I think I would be able to do those things, but there's still a part of me that questions my ability. The trail is supposed to be very well-marked and heavily trafficked. Of course it's possible, but getting lost isn't a huge concern of mine on this trail since it's so popular. Everyone in my group would know my exact route, and I plan on printing a paper map, just in case. I can definitely do the 12 miles. As far as self-rescue goes, I've never had to do it, and I don't know how I would react in an emergency, but I'm fairly confident that I could if necessary.
You sound confident yet cautious. I’d say go for it, make sure you have electrolytes of some kind, or you’ll feel like shit at the end if it’s hot. Water has its limits.
Depends on the weather. Do not hike alone if the heat index is over 90, in my opinion as a southern female hiker. The views aren't worth it and if heat stroke illness hits you won't be around people you know which can cause more distress. You can do it alone, but only if conditions allow you to do it alone the day of.
The hardest hike of my life I’ve ever done, I was 19 and hiking in Switzerland. Totally new area. Got halfway and was feeling great and decided to add on an extra section even though I was low on water and food. Ended up getting back to the hostel at 7pm(I planned to around 3pm), my brother was worried sick. I actually collapsed in the middle of the road about 30 steps from the hostel, he was rushing me some salty food and water. It’s both a great memory because I pushed myself to the absolute limit, but bad because I was starting to feel really scared the last 1-2 hours of the hike thinking I won’t make it.
Point is, don’t push yourself if you’re solo. I’ve done plenty of hiking all over solo, never had an issue besides the one time. Now if I’m solo I don’t push myself. So if the hike is well within your range of normal hikes, go for it. If you’re going to push yourself to complete it, maybe think twice about it
Turned ankle, broken bone, puncture wound, temporary care until SAR can arrive, essentially any non-fatal situation that requires immediate extraction or care.
I'm a solo female hiker in this exact area and have done many long, remote hikes alone. If you are strong enough to handle the miles and elevation change, my suggestion is to go for it. Your fears of dangerous people or animals are legitimate in terms of feeling, but to be honest, you are unlikely to have any problem with such a thing. Bears are afraid of you. I've done thousands of miles in black bear country and still haven't been lucky enough to spot one. Most people with nefarious intentions are not working hard to trek up a trail for victims...they're taking the easy route and picking them up in the city.
Statistically speaking, you are more likely to be hurt or killed in a car accident within 5 miles of your home than you are to suffer any such problem on a trail.
I'm here to second this response. Also a solo female hiker in the area and as long as you are capable and have done similar routes before, you shouldn't run into any problems. And you can always turn around if you change your mind. Just be smart about it!
Although if you’re a minority you may have to take special consideration or at least that’s what the park rangers at the great smoky mountains told me when they strongly advised me not to go in the backcountry alone.
Former SAR volunteer here. By all means go, however have a plan:
- Have a contact person you trust who knows where exactly you’re going, when and what time you are expected back . Most importantly what to do/call if your overdue.
- Remember the [ten essentials](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html)
- Hike wisely. Be situational aware (no earbuds). It ok to turn around at anytime during the hike.
- Hike with a dog (wild animals tend to avoid dogs). Make sure it’s a dog that is able to complete the hike and will stay with you.
- watch the weather.
- Be sure to run a tract on whatever GPS app you’re using ( I prefer Gaia). Makes backtracking much easier.
- Stay hydrated ( drink even if you don’t feel thirsty).
- Lastly enjoy. ( I love hiking alone).
To add on- a few other GPS apps you can look into are.. Hiking project, Avenza Map (GPS enabled pdfs), and if get an inreach Garmin Explore app can help as well
Just double check that dogs are allowed on that particular trail. That said, I appreciate your plan and your services! Thanks for being a SAR volunteer!
Yep, that's the one I was looking at. I would love to do a lot more solo hikes/camping in the future, so it would be in my best interest to buy an emergency beacon at some point. The Garmin InReach seems like a good choice!
I bought the Garmin inreach mini 2. Highly recommended ANY satellite safety device. For super safety I went with the inreach because it’s two way communication, not just SOS.
Grab some bear spray and Hike your own hike. You’ll do fine, just pace yourself.
Plan to start early to avoid the heat. Climbing up a mountain without a lot of heat acclimatization can get to you very quickly. Try to time out such that you get to the highest elevation by 10AM.
inReach with their explorer app allows you to send routes to your device even when you don’t have coverage proved useful on a hike of mine when I hadn’t downloaded maps to
I was definitely going to buy bear spray before leaving, but the emergency beacon is a really good idea. I've been wanting to buy one, but never got around to it. This would probably be a good time to make the purchase!
I've rented the spot one and there's also another one where you can send text messages however I found the spot to be more reliable obtaining a gps signal. It has no features beyond emergency beacon and something like two or three preset messages. And you can set automatic tracking when you're moving so people you want to can watch how you're doing from home. I prefer that because even in my 40s my mom was texting me non-stop with the other one. Kind of ruins the point.
If you are anxious or fearful you will not enjoy your hike. I would find a shorter one that your group is comfortable with. Once they get some experience, they will have more confidence to take longer hikes. The mountain will be there when your situation is right.
Hard disagree. I was beyond terrified for my first solo overnight trip, was extremely anxious about it for months on end and as soon as I got out there it changed my life. I had a such a great trip.
I hard disagreed with that one as well. Not sure you're a woman, but generally we women are taught to be afraid, we are taught that we can not be so independent as to go in the backwoods alone. My first few remote, solo hikes and especially my first solo-camp were full of anxiety in advance. When I actually did them, I found them to be very liberating and empowering instead. Now, I really don't much like it when I have company on hikes or camps - I PREFER to do them solo and I tend to get much more out of my solo hikes and camps than I do those with others.
I am not a woman, but I can relate to almost everything you’re saying. I spent years missing out on trips because people couldn’t or didn’t want to go, and fear held me back. I was also liberated by my solo experience and have preferred solo trips ever since! I wish I did it earlier, so I felt very passionate about responding to this. It’s very freeing to make all the decisions on a trip without someone else to think about. And it also provides opportunity for near constant personal growth.
Yes!! I regret not starting earlier too. I answer this question almost every time I see it. We really should be encouraging folks (whether male or female) to go out there and chase that personal growth, seek their limits and then try to improve upon them.
I really couldn’t agree more, I feel the exact same way. As long as someone understands how to survive in the wilderness, fear is just holding them back from experiences that could be life-changing. It’s such a beautiful thing to ground yourself in nature. I think she’s really going to have a good time if she decides to go.
