hiking travel quotes

119 Inspirational Hiking Quotes For Adventurers 2024

Sharing is caring!

From hiking active volcanoes in Guatemala , to spending the weekend walking in Castleton or the Peak District – trekking has always been a favourite pastime of mine.

The best thing about hiking is that no matter your age or experience, there’s always a trail out there for you.

So if you’re looking for some outdoor hiking inspiration, here is my bumper list of the best hiking quotes, by famous naturalists , climbers , explorers , and poets .

Famous Quotes about Hiking

• “The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
• “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” – Unknown
• “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” –  John Muir
• “Hike more, worry less” – Unknown
• “Climb mountains, not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world” – David McCullough Jr
• “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Funny Hiking Captions for Instagram

• “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
• “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir
• “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
• “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills
• “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

Funny Hiking Quotes for Instagram

• “DEET is nature’s cologne.” – Every Hiker
• “Anywhere is ‘within walking distance’.” – Unknown
• “I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” – G.M. Trevelyan
• “Sleeping bags are the soft tacos of the bear world.” – Bears
• “If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.” – Unknown

Mountain Hiking Quotes Funny

• “I like being near the top of a mountain. One can’t get lost here.” – Wislawa Szymborska
• “Happiness and hiking go hand in hand or foot in boot.”  – Diane Spicer
• “Backpacking: An extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.” – Unknown

Trekking Quotes about Life

• “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” – Frank A. Clark
• “If you’re on the right path it will always be uphill”  – Henry B. Eyring
• “Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.” – Anatoli Boukreev
• “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
• “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” – Cindy Ross
• “For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you.” – Unknown
• “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” – Edward Abbey

Top Hike Quotes and Trek Quotes for Instagram

• “We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” – Robert Sweetgall
• On a hike, the days pass with the wind, the sun, the stars; movement is powered by a belly full of food and water, not a noxious tankful of fossil fuels. On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being. A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there’s a big old world out there.
• “Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit” – Unknown
• “The best way out is always through.”  – Robert Frost
• “May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits”  – Harley King

Climbing Quotes for Hiking

• “It’s impossible to walk in the woods and be in a bad mood at the same time.”- Unknown
• “You can’t climb up a mountain, with downhill thoughts.” – Unknown
• “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child
• “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” – Andy Rooney
• “You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves.” –  Lito Tejada-Flores
• “The long-distance hiker, a breed set apart, from the likes of the usual pack. He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail; long gone, long ‘fore he’ll be back.” – M.J. Eberhart

Best Trail Quotes and Trek Captions for Instagram

• “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss
• “Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” – Henry David Thoreau
• “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings.”- Unknown
• “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” –  Henry David Thoreau
• “Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise.” – Carrie Latet
• “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” – G.M. Trevelyan

Inspirational Hiking Quotes

• “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” – Sir Martin Conway
• “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.” – Unknown
• “The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain he is inspired by it.” – William Arthur Ward
• “Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” –  Sonja Yoerg
• “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” – Edward Abbey
• “Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” – Frank Herbert

Mountain Trekking Quotes for Instagram

• “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that mountain.” – Jack Kerouac
• “Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” – Walt Whitman
• “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old – We grow old because we stop hiking.” – Finis Mitchel
• “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” – John Muir
• “Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” – Hermann Buhl
• “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau

Advice and Walking Quotes for Instagram

• “It’s not all about the views from the top of the mountain, there are so many beautiful things you pass on your journey to the top. Appreciate the beauty along your path! – Unknown
• “Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” – Earl Shaffer
• “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.” – Unknown
• “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” – Sir Ranulph Fiennes
• “Fall down seven times and stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

Best Hiking Caption for Instagram and Nature Walk Quotes

• “Remember to turn everything off once a week including your brain and walk somewhere quiet” – Unknown
• “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
• “If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker.” – Unknown
• “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
• “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.” – Amit Kalantri

Hiking Captions about Nature

• “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
• “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
• “I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.” –  Mary Davis
• “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle
• “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
• “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” – Mary Davis

Top Trekking Captions for Instagram

• “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – Unknown
• “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder
• “Keep close to nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – Unknown
• “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” – Unknown

Hiking Instagram Captions

• “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates
• “Let’s wander where the WiFi is weak” – Unknown
• “Leave the roads, take the trails” – Unknown
• “Wonder. Wander. Repeat.” – Unknown
• “It feels good to be lost in the right direction” – Unknown
• “I know I hike like a girl, try to keep up.” – Unknown

Best Hiking Quote and Captions for Trekking

• “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” –  Ed Viesturs
• “Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.” – Henry David Thoreau
• “You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well.” – Terri Guillemets
• “I have a restless spirit. The need to roam and explore this earth is in my soul.” – Unknown
• “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”  – Friedrich Nietzsche
• “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.”  – Jennifer Pharr Davis

Best Hiking Puns and Short Hiking Quotes

• “ I wood never leaf a hiker behind.”
• Hiking with my  birches
• “ Getting to the top of the mountain was such a re-leaf.”
• The hill looked hard at first, but I got over it.
• Actions  peak  louder than words
• Hiking is a  hill  of a lot of fun!
• “ These boots were made for hiking.”
• At times  hike  this, you just have to get outside
• Don’t get your  slopes  up

Hiking with Friends Quotes

• You’ve got to  hike  a balance
• I’ve found the  mountain  of youth — it’s hiking
• I’m all a-boot  that hiking life
• I love hiking — I don’t take it for  granite
• What you were saying about hiking really  peaked  my interest!
• Hiking puns are  hill-arious!
• I went for a hike, now I’m feel  oak-ay
• Gotta keep hiking, come  hill  or high water

Hiking Sayings and Quotes on Trekking

105. “I love walking in the woods, along the trails, by the beaches. I love being part of nature. I love walking alone. It is therapy. One needs to be alone, to recharge one’s batteries.”

106. “If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.”

107. “I walked slowly to enjoy this freedom, and when I came out of the mountains, I saw the sky over the prairie, and I thought that if heaven was real, I hoped it was a place I never had to go, for this earth was greater than any paradise.” — Daniel J. Rice

108. “The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm.” —  John Mackey

Best Caption for Trekking

109. It is therapy. One needs to be alone, to recharge one’s batteries.” —  Grace Kelly

110. “There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” — Alex Lowe

111. “The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir

112. “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

113. “No matter how sophisticated you may be, a large granite mountain cannot be denied – it speaks in silence to the very core of your being.” – Ansel Adams

Mountain Hike Quotes and Hiking Quotes Short

114. “Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person.” – Yvon Chouinard

115. “On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being. A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs, but also reminds us: Wow, there’s a big old world out there.” – Ken Ilgunas

116. “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” — Robert Frost

117. “The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man.” – Harold Allen

118. “Some women want diamonds… others just want a hammock, a campfire and some peace & quiet.”

119. “Hiking side effects include sweating, euphoria and general awesomeness.”

That’s the Best Quotes on Hiking

That’s the end of my bumper list, so I hope you’ve managed to find the perfect hiking quote.

I’d love to know which one is your favourite, and if I’ve missed any great quotes about hiking then please let me know in the comments below.

Love motivational quotes and captions? Check out these travel quotes to inspire you to book your next adventure.

• Mountain Quotes
• Outdoor Quotes
• Explore Quotes
• Best Nature Quotes
• Road Trip Quotes
• Best John Muir Quotes
• Best National Park Captions
• London Quotes
• Miami Quotes
• Arizona Quotes
• California Quotes and Sayings
• Summer Quotes
• Sunrise Captions for Instagram
• Waterfall Quotes
• Sunset Captions
• Best Ocean Captions
• Beach Quotes
• Solo Travel Quotes
• Travel with Friends Quotes
• Funny Travel Quotes
• If you prefer visuals check out my Pinterest board dedicated to Quotes and Captions.

Save these Hikers Quotes to your Pinterest for Later

Similar posts, 110 best colorado quotes and instagram captions 2024.

From the famous Rocky Mountains to the hip capital, Denver, the state of Colorado offers something for everyone.  So if…

200 Best Sea Quotes and Sea Captions That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Ocean 2024

Soft sand, rolling waves, and endless sunshine. What’s not to love? From island hopping in the Philippines to learning to surf in Nicaragua and…

40 Best Edinburgh Quotes and Edinburgh Captions for Your Trip to Scotland 2024

Known for its beautiful castle, the Royal Mile and Arthur’s seat, the historical city of Edinburgh is one of the…

153 Best Sunrise Captions for Instagram 2024

There’s nothing quite like seeing the sky blending from pink to orange, as the sun floats above the horizon. So…

200+ Best Hawaii Quotes for your Aloha State Adventure 2024

Known for its paradise beaches and incredible volcanoes, the vibrant islands of Hawaii are one of the top tourist destinations…

50+ Best Travel Quotes With Friends 2024

Whilst traveling solo or with your partner can be fun, there’s something special about going on a trip with friends….

Wander-Lush

80+ Inspiring Captions & Quotes for Hiking Trips

These short quotes for hiking and poetic trekking captions are inspirational, insightful and perfect for your next social media update from the trail.

Whether you’re embarking on a short day hike or a long trek, there’s no better feeling than setting off into the great unknown on foot.

Hiking is a way to connect with nature and often gives us pause to reflect on our lives and relationships. Majestic mountains and impenetrable woods often stir something deep inside – I know I’m not the only one who’s been lost for words when hiking.

That sense of accomplishment you feel at the end of a tough hike is often hard to put into words – which is where these captions for trekking come in handy.

If you’re searching for the perfect phrase to caption your photo and remember your hike by, then look no further: This list brings together 80+ beautiful hiking Instagram captions and insightful trekking captions, including literary excerpts, famous quotes and time-honoured proverbs.

Copy and paste them to use on your social media next time you set off for an epic hike.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Short hiking captions for Instagram

For those times when you want to upload a quick pic, these short hiking quotes for Instagram and Twitter are poignant and full of meaning.

If you need a bit of extra encouragement at the start of your trek, they also make for great motivators!

“The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.”

– Werner Herzog

“Hiking and happiness go hand in hand (or foot in boot).”

– Diane Spicer

“Where the heart loves, there the legs walk.”

– Maltese Proverb

“Where the signposts end, the trail begins.”

– Marty Rubin

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

“The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls.”

– Lori Lansens

“Hike your own hike.”

– Ben Crawford

“It’s ever so ‘portant how you walk’.”

– A.A. Milne (Winne-the-Pooh)

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.”

– John Muir

“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”

– Henry David Thoreau

“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”

– Steven Wright 

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”

– Mary Davis

“There is wisdom in climbing mountains… For they teach us how truly small we are.”

– Jeff Wheeler

“I know I can’t own a hilltop, a meadow, or a mountainside. But keeping it a secret somehow makes it mine.”

– Joyce Rachelle

“Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains.”

– Jeffrey Rasley

“Throw me to the mountains, I’ll be at peace as long as I live.”

