movie date ideas, taking your partner out on a hike is a fantastic way to get to know them without distractions and creates a memorable moment together. Not only is hiking an exceptional way to get active, but it can have a romantic element to it as well.
This article will discuss why hiking is a great idea and share ten game-changing hiking date tips.
8 Reasons Why Hiking Is A Great Date Idea
As a couple who frequently hike together, we could list numerous reasons hiking makes for great dates. Whether it is a first date or a new adventure for you and your long-term partner, we highly recommend taking your date outdoors! We managed to narrow down the top eight reasons.
It’s Unique
Asking someone on a hiking adventure is a unique way to get to know someone. Being creative with your date ideas is a great way to show your date that you are imaginative and adventurous. For current relationships, it’s an excellent way to spice up your already amazing relationship!
If your date shares the same interests in nature as you, this will make for an enjoyable and fun experience together. On the other hand, if they are not into nature, this is one way to see if your lifestyles and passions will line up or not.
Regardless of your date’s interest and response, a hiking date has the potential to set you apart from everyone else. Be bold, be unique, and ask your love interest on a hiking date!
There Are Little To No Distractions
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of a hiking date is that there are virtually no distractions (other than the beauty of nature).
Being away from crowds, phones, and other distractions gives you more time to get to know your partner one-on-one and create memorable moments. In our experience, some of our best conversations and ideas were made while hiking together. In addition, being in an environment where you and your partner get to experience wildlife, nature, and breathtaking scenery can even help strengthen the bond you already have (or the bond that is just starting to form).
Again, having no distractions can be good or bad, depending on the company. What is certain is that you will find out then and there if there is a connection between you and your partner.
It Is Inexpensive
Let’s face it. Dating is expensive. While it is nice to go out on a fancy date now and then, getting outdoors is practically free. All it costs is your time. And when you are with the right person, it is priceless. A date does not have to be costly to be enjoyable. In fact, not only will you save some cash, but you will also have deeper conversations out in nature than sitting in a public place.
If you want to spruce up your hiking date, pack a picnic or check out our article Top 21 Things To Do While Hiking (Day & Overnight Hiking) for ideas for making the most out of your hiking trips.
Being Active Together Builds A Closer Bond
Working out with a significant other can have numerous benefits, including building a closer bond between you. Thanks to endorphins, your body releases happy hormones when you are active, and if you do this with your partner, you will associate them with a positive feeling.
Hiking is an excellent way to be physically active together. It will help your relationship grow by pushing you both to keep each other motivated and determined to complete the hike, along with sharing the feeling of reward once you’ve finished the trek.
Makes For An Adventure
If you or your partner are the types of people who crave adventure and exploring, then a hike will be perfect. Sharing this type of experience will strengthen your bond and help you grow as a couple. There are always things to discover on the trails. Even if you visit the same trail multiple times, you might find yourself having a new venture every time based on the seasons and wildlife in the area.
One way to add more adventure to your hiking date is by planning a geocache hunt. Geocaching has become a growing phenomenon that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Not only is it a great way to explore the outdoors, but you also get to search for hidden treasures and objects along the way.
There Is Low-Pressure
Planning a date can be stressful, especially on the first date. Hiking with someone helps promote conversations and communication. Even if there are moments of silence, it will be filled with the sounds of nature. It is hard not to enjoy yourself on a hike (if you are a fan of being outdoors, that is).
As most trails involve you hiking either inline or beside each other, it also takes off the pressure of keeping eye contact. Chances are your eyes will be busy looking at the ground for rocks and vines or enjoying the views together. This can help take away some of the anxiety that comes with dating while still connecting with your partner on a deeper level.
Could Lead To A Long-Lasting Relationship
If you are looking for a partner with whom to share your passion for the outdoors, a hiking date is a great way to find out if this is it or not.
Hiking can lead to a long-lasting relationship as it is a superb way to start a solid foundation. When you are hiking with someone else, you show them a side of you that they might not typically see until much later in the relationship. Additionally, if you both enjoy being outdoors, this creates a go-to activity for you and your partner to experience together throughout your relationship.
For example, in our relationship, we tend to plan most of our trips based on what hikes we can do together. Hiking has become such a large part of our lives that it brings us closer to each hike we do.
Promotes Relaxation & Happiness
Our bodies release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins when we do something that gives us pleasure or makes us happy, including when we are physically active. This means that sharing a hiking experience with someone else can help release these pleasure hormones and lead to a positive connection between the two of you.
In addition, hiking has been known to be a big stress-reliever and put people in higher spirits. The calming natural setting mixed with the release of pleasure hormones can help improve your mood and reduce any anxiety that may come with a first date.
10 Game-Changing Hiking Tips
Now that you know why it is a great idea to go on a hiking date, it is time to look at the top 10 game-changing tips to make the most out of it. Note these tips are in no particular order.
Have A Plan
This is arguably the most important tip for having an incredible date, be prepared and have a plan. While it’s fun to be spontaneous, researching and being informed about your planned hike can help ensure that you and your date can enjoy yourselves while also being safe.
There are a few things to consider before going on a hiking date. You should research your desired hike, find a map of the trails and find out the estimated duration. Along with this, you should also look into what wildlife is in the area and how to protect yourself and your partner in case of an encounter. Inviting your date to go hiking without a plan could end up with you both getting stuck or lost, which does not make for a great first impression or hiking experience together.