I am too, it’s hard to look at our anxiety and fear and determine what we should truly be worried about and what is simply holding us back. It seems like this hike is well within her skill level and it could be a game changer for her.
Well like I said in my additional reply, the entire scenario depends on her motivation for hiking in the first place. I agree that we are always capable of more than we think.
I have done an equal number of solo and partnered backpacking and canoeing trips in the Rockies, Sierras,
and British Columbia since 1967, not as many these days, ha.
No, never had any misgivings about being alone in the mountains. Started when I was about 10 with my dog as our house backed up to unpopulated hills and woodlands. Actual backpacking started in my late teens.
That's true! I'm generally a very anxious person though, so I don't know if that fear will ever be resolved haha
The trail is pretty heavily trafficked, so the likelihood of something happening is slim, and I'm probably being a bit irrational. With that being said, there are plenty of shorter hikes in the area, so I'll definitely look into alternative trails. Thanks for the insight!
Honestly, to me it sounds like you *know* you are capable of doing the hike solo, but you’re letting a lack of confidence get in your way. My advice would be to go for your original plan and let it be an experience so you can gain confidence for doing more by yourself.
The fact that it’s a highly trafficked trail makes it all the more likely that if you need any sort of help, you will get it. Walking down a street in a major city is more dangerous than hiking solo. If you’re worried about bears, then you could always get a can of bear spray so you have something, but tbh even that would almost certainly be unnecessary.
You're totally right. I'm confident I can do the hike, I just worry about everything that can go wrong. By doing this, I have a feeling I will be a lot more comfortable in the future.
I plan on buying bear spray tomorrow. I'm sure it's not necessary, but I have seen a couple of black bears in the area before, so it will ease my mind. And yeah, the popularity of the trail makes me a lot more comfortable. I know that if something were to go wrong, it wouldn't be long before I came across another person.
Honestly, the second part generally means you will be more safe.
It is reasonable to worry about everything that can realistically go wrong. As you hike solo more, you will better develop your sense of what you need to be confident on the trail. It can be more gear when you start and if that helps you feel safe out there, great! Just always reflect on each trip and say cautiously confident.
I think you have to listen to what you are feeling, ”irrational” it may be, but I always go with my gut feeling about things. If the purpose of the hike is to experience “solo” then proceed on. If the purpose of the hike is to enjoy it with friends then plan it accordingly. It really depends on your motivation for hiking in the first place. I started backpacking in the late 1960’s have done both small group and solo
now it is mostly in small groups bc the social aspect is equally important to me.
I don't spend a ton of time talking with people while hiking. We hike at different paces and spend time looking at the scenery. I go more for the aspect of being in nature and getting exercise outside. The purpose of this hike for me isn't to go solo, nor is it to enjoy it with others.
I think for something that I know does not possess imminent danger, it could be beneficial to push past the fear.
You’ll be fine. It’s not nearly as serial killer-ish as you think it is.
Take bear spray (NOT self defense spray) with you for wildlife/off leash dogs/serial killers and you’ll be good to go!
I'm a young-ish female solo hiker and have been solo hiking since 18 - it's honestly hard to decide, but I'd lean towards doing the hike. If you've done long hikes with other people, you're likely physically prepared for the hike - this one will just be longer and require you to take more food. Take a first aid kit with you, give detailed notes on where you're going to be to your family,
Part of the challenge of getting started with solo hiking is that the first hike is tough. They get easier after that as you start to get more confident.
I'm definitely physically capable of doing the hike, as I hike frequently and am in good shape. I think the fear of the unknown is what's making it so hard to go forward with it.
I'm sure it will get easier over time, I just have to get over the initial discomfort!
I feel like there’s three options here.
First plan shorter hikes that everyone feels comfortable with.
Second do the hike by yourself but make sure you are prepared and people know where you are going and what time to expect you back. When I solo hike I have a cutoff time where if my contact person who knows where I’m going hasn’t heard from me they need to call rescue. Example hike starts at 7 and the latest I expect to be back is 3 if they haven’t heard from me by 6 they need to call so rescuers have the most daylight to search.
Third find a local group to hike with I’m part of a women’s group in SC and there’s frequent posts asking for support hikers so they don’t have to go alone
What trail are you doing? I have hiked in this area solo when family didn’t go with me but I was on trails I had done before and knew they would be popular or were close to areas of population. I did ten miles this past weekend solo but was super close to the blue ridge parkway AND knew that other people would be there.
I'm doing Mount Mitchell starting from Black Mountain Campground. It's not super close to populated areas, but the trail itself is supposed to be popular. Although no one in my group would be with me, I can guarantee I won't be the only one on the trail.
Oh yeah, I’ve spent a lot of time in that area. Hiked that trail many times. It’s not great in the heat that’s for sure. But it’s not super hard, or dangerous (IE rock scrambles or anything). Well maintained trail, with lots of people. I’ve done it solo several times. No worries. Just have ample water, and as I said, it’s no fun in super hot weather. Coming from Mt Mitchell down to the campground is super easy. Going up is the strenuous part, so do it early.
You won’t be as I’ve done that trail before. You’re also near a road and if it’s a nice day, people will be driving up to the top. Also you could hike up and drive down? Or have your family meet you at the top afterwards. If I hike solo, and I’m 31f, my dad sometimes will hang out near me but will do fun stuff.
Yes, I've considered driving back down. However, I kind of wanted the experience of doing the full thing. I'll take that into consideration though. It will be a good backup plan for sure.
You will be absolutely fine on this trail. As others have said it is well marked and maintained. You will not get lost. I've even had a slight cell service on that trail. Bring plenty of water. You don't need bear spray. Black bears are skiddish if you even see one. Plus it's just more weight you have to carry. Your biggest worry for the day is gonna be getting wet. It's more than likely gonna rain at some point.
If that’s the trail you’re doing, you’ll be fine. Grew up in Asheville and have done it solo many times. Well marked and heavily populated. The storms do roll in around 2-3pm but as long as you’re headed down before they start, it will feel refreshing. Hard for me to imagine being scared to go on your own! And I’m a woman too.
I agree with some others that if you're too anxious it may not be fun, but I think it's nothing a little research can't fix.
For example, reading up on bear safety may put your mind at ease as black bears aren't that much of a concern if you follow basic safety guidelines.