– Shashank Rayal

“Without the energy that lifts mountains, how am I to live?”

– Mirabai

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.”

“Because it’s there.”

– George Mallory ‘s famous mountain quote

“Leave the road, take the trails.”

– Pythagoras

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

– Beverly Sills

“There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.”

– Katelyn S. Bolds

“The pull of the mountain is like gravity for my soul.”

– Heather Day Gilbert

“So easy to go sailing off this road. A wonder more folks didn’t. All that space, waiting.”

– S.M. Hulse

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”

– Friedrich Nietzsche

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

– Sir Edmund Hillary

“Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.”

“Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.”

– Earl Shaffer

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”

“Walking…is how the body measures itself against the earth.”

– Rebecca Solnit

“After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.”

– G.M. Trevelyan

“Clouds come and go, the mountain remains.”

– Meeta Ahluwalia  

“I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

– Robert Frost

“You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.”

– Terri Guillemets

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.”

“The path reveals itself once you start walking.”

– Abhijit Naskar

“Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.”

– Sir Martin Conway

“I was no longer following a trail. I was learning to follow myself.”

– Aspen Matis

Poetic & beautiful quotes for hiking

These longer trekking quotes capture the essence of the trail and distill the wild beauty of nature into a few short sentences.

Many of these next quotes conjure images of wide open meadows and thick forests, never-ending valleys and impossibly tall peaks. These authors have found a way to describe those features of nature we often encounter on a hike that take our breath away.

“The sea tells you everything will be fine. The mountains tell you it doesn’t matter anyway.”

– Adeel Ahmed Khan 

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

“Eat according to the limits of your provisions; walk according to the length of your step.”

– Tibetan Proverb

“It is always the same with mountains. Once you have lived with them for any length of time, you belong to them. There is no escape.”

– Ruskin Bond

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilised people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”

“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.”

“A mountaintop is not simply an elevation, but an island, a world within a world, a place out of place.”

– Paul Gruchow

“…we’re not even really hiking, more like meandering in cinematic light.”

– Kristen Henderson

“In the distance, the Himalayan range flared into fluorescence, as its snowy peaks reflected the moonlight back at the velvet sky, split into half by the shimmering strip of the Milky Way.”

– Kiran Manral

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing views. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”

– Edward Abbey

“There is nothing worse, after days of falling asleep by a babbling brook and waking up to a choir chirping birds, than to go inside a house with insulated walls and an obstructive roof. This tortuous invention, a cage, a box, prevents you from seeing or hearing anything of natural importance. Make time to free yourself and find a bit of nature.”

– Katherine Keith

Beautiful trekking quotes about life & humanity

These hiking sayings draw parallels between trekking and life. Whether it’s summiting a mountain or accomplishing a short walk, we all have our own goals. Each of these passages reflects the different emotions we often feel after a hike and how they relate to life, love and loss.

Hiking is a metaphor for life in many ways, and these words capture that beautifully. Some are short and simple, others are long and lyrical. All are perfect for your next hiking trip to accompany your favourite photos.

If you’re searching for meaning out on the trail, I’m sure these passages will resonate with you.

“ Solvitur ambulando , St. Augustine said. It is solved by walking.”

– Laura Kelly

“None of your knowledge, your reading, your connections will be of any use here: two legs suffice, and big eyes to see with. Walk alone, across mountains or through forests. You are nobody to the hills or the thick boughs heavy with greenery.”

– Frederic Gros

“I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.”

“Nature is one of the most underutilised treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.”

– Dr. Janice Anderson & Kiersten Anderson

“These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here’s where things grow…but of course, without the top you can’t have any sides. It’s the top that defines the sides.”

– Robert M. Pirsig

“The hardest mountain to climb is the one within.”

– J. Lynn

“When you have no companion, look to your walking stick.”

– Albanian Proverb

“On life and peaks it is the same. With strength we win the grail, but courage is the thing we need to face the downward trail.”

– Jacob Clifford Moomaw

“You, who know that all the bruises and scrapes from scrambling and rambling are the best because they remind you of being alive.”

– Madison Perrins

“I firmly believe that everyone deserves to live within walking distance of either beauty or convenience, if not both.”

– Victoria Moran

“We move through this world on paths laid down long before we are born.”

– Robert Moor

“On a hike, the days pass with the wind, the sun, the stars; movement is powered by a belly full of food and water, not a noxious tankful of fossil fuels. On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being…. A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there’s a big old world out there.”

– Ken Ilgunas

“Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints.”

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.”

– Andy Rooney

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”

– Greg Child

“…in the world of mountains, there will always be someone doing something bigger, better, and crazier.”

– Christine Reed

​​”Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion.”

“Climbing a mountain represents a chance to briefly free oneself of the small concerns of our common lives, to strip off non essentials, to come down to the core of life itself. Food, shelter, and friends – these are the essentials, these plus faith and purpose and a deep and unrelenting determination.”

– Mateo Cabello

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.”

“All that is required of you is a willingness to trudge. There is no point in hurrying because you are not actually going anywhere. However far or long you trod you are always in the same place – in the woods. It’s where you were yesterday, where you will be tomorrow.”

– Bill Bryson

“Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.”

– Jennifer Pharr Davis

“Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.”

– Cindy Ross

Travel quotes for hiking trips

Hiking is a wonderful way to discover the world around us on a deeper level. These quotes capture what it means to explore our planet on foot and are perfect for your next hiking holiday.

“Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person.”

– Yvon Chouinard

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”

– John Kerouac

“The only way to understand a land is to walk it. The only way to drink in its real meaning is to keep it firmly beneath one’s feet… Only the walker can form a wider view.”

– Sinclair McKay

“Walking makes the world much bigger and therefore more interesting.”

“But the beauty is in the walking – we are betrayed by destinations.”

– Gwyn Thomas

“If you have not touched the rocky wall of a canyon. If you have not heard a rushing river pound over cobblestones… If you have not seen the tree line recede to the top of a bare crested mountain. If you have not looked into a pair of wild eyes and seen your own reflection. Please, for the good of your soul, travel west.”

– Daniel J. Rice

Funny hiking captions

If you’ve just finished a tough hike, these quotes will lighten the mood and lift your spirits!

“No single mountain ever came to me…so I always go to them.”

– Erik Tanghe 

“Hiking is the only slightly less ugly stepsister of running.”

– Lindy Hughes

“My most memorable hikes can be classified as ‘Shortcuts that Backfired’.”

“Trails are like that: you’re floating along in a Shakespearean Arden paradise and expect to see nymphs and flute boys, then suddenly you’re struggling in a hot broiling sun of hell in dust and nettles and poison oak…just like life.”

– Jack Kerouac

“Hiking is not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.”

– Sonja Yoerg

“There aren’t four seasons in the Rocky Mountains, but three: summer, winter, and mud.”

– C.J. Box

“I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.”

– Noel Coward

“And now it was official: I loved REI more than I loved the people behind Snapple lemonade.”

– Cheryl Strayed ( Wild )

“Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.”

– Ed Viesturs

“Just because ‘these shoes were made for walking’ doesn’t mean that we should use them on any old road.”

– Craig D. Lounsbrough 

“Cover the earth before it covers you.”

– Dagobert D. Runes

“Walking is a virtue, tourism is a deadly sin.”

– Bruce Chatwin

“Some hills are each only a few centimetres short of being a mountain.”

– Mokokoma Mokhonoana

What are your favourite quotes about hiking? I’m not much of a hiker myself, but these words are enough to inspire me to get out on foot and explore this beautiful planet of ours!

More travel quote inspiration

• Inspiring quotes about sunset
• The best solo travel quotes
• Beautiful family travel quotes
• Fun quotes for travelling with friends

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

• Destinations

106 Hiking Captions and Quotes Celebrating the Joys of Exploring the Nature

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hiking is an adventure that offers a sense of freedom, wonder, and connection with nature that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors.

With every step, we feel a sense of accomplishment, as we conquer the challenges of the trail and push ourselves beyond our limits.

In this collection of hiking captions and quotes, we celebrate the joys and challenges of exploring the great outdoors, and the lessons we learn along the way.

You Might Also Like:

148 Amazing MOUNTAIN CAPTIONS and QUOTES for Adventure Seekers

• 1. Top 15 Hiking Captions and Quotes
• 2. Best Hiking Captions and Quotes
• 3. Inspirational Hiking Captions and Quotes
• 4. Short Hiking Captions and Quotes
• 5. Funny Hiking Captions and Quotes
• 6. Intrepid Scout's Favorite Hiking Captions and Quotes

Top 15 Hiking Captions and Quotes

1. “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” — Cindy Ross

2. “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.” — Jennifer Pharr Davis

3. “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” — John Muir

4. “The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls.” — Lori Lansens

5. “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.” — John Muir

6. “My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of church going.” — Aldous Huxley

7. “The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man.” — Harold Allen

91 Inspirational Climbing Mountains Captions and Quotes to Reach New Heights

8. “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” — Mary Davis

9. “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.” — Henry David Thoreau

10. “The mountains whisper for me to wander; my soul hikes to the call.” — Angie Weiland-Crosby

11. “Happiness and hiking go hand in hand or foot in boot.” — Diane Spicer

12. “Trails are routes to remembrance just as they are routes to knowledge.” — T.P. Lye

13. “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” — John Muir

14. “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

15. “Where the heart loves, there the legs walk.” — Maltese Proverb

Best Hiking Captions and Quotes

16. “You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.” — Terri Guillemets

17. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

18. “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand (or foot in boot).” — Diane Spicer

19. “Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” — Henry David Thoreau

20. “I am convinced that the jealous, the angry, the bitter and the egotistical are the first to race to the top of mountains. A confident person enjoys the journey, the people they meet along the way and sees life not as a competition.” — Shannon L. Alder

21. “You can visit the same trail twice, but you’ll never take the same hike twice.”

22. “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

23. “The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” — Henry David Thoreau

104 Epic Waterfall Quotes and Captions for Adventurous Souls

24. “Not all who wander are lost.” — JRR Tolkien

25. “Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit.”

26. “It’s impossible to walk in the woods and be in a bad mood at the same time.”

