When You Feel Spooked in the Woods
On a summer family vacation to the upper peninsula of Michigan several years ago, I went trail running on a gorgeous system of cross-country ski trails, everything was going great until I turned around a corner and was overcome with the feeling, “let’s get out of here fast.” I don’t know why that happened. There was nobody else around, and I couldn’t hear any sounds that sounded like someone hiding behind some trees or bushes, but I just knew that I wanted to hightail it out of there as quickly as possible, and that’s what I did! I found the loop back to the trailhead, got up out of there, and then avoided that trail for the rest of the trip.
Have you had that experience when you were hiking somewhere by yourself?
Have you ever been in the woods and suddenly the hair on the back of your neck stands up, or you feel creeped out for some reason that you can’t explain? Like when you go in specific spaces like houses, and the vibe feels OFF, it’s the same out in nature. While I can’t tell you why this happens, I can give you some ideas to help put you at ease and what to do.
There are things we can all do to be more prepared, so that we feel that sense of confidence and control over our adventures.
Here are some things you can have / do if this ever happens to you.
Hike with friends or in a group.
Safety in numbers. It bothers me that women still need to be mindful of where we go alone (its 2022!) but the reality is we do. Going with a friend or a group is much safer than walking in the woods alone.
Let at least one person know where you are going.
If you are going on a hike or trail run, tell one or two people where you are going. If something should happen, like an injury or the unlikely event that you get harassed, they will know your location and could come and help you.
Take a cellphone with you.
I’m not a fan of bringing phones on the trail, but if you are hiking alone, this is a way to stay safe. You can call for help quickly. Keep it on your person or your pack for easy access.
Make sure you know your route well.
If you’re going on a hike on your own, make sure you know your route well. Maybe go on a trail you already know well, so you know the different exit strategies, should you need to leave in a hurry for whatever reason. Trying out a new trail might not be the best idea to do on your own unless you are adept at map reading and can easily navigate a new area. Try out new trails with a friend or small group.
Have an emergency kit and plan.
It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit and plan should something unexpected happen. A kit could be as simple as a basic first aid supply bag with bandages, an ankle wrap or brace, antibiotic cream, antiseptic cleaner, Benedryl, and pain relief like ibuprofen. It can also have a whistle, a compass, and a map of your trail. If you don’t have such a kit and would like support creating one, I can help!
Basic skills like using a compass and reading a map are beneficial in case you get lost in the woods. You could also keep a can of mace or pepper spray, especially if hiking alone as a woman. A whistle can be used for an emergency distress call and to alert help to where your location is.
I offer safety classes and hiking skill classes. Check my schedule or contact me with interest.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Make a mental note of how many cars are in the parking lot. How many people do you see around the trailhead or on the trail itself? Does the weather forecast look stable, and do the skies look clear? Take in the sounds, sights, and smells in your mind.
Trust your intuition.
Trust yourself. Trust those feelings if you feel like you need to get away from an area. Your intuition is a powerful guidance system that won’t ever steer you wrong. Trust your gut, your feelings, your body. The body will feel things before the logical mind does. I listen whenever I get that “let’s get out of here” feeling!