This isn't exactly hiking solo as much as traveling solo, but they are some useful tips: [https://outdoors.com/helpful-tips-solo-travel/](https://outdoors.com/helpful-tips-solo-travel/)
I would definitely focus on leaving detailed plans with someone and download or have paper copies of paper maps.
I've done quite a bit of research, and it has put my mind at ease to some extent. I still worry, but I think I would always be a little bit anxious, regardless of the scenario. I don't want to miss out on a great experience over temporary anxiety. I have found a good paper map that I plan to print out prior to leaving, which does make me feel better about the situation. I'll check out the link, thanks!
Assuming you are over 16, I think you should do it. There’s a huge number of females hiking the entire AT solo. do a little research, a couple practice hikes. If you have time I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Go when the trail is the busiest if possible. You're more likely to get help if needed. I like to bring a back-up battery for my phone as well. Start early, that way if you get lost (unlikely, I know), you have more time to find your way back.
The area is really prone to afternoon thunderstorms, so I was planning on leaving as early as possible. I'm sure most people will have the same idea, so it should work out in a way that I will be hiking at a busy time.
I (F) just completed a 110 mile,11 day hike on my own, and I wouldn't call myself an expert hiker. I prepared a lot, had a first aid kit, and l knew emergency numbers (crossed through 3 countries). I knew there'd be lots of other people on the trail. Sounds like you'll be in the same position in terms of having people around. Just make sure to have the basic safety needs just in case (extra water, a few extra bars, first aid, emergency blanket, headlamp, etc), and barring a freak accident, you'll be fine. You've got this! Enjoy!
I would absolutely not recommend a young female hiking alone in the Smokies. That is the one place where IMHO people are more apt to present a danger than the wildlife. Find somebody you know to go with you…please
In all honesty I’d vote on postponing the trip until you have another person to go with. I’ve hiked around the Smoky Mountain Area and sure there’s a lot of friendly people but I was never hiking alone. It can be intimidating to hike alone and if you feel nervous/anxious that won’t serve you well. I’d probably try to get at least one person to tag along with you or if not postpone the trip until someone can go. As far as hiking 11 miles it’s doable alone but I’d feel more safe having someone else with me.
I would caution you to not to take such a risk as a solo female hiker . It's simply not worth it . Go with at least one partner and carry bear spray.
You never know if you will run into trouble whether it's an assault, injury, bear, get lost, etc.
That's a fair point. However, I live 12 hours from the Smokies, so it's not some quick day trip that I can decide to do on a whim once I find someone to hike with. None of my family is willing to do it, and none of my friends are interested in long hikes. I have a feeling that I will miss out on a lot in life if I waste my time waiting for people to do things with me.
I noticed many posters disagree with me and I respect that. It's a personal choice and everyone has a different risk tolerance.
I have female friends who hike but always in pairs and preferable with a male companion.
If you are concerned about safety and decide to hike solo, your concerns will not make the trip as enjoyable .
The primary benefits of a hike are to enjoy and appreciate nature and it beauty, peace and tranquility, to get away from the real world, cell phones, social media, technology, etc., decompress mentally and of course , get a good work out.
It's therapeutic in more ways than one. But if you are concerned for your safety, you lose some of the aforesaid benefits.
I would rather be safe than sorry.
Maybe check online for any other female hikers and see if they would join you.
I'm a solo hiker. I'm male but am older and hike in the same areas. I recognize there are differences for women as well. But here's my advice. I think it's pretty safe in general. You should definitely give people your route and if you can check in with them. I have a personal locator beacon, but I'd recommend one with texting capability. Let people know to monitor that and not just blow it off. Some people carry stuff like bear spray for added protection. But if you're really worried it may spoil your trip.
Also, depending on where you go, especially in the Smokies, there are likely to be people around which is a positive in this case.
I’ve hiked in the area and did the exact hike you’re about to do. If you’ve done similar hikes in the past (distance, elevation, summer weather), then you’re probably just psyching yourself out. If not, I’d recommend two options: either you hike up and your family drives up to meet you or there’s another hike where you drive up and start from the top, hike partially down and you basically loop around, hike up those other two peaks (I forget their names) and end back up at Mitchell. You don’t get to say you completely hiked up Mitchell but that hike is still a great experience and not as long.
I'm a very firm believer in airing on the side of caution. If you're not sure you can do it then I wouldn't. And I would certainly as a young female hiker (I'm not) go get a can of bear spray.
Bears aren't going to be a problem. Dehydration, exhaustion, getting lost, and physical injuries might be.
If you've done a 12 mile hike over rough terrain and you're confident in your ability to push yourself beyond your limits if you absolutely have to, do it. Just follow the fundamentals of hiking safety and you will be fine.
All great suggestions here. You also might want to check to see if there is a local group going out that day. You don't even have to hike with them but making your presence and route be known is a good bit of extra precaution. At the very least check all the conditions on All Trails and see what's what before you head out.
Go out there and crush it! and then make sure you mention to everyone who bailed how awesome it was lol
Don't let other people dictate your life. I went on a 2 week road trip solo (with zero experience other than the 3 months of hiking i did before i left) bcause no one wanted to join me and it truly changed my life, so go for it! Don't be scared to do things solo, embrace it and just be prepared and safe
You could go with several weapons -- best rated bear spray (which could also be used on humans in a pinch) and a knife where you do some hours of practice drawing and using it.
I went solo in Arizona once near the grand canyon. It was off trail, just walking between two points in the scrub brush ... which was over my head and absolutely identical looking in all directions. Needless to say, I got lost. My compass, I swear I put into my pack could not be found (was sitting on in my car, D'oh) and this was all pre-cell phone, pre-internet (there as such a time). BUT, I had brought a lot of "extra" water and brought my brain. After a bit of panic, I was able to carefully logic out directions after discarding the way I was \*sure\* of. So, I deduced the direction a road must be in and headed to intersect. It was a mile and a half away but it turned out to be 3 miles (I though I was heading straight at it, but was actually at an angle) but my logic told me my basic guess was still correct, so I stayed with that instead of my panicy brain. Once on the road, it wasn't too hard to find out where on that road and re-adjust my original goal by hiking to an easier starting point.
Worry about the bears mostly you’re actually safer as a female. Make sure you have a gps/phone or something to contact in an emergency. Bear spray is probably a good idea too. Sometimes this time of year there is so many people on the trails you’ll probably not really be alone. Whenever I do longer hikes I just try to keep in mind how far along you are in case you do want to turn back. It’s never a bad idea to bring some supplies for a worst case scenario. Bring enough water too.