27. “When we walk into a grove of trees or under an open sky the magic of nature takes over and the heaviness of life lifts a little.” — Natassia Cassinero

28. “I love hiking because it clears your mind, enriches the soul, takes away the stress, and opens up your eyes to a whole new world.” — Claudette Dudley

29. “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery – air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy’.” — Sylvia Plath

30. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” — Rosalia de Castro

31. “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my sense put in order.” — John Burroughs

32. “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old. We grow old because we stop hiking.” — Finis Mitchell

114 Inspiring Lighthouse Captions and Quotes to Brighten Your Path

33. “We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” — Robert Sweetgall

34. “On a hike, the days pass with the wind, the sun, the stars; movement is powered by a belly full of food and water, not a noxious tankful of fossil fuels. On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being. A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there’s a big old world out there.” — Ken Ilgunas

35. “The long-distance hiker, a breed set apart, from the likes of the usual pack. He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail; long gone, long ‘fore he’ll be back.” — M.J. Eberhart

36. “Go out, go out I beg of you and taste the beauty of the wild. Behold the miracle of the earth with all the wonder of a child.” — Edna Jaques

37. “Mountain hikes instilled in me a life-long urge to get to the top of any inviting summit or peak.” — Paul D. Boyer

38. “Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise.” — Carrie Latet

39. “When you’re hiking, there’s no room for anything but the task at hand.” — Bill Bryson

40. “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.” — Jennifer Pharr Davis 

Inspirational Hiking Captions and Quotes

41. “You have to hike up the mountain path to reach the summit. Thinking won’t get you there.” — Marty Rubin

42. “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” — Werner Herzog

43. “Over every mountain, there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” — Theodore Roethke

44. “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” — Sir Martin Convay

45. “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” — Henry David Thoreau

46. “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.” — Steven Wright 

47. “I know I can’t own a hilltop, a meadow, or a mountainside. But keeping it a secret somehow makes it mine.” — Joyce Rachelle

48. “When life gives you Mountains, put on your boots and hike.”

49. “If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.” — Raymond Inmon

218 Ultimate Lake Captions and Quotes for Instagram

50. “Life sucks a lot less when you add mountain air, a campfire and some peace and quiet.” — Brooke Hampton

51. “I was no longer following a trail. I was learning to follow myself.” — Aspen Matis

52. “We move through this world on paths laid down long before we are born.” — Robert Moor

53. “Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.” — Edward Abbey

54. “Go outside. Don’t tell anyone and don’t bring your phone. Start walking and keep walking until you no longer know the road like the palm of your hand, because we walk the same roads day in and day out, to the bus and back home and we cease to see.” — Charlotte Eriksson

55. “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings.” — John Muir

56. “In the woods we return to reason and faith.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

57. “I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm.” — John Mackey

58. “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

59. “I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.” — Mary Davis

60. “Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.” — John Muir

61. “For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you.”

62. “Remember to look up to the stars, not down to your feet.” — Stephen Hawking

63. “Remember to turn everything off once a week including your brain and walk somewhere quiet.”

64. “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark

65. “Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.” — John Ruskin

66. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

Short Hiking Captions and Quotes

67. “Hike More. Worry Less.”

68. “If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.” — Anatole France

69. “Leave the roads, take the trails”

70. “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

71. “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark

72. “If you’re on the right path it will always be uphill.” — Henry B. Eyring

73. “Where the signposts end, the trail begins.” — Marty Rubin

74. “Life is better in hiking boots.”

75. “Hike your own hike.” — Ben Crawford

76. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”

77. “Hiking: the ability to turn an excuse into an accomplishment.”

78. “Living all my dreams on the hiking trail.”

79. “Leave the roads, take the trails.”

80. “Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” — Sonja Yoerg

81. “I know I hike like a girl, try to keep up.”

82. “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” — Gary Snyder

83. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” — Hippocrates

84. “Happiness walks on busy feet.” — Kitte Turmell

85. “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” — Sir Martin Conway

86. “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” — Henry Ward Beecher

87. “I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” — G.M. Trevelyan

88. “The earth has music for those who listen.” — Shakespeare

89. “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” — George Macauley Trevelyan

90. “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.” — Amit Kalantri

91. “Hiking is not just exercise; it’s therapy for the soul.”

92. “I could never resist the call of the trail.” — Buffalo Bill

93. “Walking: the great adventure, the great affair, the infinite pleasure.” — Gary Snyder

Funny Hiking Captions and Quotes

94. “This trail isn’t as flat as it looked on the map.”

95. “There’s nothing but a fine line between ‘hell’ and ‘hill’.”

96. “Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”

97. “You need to change your altitude.”

98. “Fact: Hiking is actually just walking, only on dirt or rocks or other uneven surfaces. Or walking where an animal larger than you can kill and eat you.”

99. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hiking, it’s that the early bird gets the face full of spider webs.”

100. “If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.”

101. “Always hike with someone in worse shape than you. The bears out there will know.” 

102. “DEET is nature’s cologne.” — Every Hiker

103. “If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker.”

104. “Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.” — Ellen Degeneres

105. “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now, and we don’t know where the hell she is.” — Ellen Degeneres

106. “Hiking: the art of slowly walking uphill while being simultaneously happy and miserable.”

Intrepid Scout's Favorite Hiking Captions and Quotes

• “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” — Edward Abbey
• “Walking: the great adventure, the great affair, the infinite pleasure.” — Gary Snyder
• “The choices we make lead up to actual experiences. It is one thing to decide to climb a mountain. It is quite another to be on top of it.” — Herbert A. Simon “
• “I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm.” — John Mackey

More Posts with Quotes and Captions

235 Terrific Family Trip Captions and Quotes (Perfect for Vacation Photos)

299 Gorgeous Tropical Vacation Quotes and Captions (Dreaming About Summer)

247 Autumn Changing Leaves Captions and Quotes (Fall in Love with Autumn)

16 Poems About Travel to Inspire You to See the World

232 Jack-o’-lantern Pumpkin Captions and Quotes for Instagram

218 Ultimate Lake Captions and Quotes for Instagram (+Hashtags)

265 Magical Golden Hour Captions and Quotes

277 Life-Changing Solo Female Travel Quotes (Never Give Up and Be Fearless)

165 Beautiful Cherry Blossom Quotes and Captions

Miles of Memories: Unforgettable 320 ROAD TRIP WITH FRIENDS Captions and Quotes

249 Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY CAPTIONS and QUOTES to Celebrate Freedom

Read All the Posts With Quotes and Captions: 

Quotes and Captions

Did You Find This Useful?

Why not save hiking captions and quotes to your pinterest board.

Now, It Is Your Turn, I Would Like to Hear Back from You!

What is your favorite hiking caption or quote?

Please let me know and I will add it to the list!

• alert('URL copied to clipboard.')).catch(err => console.error('Unable to copy to clipboard.', err))">

Share via Email

20 Must-See Sights and Attractions in Ireland (Your Essential Guide to the Emerald Isle)

14 Delicious Traditional Irish Foods You Must Try During Your Visit to Ireland

Perfect 10-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary (Detailed Map+Tips for Planning)

16 Best Stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive (map+detailed tips)

2 Days in Dublin (15 Top Things You Can't Miss)

14 Tips for First Visit to Dublin to Help You Explore Ireland's Capital

@intrepid.scout

Leave an answer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The company processes your data to facilitate the publication and management of comments. You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion and objection, among others, according to our Privacy policy .

170 Inspiring Hiking Quotes to Fuel Your Adventure

Want to unwind and leave behind your hectic and toxic everyday life? Why not satisfy your cravings by going on a hike? Feeling the fresh air, the sun on your face, and being surrounded by nature can be a very therapeutic experience.

It is true that we now live in an age where we share everything in online. While sharing too much on social media can be overwhelming, it is also an opportunity to share your adventures and the wonderful world of hiking. For you to really get into the mood and truly appreciate nature, some inspiring hiking quotes can really help. 

To get you motivated to go on your next adventure, here are 170 of the best inspiring hiking quotes to fuel your next adventure:

Table of Contents

Inspiring Hiking Quotes

Oftentimes, social media posts are enough to inspire others to try and experience the same amazing journey. Here are some of the best inspiring hiking quotes to help you share your story:

• “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” G.M. Trevelyan
• “Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” Earl Shaffer
• “For those who climb, the answer is both obvious and impossible to explain — the everyday concerns of livelihood, of social standing, overdue bills, and futureless romance all fall away before the vast and overwhelming absolute of the mountain.” Paul Watkins
• “Fresh air is the best for kids AND adults!” 
• “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong” Jennifer Pharr Davis
• “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” John Burroughs
• “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.” Henry David Thoreau
• “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent Van Gogh
• “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
• “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Confucius
• “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Sir Edmund Hillary
• “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” John Muir
• “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” Cindy Ross
• “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
• “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Beverly Sills
• “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” John Muir
• “Walking is a (wo)man’s best medicine” Hippocrates
• “A crude meal, no doubt, but the best of all sauces is hunger.” Edward Abbey
• “A significant fraction of thru-hikers reach Katahdin, then turn around and start back to Georgia. They just can’t stop walking, which kind of makes you wonder.” Bill Bryson
• “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” Mary Davis
• “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau
• “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” Jack Kerouac
• “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.“
• “Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.” John Muir
• “Deep down, at the molecular heart of life, the trees and we are essentially identical.” Carl Sagan
• “Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.”
• “Do you know how fast you are walking? To get a close estimate, count the number of steps you take in a minute and divide by 30… :)” Albina Fabiani
• “Don’t confuse the hike with the destination. The hike is about the sounds, the smells, the sights. It’s a complete sensory experience… But yes, that waterfall is also pretty freaking awesome.”
• “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” Sir Martin Conway
• “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” Andy Rooney
• “Fall down seven times and stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
• “For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you.”
• “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” Ed Viesturs
• “Go out, go out I beg of you And taste the beauty of the wild. Behold the miracle of the earth with all the wonder of a child.” Edna Jaques
• “Go outside, life in storage fades…” Nanette L. Avery
• “Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit.”
• “Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”
• “I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth. Then I ask myself the same question.” Harun Yahya
• “I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.” Mary Davis
• “I go on hikes expecting to see the great outdoors but spend most of the time lost in my own head.”
• “I love going out of my way, beyond what I know, and finding my way back a few extra miles, by another trail, with a compass that argues with the map…nights alone in motels in remote western towns where I know no one and no one I know knows where I am, nights with strange paintings and floral spreads and cable television that furnish a reprieve from my own biography, when in Benjamin’s terms, I have lost myself though I know where I am. Moments when I say to myself as feet or car clear a crest or round a bend, I have never seen this place before. Times when some architectural detail on vista that has escaped me these many years says to me that I never did know where I was, even when I was home.” Rebecca Solnit
• “I love that moment in a hike when you snap to and suddenly realise for the last 10 minutes you’ve not been observing nature but have instead become a part of it.”
• “I used to hike… but then I got a drone.”
• “I’ve never liked loop trails, they rob you of the joy of the return journey.”
• “I’ve never understood hiring Sherpas to claim you’ve conquered Everest. I’d rather climb a –
• “I’ve never understood treadmills when there’s so many trails to hike.”
• “If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.” Raymond Inmon
• “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal.” Paulo Coelho
• “If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.”
• “If you’ve fallen in love with trees, I know your heart” Nanette L. Avery
• “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
• “It feels good to be lost in the right direction.”
• “It had nothing to do with gear or footwear or the backpacking fads or philosophies of any particular era or even with getting from point A to point B. It had to do with how it felt to be in the wild. With what it was like to walk for miles with no reason other than to witness the accumulation of trees and meadows, mountains and deserts, streams and rocks, rivers and grasses, sunrises and sunsets. The experience was powerful and fundamental. It seemed to me that it had always felt like this to be a human in the wild, and as long as the wild existed it would always feel this way.” Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
• “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Sir Edmund Hillary
• “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” – Henry Ward Beecher
• “Jumping from boulder to boulder and never falling, with a heavy pack, is easier than it sounds; you just can’t fall when you get into the rhythm of the dance.” Jack Kerouac
• “Leave the road, take the trails.” – Pythagoras
• “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
• “My idea of hiking is a pub crawl” Kevin Kolenda
• “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” Gary Snyder
• “None of your knowledge, your reading, your connections will be of any use here: two legs suffice, and big eyes to see with. Walk alone, across mountains or through forests. You are nobody to the hills or the thick boughs heavy with greenery. You are no longer a role, or a status, not even an individual, but a body, a body that feels sharp stones on the paths, the caress of long grass and the freshness of the wind. When you walk, the world has neither present nor future: nothing but the cycle of mornings and evenings. Always the same thing to do all day: walk. But the walker who marvels while walking (the blue of the rocks in a July evening light, the silvery green of olive leaves at noon, the violet morning hills) has no past, no plans, no experience. He has within him the eternal child. While walking I am but a simple gaze.” Frédéric Gros
• “Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien
• “Not all who wander are lost.” JRR Tolkien
• “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” Edmund Hillary
• “The mountains are the last place where man can feel truly wild.”
• “Remember to look up to the stars, not down to your feet.” Stephen Hawking
• “Some mountains only require a good pair of shoes. Others require an entire team to conquer. Knowing which is which, is the key to success.”
• “Sometimes it’s so bad it’s good”
• “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” Greg Child
• “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
• “The best views come after the hardest climb”
• “The foot that is restless will tread on a turd.”
• “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu
• “The long distance hiker, a breed set apart, from the likes of the usual pack. He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail; Long gone, long ‘fore he’ll be back.” M.J. Eberhart
• “The sun shines brightest from the peaks of mountains.” 
• “They are able who think they are able.” – Virgil
• “The more you know, the less you need.” – Yvon Chouinard
• “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” Mary Davis
• “Vanity dies on nature trails.”
• “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking.”
• “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old — we grow old because we stop hiking” Finis Mitchell
• “We must get beyond textbooks, go out into bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness of truth and explore and tell the world of our glorious journey” – John Hope
• “We?” “You and me, yes.” “The two of us hiking to Condor Peak? Alone?” “I wasn’t planning on inviting the bear along, but if you think we need a chaperone..” Jenn Bennett
• “Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” Frank Herbert
• “We’re constantly shown the “real world” on our screens but we come face to face with the real world out on the trail.”
• “What a funny world we live in when we won’t turn our phones off but we get excited to see we’ve hiked far enough to lose service.”
• “What on earth would I do if four bears came into my camp? Why, I would die of course. Literally shit myself lifeless.” Bill Bryson
• “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, think about the view from the top.”
• “You can visit the same trail twice but you’ll never take the same hike.” 
• “You Can’t Climb Up A Mountain With Downhill Thoughts.” 
• “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.” Amit Kalantri
• “You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well.” Terri Guillemets
• “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Dr. Seuss

