Sometimes the smartest hiking decision is deciding not to hike at all. Severe weather, unsafe trail conditions, poor preparation, or feeling unwell are all good reasons to postpone your adventure.
I remember planning a hike for weeks, only to wake up that morning to heavy rain and strong winds. I was tempted to go anyway because I'd already packed my backpack and cleared the entire day. In the end, I changed my plans—and later saw reports of difficult conditions in the area. That experience reminded me that the trail isn't going anywhere. There will always be another opportunity to hike.
Knowing when to stay home is just as important as knowing what to pack.
The Short Answer
You should consider postponing a hike when:
- Severe weather is forecast
- Trails are closed or unsafe
- Extreme heat or cold is expected
- You're sick, injured, or unusually exhausted
- You don't have appropriate gear
- You can't safely complete the route before dark
- Wildfire, flooding, or other local hazards are present
Conditions can change quickly outdoors, so always check before setting off.
1. During Severe Weather
Rain alone doesn't necessarily mean you need to cancel a hike, but severe conditions are different.
Avoid exposed or difficult trails when forecasts include:
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning
- Strong winds
- Flash flooding
- Heavy snowfall or dangerous ice
A beautiful viewpoint isn't worth putting yourself in unnecessary danger.
2. When It's Extremely Hot
Very high temperatures can make even familiar trails much more demanding.
Hot-weather hiking increases the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
If extreme heat is forecast, consider choosing a shorter shaded route, starting very early, or postponing the hike.
3. When Trails Are Closed
Never ignore official trail closures or warning signs.
Trails may be closed because of:
- Wildfires
- Flooding
- Landslides
- Fallen trees
- Wildlife activity
- Maintenance
Closures are there for a reason, even when the trail appears fine at the entrance.
4. When You're Not Feeling Well
If you're sick, injured, dizzy, unusually weak, or severely sleep-deprived, a demanding hike probably isn't the best idea.
Hiking requires energy, balance, and good decision-making—particularly on remote or challenging routes.
Sometimes recovery is more important than sticking to your plans.
5. When You Don't Have the Right Gear
A short local walk requires very little equipment, but remote hiking is different.
You may need:
- Enough water and food
- Navigation
- Appropriate footwear
- Weather protection
- Extra layers
- Basic emergency supplies
If you're missing something essential, change your route or hike another day.
6. When You're Starting Too Late
Always consider how much daylight you have available.
Getting caught after dark without proper equipment can turn a straightforward hike into a much more difficult situation.
Plan enough time for:
- Walking
- Breaks
- Unexpected delays
- The return journey
And carry a headlamp on longer hikes, even when you expect to finish before sunset.
7. When Your Instinct Says Something Isn't Right
Sometimes conditions simply don't feel right.
Maybe the weather is deteriorating faster than expected, the river crossing looks stronger than anticipated, or the terrain is beyond your experience level.
Turning around isn't failure. Good hikers know when conditions have changed enough to reconsider the plan.
A Quick Aside About Cancelling a Hike
One thing I've learned is that cancelling a hike can be frustrating, especially when you've been looking forward to it. But I've never regretted postponing an adventure when conditions genuinely looked unsafe. Mountains, forests, and trails will still be there when the weather improves.
My Personal Takeaway
You shouldn't go hiking when the weather, trail conditions, your health, or your preparation make the trip unnecessarily risky. Check forecasts and trail information before leaving, carry appropriate gear, and be willing to change your plans. Sometimes the best outdoor decision you'll make all day is knowing when not to head out.