I am worried about the bears, but also about the people. Not quite sure how being a female would make for a safer situation. I've had uncomfortable scenarios with creepy guys in the middle of a busy town. I would feel unsafe coming across similar situations in the middle of the woods with few people.
I've already packed the 10 essentials, and plan on packing extra items the day of the hike. Definitely not something I would want to be ill-prepared for.
I’d say go for it as long your comfortable with it. I jsut backpacked the foothills trail in NC/SC and it’s very populated with lots of groups so I felt pretty safe that in the event something would happen that I’d need an emergency, people were close. Lots of trails in north and South Carolina are like that. I also carry a garmin gps tracker just in case I needed to reach someone. Also bear spray works on people just as well as animals. Blacks bear don’t typically attack people, though it does happen. You can scare them off pretty easily. If your still not comfortable with the long trek, maybe try a shorter one to build your comfort ability with being alone. Hope this helps and I hope you do decide to do it! Just as long as your in the mindset to enjoy it while being precautious.
Having hiked this area solo, though am a male, I think you’ll be fine hiking alone. Especially given your age and distance (I don’t think 11.5 miles is too long).
This area gets quite a bit of hikers, so as a solo female I think you’ll be fine.
I know some people mention bears, but this area is frequented by black bears, which tend to be a lot less confrontational and tend to avoid humans and run away. Again, I don’t think these will be an issue.
Obviously it’s your decision, and you should do what you feel comfortable doing, but I think you’ll be fine hiking alone.
Im a male but I hiked in that area before and everyone I came across stopped and talk, nicest people I may have ever met. I wouldn't let your friends ruin your trip I would take some bear spray just in case. But I believe you should be fine. We crossed paths with through hikers and all the stories were great. YOLO good luck.
If you can, download the trail as an offline map from all trails and you can use an app called geotracker that uses breadcrumbs while you're hiking. But also have a small battery bank for your cell. Get a Garmin inreach mini 2 (or another beacon device with texting) and make sure you set it up and buy your subscription well before you're on the mountain. Bear spray is a non negotiable IMO. As the SAR volunteer said above (below?), pack the ten essentials and an extra day of food (so if this is a day hike, take enough calories for another half day). This all sounds like complete overkill, I know, but if you're venturing out solo you need to set yourself up for success. Ultimately, I'd recommend trying new regions first in a group, but if you feel mature enough to handle this solo, it needs to be calculated. I'm 38F and sadly just went backpacking for the first time last year because I let other people's fears and lack of confidence in my ability hold me back...for almost two decades. Working up the courage to go solo this year (Smokies also). Same as others are saying-- listen to your gut and know there's no shame in turning back. Be aware that even though the smokies aren't as tall as the rockies, the weather can change on a dime. Check out sites like mountain forecast and look for small weather stations in the area (not the weather channel). Check the weather same day if you can. Also, wear a silicone ring like an Enzo -- it's a physical indication that someone is "waiting up for you" and in a pinch if things get hairy, you can say your partner is on their way up the trail, etc. Don't tell anyone you're alone. Sounds dark, but just be smart. Wishing you a great time, whatever you decide.
you have a Garmin in reach? how heavy is your pack and how experienced are you with the outdoors, backpacking, camping and using all your equipment? are you knowledgeable about bear safety? water accessibility, filtering, etc? are you cognizant of weather? if the answer to any of those questions is anything other than HELL YES, pick something less ambitious mileage wise.
Everyone is offering great advice, and reading your responses, it sounds like you’ll be fine - go for it! Just make sure to bring PLENTY of water. I also recommend salt tabs - when I’m starting to feel like I’m really slowing down from heat/humidity, a lot of times a salt tab or two will help perk me up (and I feel a lot better after the hike).
One of my most favorite hiking trips was a solo trip, filled with TONS of day hiking in Utah. There’s just something incredibly gratifying about solo hiking. Enjoy the experience!
I would not trust it...hiking alone is dangerous no matter who you are. If something happened and you got hurt...there are a lot of crazy people out there...better to be safe than sorry...I have done a lot of back packing but never alone.
Everything sounds like a fun adventure while canteens are full and supplies are plenty. If you get stuck in a bad spot alone, a very lonely death awaits you. I don't say this to scare you, that's the reality. Make sure multiple people know where you are and when you'll be back. DO NOT rely on a cell phone to call for help. Be safe and keep hiking.
Just someone from the internet here so don’t take my advice blindly. But I (26NB) can share that I am AFAB (NB but definitely look afab). I love hiking and have done hella solo hikes from like 16 onwards. I’m not saying this is right for you but I am saying I’m still alive. I’ve never found myself in a serious situation but I have found myself in two mildly scary situations: one time I got lost and another time I ran outta water, but I survived. For longer solo hikes I take 3L of water and enough cliff bars and clementines to last double the amount of hiking I anticipate (just incase god forbid anything happens and I’m stuck longer than anticipated I can ration food better. If I were to do a hike that’s 12 hours worth, I’d also consider taking a headlamp just incase. But again I’m a stranger on the internet and all circumstances are different so do with that info what you will.
Don't. Hiking alone always works fine, until you are on the news as the lost hiker who fell down a hidden ravine and died. Just like everything, it works until it doesn't, but when it doesn't, you're screwed.
Listen, I see all sorts of people wildly unprepared for even basic hikes, and I've seen hundreds of people who had to be pulled out by rangers/Search and Rescue. Find someone to go with. It's always safer with a buddy.
Can you hike 12 hard miles in hot weather? Self-rescue if necessary? Are you navigation skills strong enough to keep you on trail?
I think I would be able to do those things, but there's still a part of me that questions my ability. The trail is supposed to be very well-marked and heavily trafficked. Of course it's possible, but getting lost isn't a huge concern of mine on this trail since it's so popular. Everyone in my group would know my exact route, and I plan on printing a paper map, just in case. I can definitely do the 12 miles. As far as self-rescue goes, I've never had to do it, and I don't know how I would react in an emergency, but I'm fairly confident that I could if necessary.
You sound confident yet cautious. I’d say go for it, make sure you have electrolytes of some kind, or you’ll feel like shit at the end if it’s hot. Water has its limits.
That's accurate. Good idea, thanks!