Funny Hiking Quotes

To brighten your day, here are some funny hiking quotes to get you in the mood.

• “Bring a compass. It’s awkward when you have to eat your friends.“
• “Cover the earth before it covers you.” – Dagobert D. Runes
• “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.” Diane Spicer
• “Hiking is not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” Sonja Yoerg
• “Hiking side effects include sweating, euphoria and general awesomeness.”
• “Sleeping bags are the soft tacos of the bear world.” 
• “I might look like I am listening to you, but in my mind, I am hiking.“
• “I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm.” –John Mackey
• “Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” Henry David Thoreau
• “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Sir Rannulph Fiennes
• “Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.” Ellen Degeneres
• “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” Robert Frost
• “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” Werner Herzog
• “We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” Robert Sweetgall
• “Think outside. No box required.”
• “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates
• Are we there yet?
• At times hike these, you just gotta get outside.
• Come hill or high water.
• Don’t peak.
• I’d be lost without my friends (and our GPS).
• Heels < Hiking boots.
• Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is?
• Views? I am the view.
• I love camping. It’s in-tents.
• I tried to move mountains, but they just wouldn’t budge!
• I’m not lost. I’m exploring.
• Leaf all your worries behind 🍃
• Let’s wander where the WiFi is weak.
• Mountain-ing my distance.
• Netflix and chill? More like sunsets on a hill.
• Slow down! Don’t you everest?
• Some people peak in high school. Me? I peak all the time.
• Just lost my terrain of thought.
• The mountain of youth? It’s hiking.

Other Hiking Quotes

Can’t get enough of hiking quotes? Here are some more to help you on your way.

• “A path is a prior interpretation of the best way to traverse a landscape.” Rebecca Solnit
• “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – John Kerouac
• “I like being near the top of a mountain. One can’t get lost here.” – Wislawa Szymborska
• “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “I love walking in the mountains and hearing nothing but the wind playing in the trees.”
• Wild and free — exactly how life should be.
• “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” Rosalia de Castro
• “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the
• “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” Frank A. Clark
• Live your life by a compass, not a clock.
• “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing views. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” Edward Abbey
• “Only one who wanders finds a new path.”
• “The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain he is inspired by it.” – William Arthur Ward
• “The hardest mountain to climb is the one within.” – J. Lynn
• “The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man.” Harold Allen 
• Good things happen to those who hike.
• Took a detour.

Hiking Quotes For Your Instagram Posts

Instagram is a famous social media platform, and what better way to show off your love for hiking than by posting some inspiring quotes? Here are a few ideas:

• “Happiness walks on busy feet.”
• “The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” – Rich Ridgeway
• “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Si’ahl
• “Some women want diamonds… others just want a hammock, a campfire and some peace & quiet.”
• “I hike to burn off the crazy.“
• “Stop following others and create your own path in life.”
• “Let’s wander where the wifi is weak.”

Hiking Quotes for the Adventure Lovers

Hiking is about more than just big views and stunning landscapes. It’s also a way to challenge yourself, push your boundaries, and discover something new about yourself. These quotes are perfect if you need help writing a caption for your most recent adventure.

• “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” Amelia Earhart
• “Not all girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice… some girls are made of adventure and wine and all things fine.”
• “Embrace the detours.” Kevin Charbonneau 
• “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost
• “If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.” Richard Branson
• “Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul.”
• “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” T.S. Eliot
• “You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong.” Sue Fitzmaurice
• “Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person.” Yvon Chouinard
• “There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.” Katelyn S. Bolds
• “Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” David McCullough Jr

Now that you’ve got your hiking quotes, it’s time to get outside and explore! Have fun!

Related Posts

133 Paris Quotes to Ignite Your Wanderlust

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Ah Paris, the wonderful city of love, art, and culture. With its winding…

Read this article »

210 Best Mountain Captions for Instagram

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Mountain photos are often the best way to capture the beauty of nature.…

101 Camping Quotes to Fuel Your Love for the Great Outdoors

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Camping is an incredibly rewarding experience. This offers a chance to escape your…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

The 50 Best Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Adventures

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Hiking and camping has never been more popular than it is now, in the COVID era.

According to the  Washington Post , sales of guides to hiking, camping , and road trips were way up in 2020, especially when compared to the rapid decline in sales of other travel guides.

And with health experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci suggesting on CNN that people seeking an escape should “go out on a trail (and) breathe the fresh air,” it’s a safe bet that hiking will only continue to grow in popularity as the pandemic enters its second year.

As a longtime ecotourism enthusiast, hiking has been one of my favorite activities since I first began exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with my parents as a boy.

Whether hiking in the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina or Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda , Mary and I have always appreciated the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of a good walk through the wilderness.

Now, as more and more people struggle with anxiety and depression due to lockdowns and long-term social distance, organizations such as the Harvard Medical School  and the American Psychological Association are increasingly emphasizing the benefits of spending time in nature.

To fuel your future trekking adventures, here are 50 of the best hiking quotes we could find, from funny and inspirational quotes to classic quotes from conservation icon John Muir.

READ MORE: The 100 Best Inspirational Travel Quotes to Spark Your Next Adventure

Best Hiking Quotes Guide

Classic hiking quotes, funny hiking quotes, inspirational hiking quotes.

• The Best John Muir Quotes

1. “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees” – Henry David Thoreau

2. “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” – Beverly Sills

3. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

4. “Leave the road, take the trails .” – Pythagorus

5. “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” – Henry Ward Beecher

6. “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” – Werner Herzog

7. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates

READ MORE: 10 Eco Lessons in Quotes From The Lorax (Dr Seuss’ Classic)

8. “I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.” – Mary Davis

9. “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

10. “Take only memories, leave only footprints .” – Chief Si’ahl

11. “I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

12. “There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.” – Katelyn S. Bolds

13. “In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle

14. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. Tolkien

READ MORE: My Stupid Mistake While Hiking Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

15. “I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” – G. M. Trevelyan

16. “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand, or foot in boot.” – Diane Spicer

17. “Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path.  By all means, you should follow that.” – Ellen Degeneres

18. “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” – Ed Viesturs

19. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – John Kerouac

20. “I don’t want to write about climbing or talk about it, or photograph it; or think about it; all I want to do is do it.” – Chuck Pratt

21. “If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker.” – A bitter hiker

READ MORE: List of National Parks By State (An Epic Guide to “America’s Best Idea”)

22. “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” – Sir Rannulph Fiennes

23. “I can’t understand why men make all this fuss about Everest – it’s only a mountain.” – Junko Tabei, first woman to climb Everest

24. “ Bring a compass . It’s awkward when you have to eat your friends.” – Unknown

25. “Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is?” – Unknown

26. “Over the mountains & through the woods, down the river & up the valley, over the boulders & through the stream to nobody’s house I go.” – Unknown

27. “Everyone needs someone who will call and say, ‘Get dressed. We’re going on an adventure.'” – Unknown

28.”Some women want diamonds… others just want a hammock, a campfire and some peace & quiet.” – Unknown

READ MORE: Top 20 National Forests in America for Camping & Hiking

29. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop” – Confucius

30. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

31. “Fall down seven times and stand up eight.” – Japanese proverb

32. “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt” – John Muir

33. “They are able who think they are able” – Virgil

READ MORE: The 40 Best Martin Luther King Jr Day Quotes

34. “I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm.” – John Mackey

35. “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing views. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” – Edward Abbey

36. “The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man.” – Harold Allen 

37. “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

38. “Do not look to the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those who look to the horizon.” – Norwegian proverb

39. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine

READ MORE:   The World’s Best Hiking Trails Bucket List

John Muir Quotes  

40. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”

41. “The mountains are calling and I must go”

42. “Another glorious day, that air as delicious to the lungs as nectar to the tongue”

43. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees”

44. “In every walk with nature, one received far more than he seeks.”

45. “Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.”

READ MORE: Hiking the John Muir Trail in California 

46.“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.”