It is important to plan a trekking date that is loose enough to include some improvisation yet tight enough to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Consider The Time Of Day
Planning your hike for the early hours of the day can be a good idea for a hiking date. Not only will the sun be shining bright, but it is typically cooler in the morning, making for comfortable hiking weather. Hiking during the day also gives you time afterwards to continue your date elsewhere if all goes well.
If you live in an overly warm area, hiking during the early mornings or, alternatively, the late afternoon can be beneficial to avoid the scorching heat. Weather should always be considered prior to hiking.
Catch A Sunset Or Sunrise
The so-called “golden hour” is considered to be one of the most beautiful moments of the day. When the sun starts to set, the colours are more vibrant and make way for oranges and reds to dominate the skies. No other moment of the day is as romantic as sunsets.
It should be noted that hiking to see a sunset might not be the best idea for a first date. The reason why we do not suggest this on the first hiking date is due to the fact that you will have to hike back in the dark. This can be both dangerous and sometimes unenjoyable, especially if you are relatively new to hiking.
However, if you and your partner enjoy the outdoors and are up for an overnight adventure, sunset hikes make for an astonishing sight. Not to mention you will get to enjoy the starry sky afterwards as you camp overnight.
When in doubt, opt for a sunrise hike. Being active is a phenomenal way to start the day (especially if you and your partner are morning people). Pack some coffee and enjoy the sunrise over a picturesque lookout.
Even better is that if you and your partner plan to complete an overnight hike, try to catch both the sunset and sunrise. This is sure to make for a lifetime memory!
Pick An Easy Hike
Picking an easy-to-moderate hike is a good idea when going on a hiking date. The level of the hike should not only depend on your fitness level but also on your dates. If either one of you is new to hiking, consider a relatively easy trail with little to no elevation gain. After all, it is a date, and you want to try and enjoy some meaningful conversations without huffy and puffing the entire time.
While pushing yourself is great for the body, save the intermediate hikes for your next hike date (unless you and your date are both into hiking and up for a challenge).
Always mind the difficulty level. In this case, playing it safe can be much better than taking a risk and turning the amazing hiking date into a nightmare you want to wake up from.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
Being prepared for an emergency while on your hiking date might not seem like the most romantic thing to do. However, it can be lifesaving. In fact, your date will likely be grateful that you took the time to come prepared for anything on your date. Make sure to come equipped with a proper first aid kit as well as plenty of water.
It is especially important to bring safety gear if you and your date are hiking an unfamiliar trail and/or in a remote location.
Pick Memorable scenery
Consider taking your date to see something special and beautiful. This goes back to our first suggestion, which is to plan thoroughly. Take the time to research hikes in your area and see which trails are best suited for you and your date. A few things to consider when picking out the scenery are: is the trail groomed or ungroomed, has your date hiked before, is the lookout something memorable, and is it a manageable terrain that the both of you can comfortably complete?
As a bonus, when the viewpoints on the hike are worthwhile, this will make for a magnificent memory to either add to your current relationship or start a new relationship with.
Add In A Waterfall
Waters can add an extra level to the scenery and reward factors of hiking. Water sources such as waterfalls, rivers, ponds and lakes can make for breathtaking aspects of your hike. Whether you sit and enjoy the water for your lunch break or you and your date decide to hop in for a swim, this is sure to add to the memory of your hiking date.
There are numerous waterfall trails to be found that are relatively short, giving you the freedom to either add to your hike by adding in a picnic (noted below) or end it sooner if it’s not going so well. Either way, who can say no to chasing waterfalls?
Bring A Picnic
What is more romantic than a picnic date? How about a picnic in nature, looking off at a breathtaking lookout?
Bringing a picnic adds a bit of romance to your adventurous date and gives you both a chance to relax, take a break, and refuel from the hike. Ensure that your picnic can go without refrigeration for a few hours and follow the leave no trace principles.
If you and your partner are completing an overnight hike, be sure to pack a food storage container and rope to tie your food in a tree away from your campsite. This helps to keep away wildlife from your tents.
Tell Someone About Your Hiking Plans & Go In A Group
Whenever you are out hiking, it is important to let either a close friend or family member know of your plans, whom you are with and when you plan to return, especially if this is a first date or a longer duration hike. We do not suggest running off into the woods with a stranger. If this is a mutual friend or someone new, consider going on a double date with some friends.
Going in a group can help cut out any awkwardness of first dates and make your partner feel more comfortable with you. If this is not your first date, introducing each other to your friend groups is an excellent way to further your bond while also enjoying the great outdoors with everyone.
Trust The Natural Chemistry
Finally, the last tip is to relax, have fun, and trust the natural chemistry between you and your date. Indeed, you are teaming up for an exciting time outdoors. You hold everything you need to make a memorable hiking date, and nature provides the scenery. It does not get much better than that.
Conclusion
Going on a hiking date can be the best way to start a healthy, long-term relationship and really get to know somebody. It can also be a fantastic way to start a new hobby and get active with your current partner.
Deep walks into the woods or under the sun can be moments of closeness that can generate a strong bond and allow you to connect with your partner and nature in ways you never imagined. On the other hand, it can also shed some light on incompatibilities and lack of chemistry to help make an early decision about your future and your date. Whatever the outcome may be between you and your hiking partner, be sure to plan accordingly and make the most out of the moment.
Happy hiking!