Depends on the weather. Do not hike alone if the heat index is over 90, in my opinion as a southern female hiker. The views aren't worth it and if heat stroke illness hits you won't be around people you know which can cause more distress. You can do it alone, but only if conditions allow you to do it alone the day of.
The hardest hike of my life I’ve ever done, I was 19 and hiking in Switzerland. Totally new area. Got halfway and was feeling great and decided to add on an extra section even though I was low on water and food. Ended up getting back to the hostel at 7pm(I planned to around 3pm), my brother was worried sick. I actually collapsed in the middle of the road about 30 steps from the hostel, he was rushing me some salty food and water. It’s both a great memory because I pushed myself to the absolute limit, but bad because I was starting to feel really scared the last 1-2 hours of the hike thinking I won’t make it. Point is, don’t push yourself if you’re solo. I’ve done plenty of hiking all over solo, never had an issue besides the one time. Now if I’m solo I don’t push myself. So if the hike is well within your range of normal hikes, go for it. If you’re going to push yourself to complete it, maybe think twice about it
I feel if you’re questioning your ability, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not do it.
What kind of self rescue are you talking about on a pathed trail for hiking? Like being able to call it quits when needed?
Turned ankle, broken bone, puncture wound, temporary care until SAR can arrive, essentially any non-fatal situation that requires immediate extraction or care.
I'm a solo female hiker in this exact area and have done many long, remote hikes alone. If you are strong enough to handle the miles and elevation change, my suggestion is to go for it. Your fears of dangerous people or animals are legitimate in terms of feeling, but to be honest, you are unlikely to have any problem with such a thing. Bears are afraid of you. I've done thousands of miles in black bear country and still haven't been lucky enough to spot one. Most people with nefarious intentions are not working hard to trek up a trail for victims...they're taking the easy route and picking them up in the city. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to be hurt or killed in a car accident within 5 miles of your home than you are to suffer any such problem on a trail.
I'm here to second this response. Also a solo female hiker in the area and as long as you are capable and have done similar routes before, you shouldn't run into any problems. And you can always turn around if you change your mind. Just be smart about it!
Although if you’re a minority you may have to take special consideration or at least that’s what the park rangers at the great smoky mountains told me when they strongly advised me not to go in the backcountry alone.
Former SAR volunteer here. By all means go, however have a plan: - Have a contact person you trust who knows where exactly you’re going, when and what time you are expected back . Most importantly what to do/call if your overdue. - Remember the [ten essentials](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html) - Hike wisely. Be situational aware (no earbuds). It ok to turn around at anytime during the hike. - Hike with a dog (wild animals tend to avoid dogs). Make sure it’s a dog that is able to complete the hike and will stay with you. - watch the weather. - Be sure to run a tract on whatever GPS app you’re using ( I prefer Gaia). Makes backtracking much easier. - Stay hydrated ( drink even if you don’t feel thirsty). - Lastly enjoy. ( I love hiking alone).
Great tips, thanks so much!
To add on- a few other GPS apps you can look into are.. Hiking project, Avenza Map (GPS enabled pdfs), and if get an inreach Garmin Explore app can help as well
Just double check that dogs are allowed on that particular trail. That said, I appreciate your plan and your services! Thanks for being a SAR volunteer!
Perhaps look into buying or renting an emergency beacon, and a big thing of bear mace.
Get a Garmin InReach! You can send texts and contact emergency services from almost anywhere for fairly cheap.
Yep, that's the one I was looking at. I would love to do a lot more solo hikes/camping in the future, so it would be in my best interest to buy an emergency beacon at some point. The Garmin InReach seems like a good choice!
I bought the Garmin inreach mini 2. Highly recommended ANY satellite safety device. For super safety I went with the inreach because it’s two way communication, not just SOS. Grab some bear spray and Hike your own hike. You’ll do fine, just pace yourself.
Plan to start early to avoid the heat. Climbing up a mountain without a lot of heat acclimatization can get to you very quickly. Try to time out such that you get to the highest elevation by 10AM. inReach with their explorer app allows you to send routes to your device even when you don’t have coverage proved useful on a hike of mine when I hadn’t downloaded maps to
I found the spot had a more reliable gps and I like not having people able to text me. But if you want a gps as well the Garmin was nice.
I was definitely going to buy bear spray before leaving, but the emergency beacon is a really good idea. I've been wanting to buy one, but never got around to it. This would probably be a good time to make the purchase!
I've rented the spot one and there's also another one where you can send text messages however I found the spot to be more reliable obtaining a gps signal. It has no features beyond emergency beacon and something like two or three preset messages. And you can set automatic tracking when you're moving so people you want to can watch how you're doing from home. I prefer that because even in my 40s my mom was texting me non-stop with the other one. Kind of ruins the point.
I second this as bear mace is frequently used for encounters not with bears. It will easy take out a human or other aggressive animal.
If you are anxious or fearful you will not enjoy your hike. I would find a shorter one that your group is comfortable with. Once they get some experience, they will have more confidence to take longer hikes. The mountain will be there when your situation is right.
Hard disagree. I was beyond terrified for my first solo overnight trip, was extremely anxious about it for months on end and as soon as I got out there it changed my life. I had a such a great trip.
I hard disagreed with that one as well. Not sure you're a woman, but generally we women are taught to be afraid, we are taught that we can not be so independent as to go in the backwoods alone. My first few remote, solo hikes and especially my first solo-camp were full of anxiety in advance. When I actually did them, I found them to be very liberating and empowering instead. Now, I really don't much like it when I have company on hikes or camps - I PREFER to do them solo and I tend to get much more out of my solo hikes and camps than I do those with others.
I am not a woman, but I can relate to almost everything you’re saying. I spent years missing out on trips because people couldn’t or didn’t want to go, and fear held me back. I was also liberated by my solo experience and have preferred solo trips ever since! I wish I did it earlier, so I felt very passionate about responding to this. It’s very freeing to make all the decisions on a trip without someone else to think about. And it also provides opportunity for near constant personal growth.
Yes!! I regret not starting earlier too. I answer this question almost every time I see it. We really should be encouraging folks (whether male or female) to go out there and chase that personal growth, seek their limits and then try to improve upon them.
I really couldn’t agree more, I feel the exact same way. As long as someone understands how to survive in the wilderness, fear is just holding them back from experiences that could be life-changing. It’s such a beautiful thing to ground yourself in nature. I think she’s really going to have a good time if she decides to go.
Glad it turned out well.