47. “How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!”

48. “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche.” – John Muir

49. “Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.”

50. “Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach.” – All photos via Canva unless otherwise noted

LOOKING FOR GREAT HIKING GEAR?

The 30 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes & Hiking Shoes for Women

The 25 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes & Hiking Shoes for Men

The 30 Best Hiking Backpacks & Daypacks

The Best Backcountry Camping Gear Guide

About the Author

As seen on….

Join the 300,000+ people who follow Green Global Travel’s Blog and Social Media

Hiking Quotes | 150+ of the best hiking captions and quotes

Fresh air almost burning your nostrils. The ground crunching beneath your feet. There’s nothing like a bout of hiking to motivate you, and the great outdoors to inspire a hiking Instagram caption, greeting card or just status update. To help you along, we’ve put together a curated list of the best hiking quotes we could find…

Note: If using these hiking captions and quotes for a public platform (Instagram, Twitter, anything social media really), make sure to credit the source or author if there is one specified.

Top 10 Hiking Quotes

Now we’ve got more than 150 quotes but we had to select what we thought were the best of the lot. Here are the best 10 hiking and walking quotes for your use:

• Anywhere is ‘within walking distance’. Anonymous Hiker
• Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson
• It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. Sir Edmund Hillary
• It’s never too late in life to have a genuine adventure. Robert Kurson
• Let’s wander where the WiFi is weak. Unknown
• Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. John Muir
• Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. S. Eliot
• The best view comes after the hardest climb. Unknown
• The higher you climb on the mountain, the harder the wind blows. Sam Cummings
• Walking is a man’s best medicine. Hippocrates

Popular Hiking Quotes

Now that we’ve covered our top ten, what about other walking quotes, perfect to immortalize a tramping excursion in the trees? Here are a few very popular hiking captions and sayings:

Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Amelia Earhart

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. John Muir

Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac

Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care. Earl Shaffer

Climbing is as close as we can come to flying. Margaret Young

Each fresh peak ascended teaches something. Sir Martin Convay

Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street. William Blake

Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot. Diane Spicer

I like being near the top of a mountain, One can’t get lost here. Wislawa Szymborska

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it. Rosalia de Castro

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees. Henry David Thoreau

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. Raymond Inmon

Heading camping? Here is a list of the best camping captions for Instagram !

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. Frank A. Clark

If you’re going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill

In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous. Aristotle

In every walk with nature, one received far more than he seeks. John Muir

Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. Edward Abbey

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow. Henry David Thoreau

Mountain hikes instilled in me a life-long urge to get to the top of any inviting summit or peak. Paul D. Boyer

Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. Hermann Buhl

No matter how sophisticated you may be, a large granite mountain cannot be denied – it speaks in silence to the very core of your being. Ansel Adams

Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth. Walt Whitman

On a hike, the days pass with the wind, the sun, the stars; movement is powered by a belly full of food and water, not a noxious tankful of fossil fuels. On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being. A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there’s a big old world out there. Ken Ilgunas

Related: The best insta captions

Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits. Cindy Ross

Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb. Greg Child

Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise. Carrie Latet

We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down. Robert Sweetgall

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. Edward Abbey

You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers. Amit Kalantri

You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well. Terri Guillemets

You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves. Lito Tejada-Flores

If you’re wanting to make a real impact on your Instagram engagement, we’d suggest that you look into  Ingramer ! With a full suite of tools, Ingramer acts as an automation partner – essentially the most powerful way to grow your account. It includes hashtag generators, and Instagram Downloader and a Story Viewer that watches other accounts’ stories in a bid to attract them to follow you. With advanced targeting filters and an autobot, this is currently the best growth tool on the market. Sign up here and use SCRIBESMEDIA to save up to 22% on some of the features!

Short Hiking Quotes

If you want to be a little succinct and brief in your quote, why not try one of these short hiking sayings on for size?

Stop following others and create your own path in life. Dani Jay

Take only memories, leave only footprints. Chief Seattle

Hike Your Own Hike . Thru-Hiker

For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you. Unknown

Hiking in undiscovered places is a lot of fun. Karolina Kurkova

Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong. Jennifer Pharr Davis

Hiking is the best workout! You can hike for three hours and not even realize you’re working out. And, hiking alone lets me have some time to myself. Jamie Luner

I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm. John Mackey

The long distance hiker, a breed set apart, from the likes of the usual pack. He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail; Long gone, long ‘fore he’ll be back. M.J. Eberhart

There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest. Alex Lowe

Trekking means a traveling experience with a thrilling excitement. Amit Kalantri

We don’t stop hiking because we grow old. We grow old because we stop hiking. Finis Mitchel

When everything feels like an uphill struggle, Just think of the view from the top. Unknown

When preparing to climb a mountain – pack a light heart. Dan May

I like being near the top of a mountain. One can’t get lost here. Wislawa Szymborska

I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost

Find a waterfall on your hike? Then maybe these waterfall quotes will come in handy!

Inspirational Hiking Quotes About Life

Getting out and about in nature often brings about some self-reflection and thought. To capture that sentiment, we’ve compiled this list of inspirational quotes about hiking and life:

Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit. Unknown

They are able who think they are able. Virgil

It is not death most people are afraid of. It is getting to the end of life, only to realize, that you never truly lived. Prince Ea

Deep down, at the molecular heart of life, the trees and we are essentially identical. Carl Sagan

Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life was meant to be. Steve Pavlina

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed. Mohandas Gandhi

Embrace the detours. Kevin Charbonneau

Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. Ernest Hemingway

Fall down seven times and stand up eight. Japanese Proverb

Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory. Ed Viesturs

I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. Eric Roth

I needed to begin respecting my own body’s boundaries. I had to draw clear lines. Ones that were sound in my mind and therefore impermeable, and would always, no matter where I walked, protect me. Aspen Matis

If everyone in the world took care of each other the way folks do out on the trail, and if everyone approached each day with as much hope and optimism as hikers do, the world would be a better place. Jon Tullis

In the mountains, there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can’t. Rusty Baillie

It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. Sir Edmund Hillary

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Helen Keller

Many climbers become writers because of the misconceptions about climbing. Jonathan Waterman

Mountains are the cathedrals where I practice my religion. Anatoli Boukreev

People don’t take trips, trips take people. John Steinbeck

Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits. Cindy Ross.

Set loose, a child would run down the paths, scramble up the rocks, lie on the earth. Grown-ups more often let their minds do the running, scrambling, and lying, but the emotion is shared. It feels good to be here. David Miller

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu

The more you know, the less you need. Yvon Chouinard

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Beverly Sills

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity. John Muir

Slowness means cleaving perfectly to time, so closely that the seconds fall one by one, drop by drop like the steady dripping of a tap on stone. This stretching of time deepens space. It is one of the secrets of walking: a slow approach to landscapes that gradually renders them familiar. Like the regular encounters that deepen friendship. Frédéric Gros

Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken. Frank Herbert

You Can’t Climb Up A Mountain, With Downhill Thoughts. Zig Ziglar

You lift your head, you’re on your way, but really just to be walking, to be out of doors. That’s it, that’s all, and you’re there. Outdoors is our element: the exact sensation of living there. Frédéric Gros

You won, this time. But you are as big as you are ever going to get. And I’m still growing. Edmund Hillary

Mountain Hiking Quotes

Do you remember that exhilarating feeling after reaching the peak of a mountain? To convey that sense of achievement and remind you of how wonderful it is to break a sweat, try one of these hiking quotes about the mountains:

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. John Muir

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it. Andy Rooney

How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top. Yvon Chouinard

If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain. Unknown

It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe. Robert W. Service

Jumping from boulder to boulder and never falling, with a heavy pack, is easier than it sounds; you just can’t fall when you get into the rhythm of the dance. Jack Kerouac

Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion. Anatoli Boukreev

Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery. John Ruskin

Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was. Dag Hammarskjold

The mountains were there and so was I. Maurice Herzog

There is, of course, a deep spiritual need which the pilgrimage seems to satisfy, particularly for those hardy enough to tackle the journey on foot. Edwin Mullins

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way. Dr. Seuss

Walking in solitude fixes nothing, but it leads you to the place where you can identify the malady—see the wound’s true form and nature—and then discern the proper medicine. Aspen Matis

Adventure Hiking Quotes

Hiking is often about new adventures; that exhilarating feeling when tackling a new trail or hill. We’ve searched high (and low) for the best hiking quotes on adventure:

Adventure is a path. Real adventure, self-determined, self-motivated, often risky, forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. Mark Jenkins

Adventure is allowing the unexpected to happen to you. Richard Aldington

You can’t find happiness at the end of your journey if you didn’t bring it with you all along. Katrina Mayer

Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life. John Amatt

Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. Bob Bitchin

If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority. Richard Branson

Not all who wander are lost. JRR Tolkien

Only one who wanders finds a new path. Norwegian Proverb

Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person. Yvon Chouinard

Remember that time spent on a rock climb isn’t subtracted from your life span. Will Niccolls

The danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort. Paulo Coelho

The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain he is inspired by it. William Artur Ward

You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. Dr. Seuss

The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask. Rich Ridgeway

A person susceptible to ‘wanderlust’ is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation. Pico Iyer

A vagrant is everywhere at home. Martial

To travel, to experience and learn: that is to live. Tenzing Norgay

Hiking Quotes About Nature

Hiking is often about seeing the natural beauty of the world – exploring forests, coming across exotic flowers and marvelling at icy blue lakes and peaks. Try one of these nature quotes about hiking on for size, or try out entire list of outdoor quotes here !

Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world. John Muir

The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir

A walk in nature walks the soul back home. Mary Davis

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. John Burroughs

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. Henry David Thoreau

If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet. Rachel Wolchin

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. Robert Louis Stevenson

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. Gary Snyder

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. Frank Lloyd Wright

The end of all exploring will be to arrive where you started and know the place for the first time. T.S. Elliot

Related: The best outdoor hashtags

Quotes About Walking

Not every hike has to be a struggle – sometimes you can just take a leisurely walk. Whether you need a solo travel quote for your wandering walk, or sharing your trek with friends, try one of these great walking quotes:

After a day’s walk everything has twice its usual value. George Macauley Trevelyan

It feels good to be lost in the right direction. Unknown

My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing. Aldous Huxley

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. Albert Camus

The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. Eleanor Roosevelt

Think while walking, walk while thinking, and let writing be, but the light pause, as the body on a walk rests in contemplation of wide open spaces. Frédéric Gros

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles. Mary Davis

You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. Sue Fitzmaurice

Relaxing Hiking Quotes

While hiking might be a really rigorous activity, it also teaches us to slow down and take things in. To take your time to smell the fragrant breeze emanating from the trees, and drink in the beauty of the forest, while trying out one of these sayings:

Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints. Frédéric Gros

Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains. John Muir

I walked slowly to enjoy this freedom, and when I came out of the mountains, I saw the sky over the prairie, and I thought that if heaven was real, I hoped it was a place I never had to go, for this earth was greater than any paradise. Daniel J. Rice

Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul. Jaime Lyn Beatty

Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain. Richard M. Nixon

Remember to turn everything off once a week including your brain and walk somewhere quiet.

