I went on my first night hike a few years ago. It was exciting but mostly I was too nervous and full of anticipation. Every little noise made me jump. I couldn’t help but expect a lion or some other wild animal to jump on me. Even the sound of rustling leaves reminded me of a slithering snake coming towards me. I was terrified. I was afraid of all the negative outcomes that I kept thinking of. I was afraid of people and stray noises.

The woods in night were beautiful but I was certainly not prepared to hike in the woods alone. The fact that I was there without company made me feel outlandish like I did not belong in the woods at night.

But you can have a positive and quite fulfilling experience on the trails at night. The idea is to be prepared for what’s coming and be comfortable with the idea of going on the trails in the dark on your own.

Though my first hike was a scary experience, I did not stop at it. I went on the hike time and time again until I felt like I belonged on the trails at night. The starry night sky became one of my favourite sights.

Here are 6 lessons that I learnt that will help you go on the night hike more confidently.

Keep Your Stomach Full

Eating is the number one secret to a comfortable hike at night. With no shops open, you cannot expect to find an energy bar or bag of chips when you feel lethargic. Keep night time snacks ready with you. Ensure that none is high in sugar because consuming a lot of sugar can make tiredness after the crash intolerable. Energy is exactly what you will need through the hike.

Start Early in the Dark Early-Morning Hours

Instead of going out late at night, try starting early at around 3 am. The distance you cover before the city wakes up will feel like an accomplishment. I like to bank my night hiking in the early hours because this way I do not miss the silence or starry sky and get to watch the sunrise, which for me, is much more hopeful than watching the sunset.

Taking a hike in the morning also feels more comfortable and safer than at post-midnight hours.

Let It Grow on You

When I first hiked at night, it was nothing that I expected. It was more on the scary side than on the positive one. This can happen with you as well. The trick is to not stop there. If you want to get comfortable with night hike, night hike a lot. Make it a part of your hiking routine. You can start an hour before the sunrise or after sunset to inculcate the hike in your routine and attitude.