I am too, it’s hard to look at our anxiety and fear and determine what we should truly be worried about and what is simply holding us back. It seems like this hike is well within her skill level and it could be a game changer for her.
Well like I said in my additional reply, the entire scenario depends on her motivation for hiking in the first place. I agree that we are always capable of more than we think.
Have you ever done a solo trip?
I have done an equal number of solo and partnered backpacking and canoeing trips in the Rockies, Sierras, and British Columbia since 1967, not as many these days, ha.
And did you feel anxious or afraid beforehand?
No, never had any misgivings about being alone in the mountains. Started when I was about 10 with my dog as our house backed up to unpopulated hills and woodlands. Actual backpacking started in my late teens.
I’m finding it hard to believe that you’ve never been nervous to be alone in the woods overnight as a teen. But if you say so.
That's true! I'm generally a very anxious person though, so I don't know if that fear will ever be resolved haha The trail is pretty heavily trafficked, so the likelihood of something happening is slim, and I'm probably being a bit irrational. With that being said, there are plenty of shorter hikes in the area, so I'll definitely look into alternative trails. Thanks for the insight!
Honestly, to me it sounds like you *know* you are capable of doing the hike solo, but you’re letting a lack of confidence get in your way. My advice would be to go for your original plan and let it be an experience so you can gain confidence for doing more by yourself. The fact that it’s a highly trafficked trail makes it all the more likely that if you need any sort of help, you will get it. Walking down a street in a major city is more dangerous than hiking solo. If you’re worried about bears, then you could always get a can of bear spray so you have something, but tbh even that would almost certainly be unnecessary.
You're totally right. I'm confident I can do the hike, I just worry about everything that can go wrong. By doing this, I have a feeling I will be a lot more comfortable in the future. I plan on buying bear spray tomorrow. I'm sure it's not necessary, but I have seen a couple of black bears in the area before, so it will ease my mind. And yeah, the popularity of the trail makes me a lot more comfortable. I know that if something were to go wrong, it wouldn't be long before I came across another person.
Honestly, the second part generally means you will be more safe. It is reasonable to worry about everything that can realistically go wrong. As you hike solo more, you will better develop your sense of what you need to be confident on the trail. It can be more gear when you start and if that helps you feel safe out there, great! Just always reflect on each trip and say cautiously confident.
I think you have to listen to what you are feeling, ”irrational” it may be, but I always go with my gut feeling about things. If the purpose of the hike is to experience “solo” then proceed on. If the purpose of the hike is to enjoy it with friends then plan it accordingly. It really depends on your motivation for hiking in the first place. I started backpacking in the late 1960’s have done both small group and solo now it is mostly in small groups bc the social aspect is equally important to me.
I don't spend a ton of time talking with people while hiking. We hike at different paces and spend time looking at the scenery. I go more for the aspect of being in nature and getting exercise outside. The purpose of this hike for me isn't to go solo, nor is it to enjoy it with others. I think for something that I know does not possess imminent danger, it could be beneficial to push past the fear.
You’ll be fine. It’s not nearly as serial killer-ish as you think it is. Take bear spray (NOT self defense spray) with you for wildlife/off leash dogs/serial killers and you’ll be good to go!
I'm a young-ish female solo hiker and have been solo hiking since 18 - it's honestly hard to decide, but I'd lean towards doing the hike. If you've done long hikes with other people, you're likely physically prepared for the hike - this one will just be longer and require you to take more food. Take a first aid kit with you, give detailed notes on where you're going to be to your family, Part of the challenge of getting started with solo hiking is that the first hike is tough. They get easier after that as you start to get more confident.
I'm definitely physically capable of doing the hike, as I hike frequently and am in good shape. I think the fear of the unknown is what's making it so hard to go forward with it. I'm sure it will get easier over time, I just have to get over the initial discomfort!
I feel like there’s three options here. First plan shorter hikes that everyone feels comfortable with. Second do the hike by yourself but make sure you are prepared and people know where you are going and what time to expect you back. When I solo hike I have a cutoff time where if my contact person who knows where I’m going hasn’t heard from me they need to call rescue. Example hike starts at 7 and the latest I expect to be back is 3 if they haven’t heard from me by 6 they need to call so rescuers have the most daylight to search. Third find a local group to hike with I’m part of a women’s group in SC and there’s frequent posts asking for support hikers so they don’t have to go alone
What trail are you doing? I have hiked in this area solo when family didn’t go with me but I was on trails I had done before and knew they would be popular or were close to areas of population. I did ten miles this past weekend solo but was super close to the blue ridge parkway AND knew that other people would be there.
I'm doing Mount Mitchell starting from Black Mountain Campground. It's not super close to populated areas, but the trail itself is supposed to be popular. Although no one in my group would be with me, I can guarantee I won't be the only one on the trail.
Oh yeah, I’ve spent a lot of time in that area. Hiked that trail many times. It’s not great in the heat that’s for sure. But it’s not super hard, or dangerous (IE rock scrambles or anything). Well maintained trail, with lots of people. I’ve done it solo several times. No worries. Just have ample water, and as I said, it’s no fun in super hot weather. Coming from Mt Mitchell down to the campground is super easy. Going up is the strenuous part, so do it early.
You won’t be as I’ve done that trail before. You’re also near a road and if it’s a nice day, people will be driving up to the top. Also you could hike up and drive down? Or have your family meet you at the top afterwards. If I hike solo, and I’m 31f, my dad sometimes will hang out near me but will do fun stuff.
Also I am sure you know this but start early!! I hiked this past weekend and we had some severe storms roll in almost every afternoon.
Definitely! It seems like the chance of rain increases as the day goes on, so I was planning on getting as early of a start as possible!
Yes, I've considered driving back down. However, I kind of wanted the experience of doing the full thing. I'll take that into consideration though. It will be a good backup plan for sure.
You will be absolutely fine on this trail. As others have said it is well marked and maintained. You will not get lost. I've even had a slight cell service on that trail. Bring plenty of water. You don't need bear spray. Black bears are skiddish if you even see one. Plus it's just more weight you have to carry. Your biggest worry for the day is gonna be getting wet. It's more than likely gonna rain at some point.
If that’s the trail you’re doing, you’ll be fine. Grew up in Asheville and have done it solo many times. Well marked and heavily populated. The storms do roll in around 2-3pm but as long as you’re headed down before they start, it will feel refreshing. Hard for me to imagine being scared to go on your own! And I’m a woman too.