The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. Rachel Carlson

Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. John Muir

Funny Hiking Quotes

We’ve also added a little humour to the list, because sometimes you just need a laugh, especially after a long hike ?. Check out these funny hiking quotes for Instagram, or even our full guide to funny captions :

A crude meal, no doubt, but the best of all sauces is hunger. Edward Abbey

DEET is nature’s cologne. Every Hiker

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee. Demetri Martin

Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty. Sonja Yoerg

Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it. Sir Edmund Hillary

Sleeping bags are the soft tacos of the bear world. Bears

If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker. A Bitter Hiker

I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. G.M. Trevelyan

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Sir Rannulph Fiennes

Bonus: Using Hiking Quotes For Instagram

Now we don’t know why you’ve landed on our article featuring the best hiking quotes but if, for any reason, its for Instagram, then you’re in luck! We’re avid grammers who love finding the right content and pushing engagement!

We thought it might be worth dropping a few tips on how to increase engagement on your hiking Instagram captions.

Hiking Captions

We’ve given you over a hundred quotes to use in your caption but that’s not where it should end! You should definitely think about how to increase engagement on your caption and we suggest 3 things:

• Use lots of emojis! People love emojis on Instagram so try to drop in at least 5 or 6
• Ask a question of your audience. This is an easy tip since people like to answer questions, so you’ll increase the comments on your post. Something as simple as: ‘Where is your favourite hiking trail?’ might work here.
• Keep it short. People don’t really love very lengthy captions, so try to keep it brief.

Hiking Hashtags

Have you considered the right hashtags to use? Try our outdoor hashtags like, or go and find the right ones on a tool like All Hashtag . More than that, we have a full guide on how to use hashtags effectively, called the Instagram Hashtag Cheat Sheet, which you should try out!

Now hashtags might not be as important as they used to be but they are still critical if you want to improve the ‘reach’ on your posts. We’ve actually got a comprehensive guide for hashtags in our Instagram Hashtag Cheat Sheet .

Hiking Feature Accounts

Ever heard of a repost account? These are large Instagram accounts that feature the best photographs in their niche, and there are actually heaps of nature and landscape ones out there!

If you think your picture is good enough for a feature, then head over to our Guide to Getting Featured on Instagram and read our tips on how to make it happen.

Did you enjoy our article on the best quotes and hiking captions for Instagram? Let us know in the comments, and also check out more of our Instagram guides here !

Do you have a favourite? Ours is definitely this John Muir quote: Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.

Want to save this for later? Then why not pin it…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Website URL

Follow on Pinterest

Where are we now?

London, England

Our Favourite Post

A Beijing Itinerary | 4 days in China’s bustling capital

Beijing is massive. Third largest city in the world kind of massive. So how do you fit all that you need to see in the ancient city, formerly known as Peking? Well, we hope that…

110 Epic Hiking Quotes (With Pics!) for Adventure Lovers

Who doesn’t love reading hiking quotes to feel inspired? Motivational hiking and trekking quotes can mentally prepare you for your next adventure, feeding your wanderlust and making you fall in love with the great outdoors. After all, it’s not just the mountain or the majestic views at the summit that are worthwhile — it’s also the journey you take to get there!

Before you pack your bags and hit the trails, check out these best quotes about hiking and trekking that have sparked a passion in millions of travelers over the world. Set your sights on these words of wisdom below!

Table of Contents

Top inspirational hiking and trekking quotes  

So, what are you waiting for? Adventure calls! Find the courage and motivation you need from these epic quotes about hiking and trekking. Don’t forget to pin the quotes or download the images on your mobile phone, so they can inspire you any time of the day! 

Hiking quotes by John Muir

Known as the “Father of National Parks,” John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist who was responsible for the preservation of Yosemite Valley and the Sequoia National Park in the United States. Even to this day, John Muir’s words remind us to deepen our connection with nature and treat the environment with the respect that it deserves. 

Let’s breathe in the fresh air of the mountains together with these hiking quotes from John Muir! 

The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir

Have you ever felt the pull of the mountains beckoning to you? Already, my mind is racing with visions of glorious landscapes and mountain peaks rising  above the clouds! When the mountains are calling out to me in all their splendour, I dare not refuse. 

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. John Muir

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees . John Muir

All that the sun shines on is beautiful, so long as it is wild. John Muir

Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action. John Muir

Mountains are an antidote to numbness, apathy, and fear. Every time I feel myself hesitating on something I really want to do, I look at hiking quotes like this one by John Muir and ask myself, “How long will I wait until I do the thing I really want to do most?” 

Then I’m inspired to become more proactive with my life. Mountains spark my curiosity, encourage me to chase my dreams, and motivate me to leave behind the comforts of home in search of something far greater. 

Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. John Muir

One day’s exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books. John Muir

In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir

Nature has the power to soothe, heal, and restore even the weariest of souls. And it’s always within reach, whether you live in a bustling city or the countryside. 

Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter. John Muir

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity. John Muir

I think we can all relate to this feeling of burnout or weariness from the world. The cure for this disenchantment is to come home to the mountains, where our senses are awakened and our eyes are opened to a world of wonder. 

We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. John Muir

 I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news. John Muir

John Muir hit the nail right on the head when he confessed he has to escape society in order to avoid the cycle of money-making. When all is said and done, I’m not going to waste any time reminiscing about all the hours I spent working at the office. No, I’m going to remember the times in my life when I had adventures. And I can’t wait to find more! 

Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. John Muir

Human beings are supposed to be immersed in the world, rather than merely existing on the planet without interacting with nature at all. Our bodies thrive in the mountains, where we can find solace and clarity amidst the frantic chaos of life.  

Between every two pines, there is a doorway to a new world. John Muir

And into the forest I go, to lose myself and find my soul. John Muir

The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark. John Muir

What can we learn from these beautiful hiking quotes from John Muir? His words are a sobering reminder of the limited time we have on earth. It’s a big world out there, and there are so many places that we have yet to see, so many places worth exploring! Let’s make every minute of our lives count, shall we? 

Trekking quotes by Edmund Hillary

If anyone knows a thing or two about mountain climbing, it’s Sir Edmund Hillary. An accomplished mountaineer and explorer from New Zealand, he was the first climber to reach the peak of Mount Everest and make it back down safely, setting an important milestone for adventurers everywhere. 

Why not take a page from this remarkable man’s life? Let these hiking quotes by Edmund Hillary blow you away with their insight and wisdom!  

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. Edmund Hillary

Mountains allow us to face our fears of heights head on, but they can also reveal an inner strength we may not have known we had all along. In climbing any mountain, we seek to reach the peak and catch a stunning view at the summit. But in the process, we find ourselves rising to meet the trials ahead, conquering the weaknesses that are holding us back. 

When you go to the mountains, you see them and you admire them. In a sense, they give you a challenge, and you try to express that challenge by climbing them. Edmund Hillary

Despite all I have seen and experienced, I still get the same simple thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow in a high mountain gully and feel the same urge to climb towards it. Edmund Hillary

Even though Edmund Hillary has already scaled the highest mountain in the world, he still finds joy in encountering new ones to climb. The excitement of seeing patches of snow on other mountains is what motivates him to keep setting new goals for himself. 

Likewise, I can never forget the joy of seeing my first mountain, nor will I ever get tired of the sunlight breaking through the clouds and touching the forest. That feeling of discovery is something I look forward to in all of my hikes. Honestly, it never gets old! 

Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it. Edmund Hillary

Life’s a bit like mountaineering — never look down. Edmund Hillary

Take Edmund Hillary’s advice on life: It’s normal to want to look back on the past to see the distance you’ve covered. But don’t ruin your future by second-guessing your decisions or doubting how far you’ve come. You can’t give up now, because you still have so much farther to go! 

Hiking quotes by Henry David Thoreau

Nobody knew the pleasures of walking better than the American writer Henry David Thoreau. He wrote a series of essays compiled into a book entitled Walden; or, Life in the Woods , where he reflected on his experiences of living in the woods in Massachusetts and communing with nature. If you’re thinking of taking a hiking trip in the woods soon, read about Thoreau’s discoveries in the quotes below! 

An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. Henry David Thoreau

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees. Henry David Thoreau

In my afternoon walk, I would fain forget all my morning occupations and my obligations to society. Henry David Thoreau

Don’t we all want to break away from the monotony of work sometimes? I can definitely relate to this feeling of wanting to escape my responsibilities for a while. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours, hiking can benefit your health – both physically and mentally. The more time I spend outdoors, the more I can feel my worries and concerns fade away. And if a short walk can accomplish this much, just imagine what a hiking trip could do!

When we walk, we naturally go to the fields and woods: what would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall? Henry David Thoreau

I am astonished at the power of endurance, to say nothing of the moral insensibility, of my neighbors who confine themselves to shops and offices the whole day for weeks and months, aye, and years almost together. Henry David Thoreau

When we live in such a fast-paced society, it’s easy to get carried away with routines and lose sight of the things that really matter. Even worse, we forget to step outside the confines of our offices, thinking that this back-breaking cycle of work is all that life has to offer. Such a waste, isn’t it? 

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. Henry David Thoreau

Truly, it’s quotes like these from Henry David Thoreau that bring us back to our roots as human beings. Even without realizing it, we can become so absorbed with material objects or worldly possessions that we forget how to live simply and purposefully. “To live deliberately,” as Thoreau suggests, is about returning to a peaceful and mindful lifestyle that can only be found in the midst of nature. By eliminating modern distractions and superficial things we don’t really need, we learn that we can survive on what we already have. 

We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success . Henry David Thoreau

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. Henry David Thoreau

If you would get exercise, go in search of the springs of life. Henry David Thoreau

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. Henry David Thoreau

What I find so moving about these quotes from Henry David Thoreau is that they encourage everyone to find peace and contentment in the world today. These words of wisdom remind us to slow down a little, take in our surroundings, and celebrate each season in life as it comes. We must learn to be content with what we have. 

Beautiful walking quotes to inspire you

Fresh morning air and scenic paths are waiting for you outside your doorstep. Anytime you want to slow down and take a breather, why not enjoy a leisurely walk and smell the roses along the way? Take a walk on the wild side with these walking quotes below! 

If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads . Anatole France

Take comfort in the act of wandering for its own sake, ambling around the path and stumbling upon many beautiful sights around you. You never know what could be waiting for you right around the corner! 