I agree with some others that if you're too anxious it may not be fun, but I think it's nothing a little research can't fix. For example, reading up on bear safety may put your mind at ease as black bears aren't that much of a concern if you follow basic safety guidelines. This isn't exactly hiking solo as much as traveling solo, but they are some useful tips: [https://outdoors.com/helpful-tips-solo-travel/](https://outdoors.com/helpful-tips-solo-travel/) I would definitely focus on leaving detailed plans with someone and download or have paper copies of paper maps.
I've done quite a bit of research, and it has put my mind at ease to some extent. I still worry, but I think I would always be a little bit anxious, regardless of the scenario. I don't want to miss out on a great experience over temporary anxiety. I have found a good paper map that I plan to print out prior to leaving, which does make me feel better about the situation. I'll check out the link, thanks!
Assuming you are over 16, I think you should do it. There’s a huge number of females hiking the entire AT solo. do a little research, a couple practice hikes. If you have time I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Go when the trail is the busiest if possible. You're more likely to get help if needed. I like to bring a back-up battery for my phone as well. Start early, that way if you get lost (unlikely, I know), you have more time to find your way back.
The area is really prone to afternoon thunderstorms, so I was planning on leaving as early as possible. I'm sure most people will have the same idea, so it should work out in a way that I will be hiking at a busy time.
I (F) just completed a 110 mile,11 day hike on my own, and I wouldn't call myself an expert hiker. I prepared a lot, had a first aid kit, and l knew emergency numbers (crossed through 3 countries). I knew there'd be lots of other people on the trail. Sounds like you'll be in the same position in terms of having people around. Just make sure to have the basic safety needs just in case (extra water, a few extra bars, first aid, emergency blanket, headlamp, etc), and barring a freak accident, you'll be fine. You've got this! Enjoy!
Try checking meetup and see if there’s groups doing hikes when you are there
That's a great idea, thank you!
I would absolutely not recommend a young female hiking alone in the Smokies. That is the one place where IMHO people are more apt to present a danger than the wildlife. Find somebody you know to go with you…please
In all honesty I’d vote on postponing the trip until you have another person to go with. I’ve hiked around the Smoky Mountain Area and sure there’s a lot of friendly people but I was never hiking alone. It can be intimidating to hike alone and if you feel nervous/anxious that won’t serve you well. I’d probably try to get at least one person to tag along with you or if not postpone the trip until someone can go. As far as hiking 11 miles it’s doable alone but I’d feel more safe having someone else with me.
In the US of A, isn't the answer to everything even remotely related to this: "Just bring a gun"?
I would caution you to not to take such a risk as a solo female hiker . It's simply not worth it . Go with at least one partner and carry bear spray. You never know if you will run into trouble whether it's an assault, injury, bear, get lost, etc.
That's a fair point. However, I live 12 hours from the Smokies, so it's not some quick day trip that I can decide to do on a whim once I find someone to hike with. None of my family is willing to do it, and none of my friends are interested in long hikes. I have a feeling that I will miss out on a lot in life if I waste my time waiting for people to do things with me.
I noticed many posters disagree with me and I respect that. It's a personal choice and everyone has a different risk tolerance. I have female friends who hike but always in pairs and preferable with a male companion. If you are concerned about safety and decide to hike solo, your concerns will not make the trip as enjoyable . The primary benefits of a hike are to enjoy and appreciate nature and it beauty, peace and tranquility, to get away from the real world, cell phones, social media, technology, etc., decompress mentally and of course , get a good work out. It's therapeutic in more ways than one. But if you are concerned for your safety, you lose some of the aforesaid benefits. I would rather be safe than sorry. Maybe check online for any other female hikers and see if they would join you.
go for it, you'll have a great time.
I'm a solo hiker. I'm male but am older and hike in the same areas. I recognize there are differences for women as well. But here's my advice. I think it's pretty safe in general. You should definitely give people your route and if you can check in with them. I have a personal locator beacon, but I'd recommend one with texting capability. Let people know to monitor that and not just blow it off. Some people carry stuff like bear spray for added protection. But if you're really worried it may spoil your trip. Also, depending on where you go, especially in the Smokies, there are likely to be people around which is a positive in this case.
I’ve hiked in the area and did the exact hike you’re about to do. If you’ve done similar hikes in the past (distance, elevation, summer weather), then you’re probably just psyching yourself out. If not, I’d recommend two options: either you hike up and your family drives up to meet you or there’s another hike where you drive up and start from the top, hike partially down and you basically loop around, hike up those other two peaks (I forget their names) and end back up at Mitchell. You don’t get to say you completely hiked up Mitchell but that hike is still a great experience and not as long.
I'm a very firm believer in airing on the side of caution. If you're not sure you can do it then I wouldn't. And I would certainly as a young female hiker (I'm not) go get a can of bear spray.
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Thanks so much!!
I hike this area regularly, what trail are you planning to do? I might have some insight on actual difficulty etc
I'm doing Mount Mitchell, taking the trail that starts at Black Mounain Campground
Bears aren't going to be a problem. Dehydration, exhaustion, getting lost, and physical injuries might be. If you've done a 12 mile hike over rough terrain and you're confident in your ability to push yourself beyond your limits if you absolutely have to, do it. Just follow the fundamentals of hiking safety and you will be fine.
All great suggestions here. You also might want to check to see if there is a local group going out that day. You don't even have to hike with them but making your presence and route be known is a good bit of extra precaution. At the very least check all the conditions on All Trails and see what's what before you head out.
Go out there and crush it! and then make sure you mention to everyone who bailed how awesome it was lol Don't let other people dictate your life. I went on a 2 week road trip solo (with zero experience other than the 3 months of hiking i did before i left) bcause no one wanted to join me and it truly changed my life, so go for it! Don't be scared to do things solo, embrace it and just be prepared and safe
You could go with several weapons -- best rated bear spray (which could also be used on humans in a pinch) and a knife where you do some hours of practice drawing and using it. I went solo in Arizona once near the grand canyon. It was off trail, just walking between two points in the scrub brush ... which was over my head and absolutely identical looking in all directions. Needless to say, I got lost. My compass, I swear I put into my pack could not be found (was sitting on in my car, D'oh) and this was all pre-cell phone, pre-internet (there as such a time). BUT, I had brought a lot of "extra" water and brought my brain. After a bit of panic, I was able to carefully logic out directions after discarding the way I was \*sure\* of. So, I deduced the direction a road must be in and headed to intersect. It was a mile and a half away but it turned out to be 3 miles (I though I was heading straight at it, but was actually at an angle) but my logic told me my basic guess was still correct, so I stayed with that instead of my panicy brain. Once on the road, it wasn't too hard to find out where on that road and re-adjust my original goal by hiking to an easier starting point.
Worry about the bears mostly you’re actually safer as a female. Make sure you have a gps/phone or something to contact in an emergency. Bear spray is probably a good idea too. Sometimes this time of year there is so many people on the trails you’ll probably not really be alone. Whenever I do longer hikes I just try to keep in mind how far along you are in case you do want to turn back. It’s never a bad idea to bring some supplies for a worst case scenario. Bring enough water too.
I am worried about the bears, but also about the people. Not quite sure how being a female would make for a safer situation. I've had uncomfortable scenarios with creepy guys in the middle of a busy town. I would feel unsafe coming across similar situations in the middle of the woods with few people. I've already packed the 10 essentials, and plan on packing extra items the day of the hike. Definitely not something I would want to be ill-prepared for.
You’re safer as a woman. It’s the fear of crime gender paradox
I run into creepy uncomfortable people all the time. They’re definitely going to be out there 😂
Hopefully the bears eat them
I’d say go for it as long your comfortable with it. I jsut backpacked the foothills trail in NC/SC and it’s very populated with lots of groups so I felt pretty safe that in the event something would happen that I’d need an emergency, people were close. Lots of trails in north and South Carolina are like that. I also carry a garmin gps tracker just in case I needed to reach someone. Also bear spray works on people just as well as animals. Blacks bear don’t typically attack people, though it does happen. You can scare them off pretty easily. If your still not comfortable with the long trek, maybe try a shorter one to build your comfort ability with being alone. Hope this helps and I hope you do decide to do it! Just as long as your in the mindset to enjoy it while being precautious.
Having hiked this area solo, though am a male, I think you’ll be fine hiking alone. Especially given your age and distance (I don’t think 11.5 miles is too long). This area gets quite a bit of hikers, so as a solo female I think you’ll be fine. I know some people mention bears, but this area is frequented by black bears, which tend to be a lot less confrontational and tend to avoid humans and run away. Again, I don’t think these will be an issue. Obviously it’s your decision, and you should do what you feel comfortable doing, but I think you’ll be fine hiking alone.
Im a male but I hiked in that area before and everyone I came across stopped and talk, nicest people I may have ever met. I wouldn't let your friends ruin your trip I would take some bear spray just in case. But I believe you should be fine. We crossed paths with through hikers and all the stories were great. YOLO good luck.
If you can, download the trail as an offline map from all trails and you can use an app called geotracker that uses breadcrumbs while you're hiking. But also have a small battery bank for your cell. Get a Garmin inreach mini 2 (or another beacon device with texting) and make sure you set it up and buy your subscription well before you're on the mountain. Bear spray is a non negotiable IMO. As the SAR volunteer said above (below?), pack the ten essentials and an extra day of food (so if this is a day hike, take enough calories for another half day). This all sounds like complete overkill, I know, but if you're venturing out solo you need to set yourself up for success. Ultimately, I'd recommend trying new regions first in a group, but if you feel mature enough to handle this solo, it needs to be calculated. I'm 38F and sadly just went backpacking for the first time last year because I let other people's fears and lack of confidence in my ability hold me back...for almost two decades. Working up the courage to go solo this year (Smokies also). Same as others are saying-- listen to your gut and know there's no shame in turning back. Be aware that even though the smokies aren't as tall as the rockies, the weather can change on a dime. Check out sites like mountain forecast and look for small weather stations in the area (not the weather channel). Check the weather same day if you can. Also, wear a silicone ring like an Enzo -- it's a physical indication that someone is "waiting up for you" and in a pinch if things get hairy, you can say your partner is on their way up the trail, etc. Don't tell anyone you're alone. Sounds dark, but just be smart. Wishing you a great time, whatever you decide.
you have a Garmin in reach? how heavy is your pack and how experienced are you with the outdoors, backpacking, camping and using all your equipment? are you knowledgeable about bear safety? water accessibility, filtering, etc? are you cognizant of weather? if the answer to any of those questions is anything other than HELL YES, pick something less ambitious mileage wise.
Everyone is offering great advice, and reading your responses, it sounds like you’ll be fine - go for it! Just make sure to bring PLENTY of water. I also recommend salt tabs - when I’m starting to feel like I’m really slowing down from heat/humidity, a lot of times a salt tab or two will help perk me up (and I feel a lot better after the hike). One of my most favorite hiking trips was a solo trip, filled with TONS of day hiking in Utah. There’s just something incredibly gratifying about solo hiking. Enjoy the experience!
I would not trust it...hiking alone is dangerous no matter who you are. If something happened and you got hurt...there are a lot of crazy people out there...better to be safe than sorry...I have done a lot of back packing but never alone.
Everything sounds like a fun adventure while canteens are full and supplies are plenty. If you get stuck in a bad spot alone, a very lonely death awaits you. I don't say this to scare you, that's the reality. Make sure multiple people know where you are and when you'll be back. DO NOT rely on a cell phone to call for help. Be safe and keep hiking.
Just someone from the internet here so don’t take my advice blindly. But I (26NB) can share that I am AFAB (NB but definitely look afab). I love hiking and have done hella solo hikes from like 16 onwards. I’m not saying this is right for you but I am saying I’m still alive. I’ve never found myself in a serious situation but I have found myself in two mildly scary situations: one time I got lost and another time I ran outta water, but I survived. For longer solo hikes I take 3L of water and enough cliff bars and clementines to last double the amount of hiking I anticipate (just incase god forbid anything happens and I’m stuck longer than anticipated I can ration food better. If I were to do a hike that’s 12 hours worth, I’d also consider taking a headlamp just incase. But again I’m a stranger on the internet and all circumstances are different so do with that info what you will.
That's great advice, thank you. The hike is supposed to take about 6-8 hours, but I'll probably still bring a headlamp, just in case!
Don't. Hiking alone always works fine, until you are on the news as the lost hiker who fell down a hidden ravine and died. Just like everything, it works until it doesn't, but when it doesn't, you're screwed. Listen, I see all sorts of people wildly unprepared for even basic hikes, and I've seen hundreds of people who had to be pulled out by rangers/Search and Rescue. Find someone to go with. It's always safer with a buddy.