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. Steven Wright

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. Raymond Inmon

I love walking because it clears your mind, enriches the soul, takes away stress, and opens your eyes to a whole new world. Claudette Dudley

I just love how Claudette Dudley describes the healing and therapeutic benefits of walking. Indeed, the daily practice of walking can help you immerse in nature’s beauty, refresh your mind and body, and set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen. Frédéric Gros

Walking in the woods, I felt in touch with the universe and with the spirit of the universe. Alice Walker

I walked slowly to enjoy this freedom, and when I came out of the mountains, I saw the sky over the prairie, and I thought that if heaven was real, I hoped it was a place I never had to go, for this earth was greater than any paradise. Daniel Rice

After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value. George Macauley Trevelyan

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

As Ralph Waldo Emerson says in this quote, walking gives us the freedom and independence to choose our own adventures. Plus, who knows? Maybe that path will also lead others to follow in our footsteps too! 

Inspiring hiking quotes for your next adventure

What is it about the mountains that inspire us? Is it their dizzying heights and their lofty peaks touching the heavens? Or is it the constant reminder of what waits for us at the highest point, the rush we get when we’re at the top of the world? 

Whether you’re planning your next hiking trip or looking for a source of wanderlust, check out these hiking quotes below! 

Great things are done when men and mountains meet. William Blake

For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you. Carl Sagan

Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery. John Ruskin

Although I deeply love oceans, deserts, and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with that sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty. Victoria Erikson

Victoria Erikson describes this irresistible pull that mountains have on people. With their vast magnitude and sweeping views, mountains can’t help but lure human beings with their aura of mystery, practically inviting us to climb them! 

The greatest gift of life on the mountain is time. Time to think or not think, read or not read, scribble or not scribble—to sleep and cook and walk in the woods, to sit and stare at the shapes of the hills. Phillip Connors

I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronize to that rhythm. John Mackey

On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being. Ken Ilgunas

Hiking is a defiant attempt to feel more like a person and less like a machine, just slaving away at an endless stack of tasks. We should never forget who we are beyond our daily grind. After all, we are working to live — not the other way around. 

Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me — I am happy. Hamlin Garland

The mountains themselves call us into greater stories. Donald Miller

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books. John Lubbock 

Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong. Jennifer Pharr Davis

One of the most honest and beautiful hiking quotes I’ve read is this saying by Jennifer Pharr Davis. While many people see hiking as a way to escape reality, she sees it as a return to normalcy, embracing a way of life that has been forgotten and even taken for granted. It’s posing a challenge to the world and asking the question: Why do we live at all, if not to admire and experience this beautiful world we live in? 

Only mountains can feel the frozen warmth of the sun through snow’s gentle caress on their peaks. Munia Khan

I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’ Sylvia Plath

A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it’s curved like a road through mountains. Tennessee Williams 

Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac

This is probably one of my favourite hiking quotes of all time. American author and poet Jack Kerouac makes one hell of a point: All this time we’ve spent working and toiling away under the sun? We’re not even going to remember it. At the end of the day, what we’re going to cherish are the experiences that made us feel alive. 

So, if there’s something you’d like to do, then go for it. Take that camping trip, sign up for that new class, pack your bags to another country, or plan that cross-country trip you’ve always wanted to try. 

Me? I’m going to “climb that goddamn mountain.”

Epic mountain trekking quotes

Trekking is an incredible way to see mountains on foot. Mountain trekking quotes like the ones below teach us how to value every single step of the journey, no matter how distant or far away our goals may appear at the moment. 

Planning on going mountaineering or trekking someday? These are the best trekking quotes for pushing yourself to the limits and conquering new heights! For more options, check out another article with 70+ quotes about mountains .

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. Barry Finlay

You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves. Lito Tejada-Flores

Just as different factors can change mountains over the years— the landscape, the weather conditions, the new paths winding around the mountain — we can never have the same hiking experience twice. We, too, have become different people since our last climb. For this reason, there’s always something new and wonderful to discover with each hike! 

Everybody wants to reach the peak, but there is no growth on the top of a mountain. It is in the valley that we slog through, the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life’s next peak. Andy Andrews 

Each fresh peak ascended teaches something. Sir Martin Conway

The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters. Conrad Anker 

Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was. Dag Hammarskjold

Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you. David McCullough Jr.

This is such a great quote from David McCullough Jr., who believes that climbing a mountain shouldn’t just be for achievement’s sake. Rather, it’s about seeing the world from a different angle. Hiking quotes like these can make us feel humbled in all the right ways, don’t you think?

It had nothing to do with gear or footwear or the backpacking fads or philosophies of any particular era or even with getting from point A to point B. It had to do with how it felt to be in the wild. With what it was like to walk for miles with no reason other than to witness the accumulation of trees and meadows, mountains and deserts, streams and rocks, rivers and grasses, sunrises and sunsets. The experience was powerful and fundamental. It seemed to me that it had always felt like this to be a human in the wild, and as long as the wild existed it would always feel this way. Cheryl Strayed

Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits. Cindy Ross

Heading back down the mountain can be a humbling experience. After such a wonderful adventure, I can’t help but feel like I’ve outgrown my old self, as if all the past routines and habits of my life are no longer suited to this new person I’ve become. That’s the great thing about hiking. It pushes you beyond your limits and lets you see all the ways in which you’ve evolved. 

Jungle trekking quotes to fuel your wanderlust

Care to get away for a forest hike? These are the best trekking quotes for when you’re deep in the jungle, hearing the leaves rustle and navigating the lush greenery in the woods. Plan your next outdoor trip with these jungle trekking quotes, which will have you dreaming about fresh air and serene groves soon enough! 

There is always an adventure waiting in the woods. Katelyn S. Bolds

It is said that the forest has a certain limit if you look straight ahead, but the sides are boundless. Riccardo Bozzi

If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet. Rachel Wolchin

Human beings aren’t meant to spend their entire lives in an office cubicle, slumped in front of a computer or staring lifelessly at walls. No, we’re meant to stretch our legs and roam freely in open spaces! Anytime you feel suffocated, don’t forget to take a leaf-filled walk to the nearest park or forest and bask in nature’s embrace. It will always welcome you back.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. Edward Abbey

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. Robert Louis Stevenson

I’m always astonished by a forest. It makes me realize that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn. Gunter Grass

It’s not just mountains that can leave us speechless. Forests, too, can humble us with their old giant trees, colourful and exotic flora, and incredibly diverse wildlife. Boasting a wide array of species and creatures, forests can defy our expectations and leave us surprised with each visit. We realize that we still know so little about the world we live in. 

The wilderness holds answers to questions we have not yet learned to ask. Nancy Wynne Newhall

After all this time questioning whether I could trust myself, my instinct had proven right — I’d found a path in pathless woods. Aspen Matis

Standing in the middle of a forest, I’m overcome with a sense of peace and wonder. Here, I find the confidence to carve my own path and venture deeper into the woods, ready to take on any challenge. 

Funny hiking quotes to make you laugh

Hiking doesn’t have to be all serious all the time, so don’t forget to relax and enjoy the little things too! If you’re an easygoing hiker who can roll with the punches and poke fun at mishaps along the way, these funny hiking quotes will definitely leave a smile on your face. Might we say they’re pretty relatable, too?

If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk. Hippocrates

I can’t argue with that logic! Every time I feel stressed, I find that taking a walk outside really helps to clear my head and see things from a better perspective. 

Camping: The art of getting closer to nature while getting farther away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower, and flush toilet. Anonymous

 Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path.  By all means, you should follow that. Ellen DeGeneres

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hiking, it’s that the early bird gets the face full of spider webs. Anonymous

You need mountains. Long staircases don’t make good hikers. Amit Kalantri

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee. Demetri Martin

We don’t stop hiking because we grow old — we grow old because we stop hiking. Finis Mitchell

Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is? Anonymous

We like this hiking quote so much that we’re going to use it as the answer for everything!

Trekking quotes for you and your friends

From my experience, a long journey is always better when you’re travelling with great company and people you vibe with! These quotes about trekking with friends will help you treasure your companions and appreciate them in a new light. And, hey, you might even feel like meeting new travel buddies along the way! 

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. Tim Cahill

Mountains remind us that human connections are just as important as the milestones we achieve. As much as I love travelling solo, there’s something to be said for the fun and shenanigans involved anytime I join my friends on a hiking trip! Not only do we grow closer to each other, but we also get to understand each other more and help each other grow in meaningful ways. 

You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well. Terri Guillemets

I just wanna kick it in the woods with my birches. Anonymous

I love to sit on a mountain top and gaze. I don’t think of anything but the people I care about and the view. Julian Lennon

Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures. Lovelle Drachman

Happiness is hiking with friends. Anonymous

More than bonding on the trail, trekking with friends is an incredible way to create lasting memories and discover new places together. You just know that your friends will be there for you and have your back every step of the way! 

If everyone in the world took care of each other the way folks do out on the trail, and if everyone approached each day with as much hope and optimism as hikers do, the world would be a better place. Jon Tullis

It’s simple and heartfelt trekking quotes like these that remind me to be grateful about my personal relationships. Whether it’s helping fellow hikers on the road or simply making a hiking trip with friends happen, the strong ties of community make the world a kinder place to live in.

Best trekking captions for Instagram

Before you search for the best trekking places online, you might also want to look up a caption for trekking to match your gorgeous mountains photos. If you’re searching for trekking captions for Instagram or your social media accounts, these quotes will liven up your feed. More importantly, they can help you create eye-catching posts that will inspire your followers! 

Jobs fill your pocket. Adventures fill your soul. Jaime Lyn Beatty 

Need I say more? Collecting new experiences is one of the best things about exploring the great outdoors. Sure, a job can be great for saving money and buying possessions, but it will never take the place of adventure.

Climbing is as close as we can come to flying. Margaret Young

There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.   Alex Lowe

May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits. Harley King 

And if someday, my sons ask, “Dad, why did you choose to climb?” Smiling, I’ll reply, “I climbed so you could fly.” Mekael Shane 

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. Gary Snyder

When you finally witness that breathtaking sunrise on top of the mountain, you can use this caption to compliment your stunning photograph. These words will highlight the beauty of the scenery, while drawing attention to the detail that nature is, in fact, a place we can always call home.  

Motivational trekking quotes to change your life

Here’s what mountains can teach us about life’s most important lessons. More than fueling your love for the mountains, these motivational hiking and trekking quotes can also inspire you to achieve your dreams and reach your full potential. After all, there might be other mountains or challenges you’re facing right now. Read these encouraging sayings to get you pumped and excited about making new changes in your life! 

The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain, he is inspired by it. William Arthur Ward

Sometimes we need mountains to remind us that not everything in life is a race with a finish line. Mountains teach us that it’s more important to pace ourselves and take note of our progress. Instead of obsessing over milestones or comparing track records with other hikers, we should respect and follow the pace that’s comfortable for us. This way, we can take comfort in the small victories and triumphs we’ve accomplished. 

Mountains are only a problem when they are bigger than you. You should develop yourself so much that you become bigger than the mountains you face. Idowu Koyenikan

If you want to train for big mountain endeavors, spend time in big mountains. Jimmy Chin

I like what Jimmy Chin is saying with this quote. You’re never going to get anywhere if you always dream small and stay within your comfort zone. But if you set new goals and work on yourself a little every day, you’ll be ready to take your hiking adventures to the next level! 

The choices we make lead up to actual experiences. It is one thing to decide to climb a mountain. It is quite another to be on top of it. Herbert A. Simon 

When you scale a mountain, you have to leave your ego at home. Anthony Hincks

Accidents on big mountains happen when people’s ambitions cloud their good judgment. Good climbing is about climbing with heart and with instinct, not ambition and pride. Bear Grylls 

Famous adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls acknowledges that fatal accidents can sometimes happen when people use mountains for their own gain and glory. Sadly, this is a common pitfall of many hikers who underestimate the risks of mountain climbing, especially when all they really want is a photograph they can brag about. Cautionary hiking quotes like these remind us that we should never sacrifice our personal safety.

There’s no glory in climbing a mountain if all you want to do is to get to the top. It’s experiencing the climb itself — in all its moments of revelation, heartbreak, and fatigue — that has to be the goal. Karyn Kusama

Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb. Greg Child

Over every mountain, there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley. Theodore Roethke 

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it. Rosalia de Castro

As someone who likes to plan her itinerary ahead of time, I know how nerve-wracking it can be when you have to confront your fear of uncertainty. Maybe you’re facing a major decision or a fork in the road — a new career path or a different country that seems to be calling out to you — and you’re not sure what lies ahead. 

But just like making your way through a forest with nothing but a flashlight, you can take it one step at a time. Trust your instincts, then enjoy the mystery of where this path will bring you.

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. Frank A. Clark 

Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost. Erol Ozan

It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe. Muhammad Ali

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it. Andy Rooney

Mountains know secrets we need to learn. That it might take time, it might be hard, but if you just hold on long enough, you will find the strength to rise up.” Tyler Knott 

Mountains impart to us the values of endurance, resilience, and patience. They teach us what it means to go the distance and defy the odds, no matter how challenging the trails appear to be. In the midst of life’s difficulties, we can find the inner strength and courage we need to press on, keep walking, and push ourselves to give our very best.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver

As the poet Mary Oliver says, it’s up to you to decide what to do with your life at this present moment. Will you take the next step in chasing your goals and dreams? What kind of adventure will you be embarking on next? Right now, you have all the time in the world to enjoy the blessings of Mother Nature and live your life to the fullest. How will you choose to spend it?

With that, you’re ready to hit the trails! I hope you enjoyed reading these inspirational hiking and trekking quotes! Move on next to our quotes about waterfalls or long drives and road trips .

Epic hiking quotes for adventure lovers – Pin it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2024 Hey Explorer

Stock images by Depositphotos

• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Full Time Explorer

Nepal Travel Blog

50 Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure

Travel Tips for Nepal , Trip Planning for Nepal / September 5, 2020 by fulltimeexplorer / 2 Comments

Hiking and trekking can be daunting to say the least. You look at the path ahead of you and wonder if you’ll ever make it. Something I always remind myself is that you just need to take one more step, and if you tell yourself that enough times, you’ll arrive whereever you’re going! But, when I’m really struggling, I like to know a few good hiking quotes to keep me moving. Some of these hiking quotes are motivational. Some are thought provoking. And some are just plain funny because who couldn’t use a laugh after walking for hours. Check out my favorite hiking quotes below…

“A flat trail never made a skilled hiker.” – Unknown

“The way up to the top of the mountain is always longer than you think. Don’t fool yourself, the moment will arrive when what seemed so near is still very far” – Paulo Coelho (Brazilian Author)

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” – Mary Davis (Irish Social Entrepreneur)

“After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” – G.M. Trevelyan (British Historian)

“And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling.” – Unknown

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time spent working in the office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddam mountain.” – Jack Kerouac (American Novelist)

“Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” – Earl Shaffer (American Outdoorsman)

“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” – David McCullough (American Author)

“Do not look to the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those who look to the horizon” – Norwegian Proverb

“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing” – Barry Finlay (Author)

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while climbing it.” – Andy Rooney (American radio and television writer)

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” – William Blake (English Poet)

“Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.” – Demetri Martin (American Comedian)

“I am at home among the trees.” J.R.R. Tolkien (English Writer)

“I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.” – Unknown

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” – Henry David Thoreau (American Poet)

“I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.” – Cheryl Strayed (American Author)

“I’d rather be hiking in the rain than sitting inside at a desk on a sunny day.” – Unknown

“I’m not lost, I’m exploring.” – Jana Stanfield (Musical Artist)

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand Mountaineer)

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle (Greek Philosopher)

“Keep going, because you did not come this far just to come this far.” – Unknown

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir (Scottish-American Mountaineer)

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius (Chinese Philosopher)

“Live your life by a compass not by a clock.” – Stephen Covey (American Educator)

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein (German Theoretical Physicist)

“May your time in nature lead you to yourself.” – Shikoba

“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” – Hermann Buhl (Austrian Mountaineer)

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder (American Poet)

“Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost; and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.” – Ellen DeGeneres (American Comedian)

“Nothing adventured. Nothing attained.” – Peter McWilliams (American Author)

“Nothing against walk-in closets, but I’d rather walk in the woods.” – Shad Harrington (Author)

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir (Scottish-American Mountaineer)

“Only one who wanders finds a new path.” – Norwegian Proverb

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S. Eliot (American-British Poet)

“Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” – Cindy Ross (Author)

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child (Australian Author)

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.” – Unknown

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu (Chinese Philosopher)

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir (Scottish-American Mountaineer)

“The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.” – Conrad Anker (American Rock Climber)

“The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.” – Louis L’Amour (American Novelist)

“The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask.” – Nancy Newhall (American Writer)

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills (American Singer)

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss (American Author)

“Trekking is not a date; it’s an endurance test. If you can survive trekking with someone, you should marry them on the way home.” – Unknown

“What a glorious greeting the sun gives the mountains.” – John Muir (Scottish-American Mountaineer)

“When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.” – Banksy (Street Artist)

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey (American Author)

“You need special shoes for hiking… and a bit of a special soul as well.” – Unknown

You might also like…

Michelle della giovanna.

Writer at Full Time Explorer

I’m just your average New Yorker who quit her job in the fashion industry to explore the world. Come find out what it’s like to trade in five-inch heels for squat toilets.

• Visit Twitter account (opens in a new tab)
• Visit Facebook account (opens in a new tab)
• Visit Instagram account (opens in a new tab)
• Visit Pinterest account (opens in a new tab)

This website uses affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you ) if  you purchase something through these links. I only link to products and companies that I love. Those companies, in return, reward me for connecting them to you .

Full Time Explorer LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Reader Interactions

November 15, 2021 at 1:37 pm

beautiful quotes xo

November 26, 2021 at 6:14 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

100+ Best Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Future Adventures

Hiking is one of our favorite outdoor activities. It is a great way to explore stunning landscapes, connect with nature and find yourself. To help make you even more excited to start your next hiking adventure, we compiled a list of our favorite 100+ hiking quotes.

We can’t help it. Whenever we find a motivational, inspiring, or funny quote we have to write it down. Over the years we collected so many that we decided to finally write a post about them. To make it more personal, we combined our absolute favorite hiking quotes with pictures from the hundreds of miles we hiked in the USA .

No matter if you are a newbie when it comes to hiking, frequently taking unforgettable day hikes, or love to go on overnight backpacking trips, these 100+ hiking quotes will definitely make you want to get outdoors on the trails as soon as possible.

You might also like our other lists of unique quotes:

• Short Travel Quotes
• Road Trip Quotes
• Travel Partner Quotes
• Quotes about Waterfalls
• Mountain Quotes
• Night Sky Quotes

Inspirational Hiking Quotes

If you are new to hiking, it can sometimes be overwhelming to get started. These hiking quotes will help keep you going and push you through when you think you can’t go anymore.

1. “Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.” – Dr. Seuss

2. “You may not find a path, but you will find a way.” – Tom Wolfe

3. “All you need to know is that it’s possible.” – Wolf, an Appalachian Trail Hiker

4. “I’m not lost, I’ve just temporarily lost sight of my destination.” – Unknown

5. “Somewhere on your journey don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the view.” – Unknown

6. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

7. “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir

8. “Not all who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

9. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

10. “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” – Werner Herzog

11. “Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.” – Steven Wright

12. “Job’s fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beaty

13. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

14. “Climbing is as close as we can come to flying.” – Margaret Young

15. “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; you have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” – Cindy Ross

16. “Wonder. Wander. Repeat.”

17. “I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.” – Unknown

18. “Discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

19. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

20. “Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” – Earl Shaffer

21. “The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir

22. “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott

23. “A path is a prior interpretation of the best way to traverse a landscape.”- Rebecca Solnit

24. “There’s a sunrise and sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” – Jo Walton

Motivational Hiking Quotes

We all know the feeling of reaching our limits and needing some motivation to get going. Stroll through this list of motivational hiking quotes which will encourage you to pursue the trail and reach your goals.

25. “If you’re not lost, you’re not much of an explorer.” – John Perry Barlow

26. “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey

27. “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark

28. “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” — Sir Ranulph Fiennes

29. “If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.” — Unknown

30. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S. Eliot

31. “Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.” — Unknown

32. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates

33. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

34. “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old — we grow old because we stop hiking.” – Finis Mitchell

35. “Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise.” – Carrie Latet

36. “Life is better in hiking boots.” -Unknown

37. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

38. “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, Just think of the view from the top.” – Anonymous

39. “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.” – Jennifer Pharr Davis

40. “When life gives you mountains, put on your boots and hike.” – Unknown

Hiking Quotes about Nature

No matter if you travel far or just go around the corner, nature is always beautiful and will bring you a lot of joy. Escape to nature’s beauty with these nature hiking quotes.

41. “The wilderness holds answers to questions man has not yet learned to ask.” – Nancy Newhall

42. “The earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare

43. “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis

44. “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.” – Henry David Thoreau

45. “I have a room all to myself. It is nature.” – Henry David Thoreau

46. “Look deeper into nature and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

47. “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir

48. “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” – Mary Davis

49. “Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.” – John Muir

50. “Keep close to nature’s heart” – John Muir

51. “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

52. “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Vincent Van Gogh

53. “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder

Hiking Quotes about Mountains

Who doesn’t want to stand on top of the world? We always have the need to climb a mountain, overlooking the breathtaking world at our feet. Here is our list of hiking quotes to get you up your next mountain:

54. “Climb the mountains so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” – David McCullough

55. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

56. “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” – Unknown

57. “Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded there.” – Dr. Wayne D. Dyer

58. “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

59. “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay

60. “How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.” – Yvon Chouinard

61. “In the mountains, there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can’t.” – Rusty Baillie

62. “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” – Sir Martin Conway

63. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – Jack Kerouac

64. “Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.” – Richard Nixon

65. “Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” – Hermann Buhl

66. “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child

67. “Stop staring at mountains. Climb them instead, yes, it’s a harder process but it will lead you to a better view.” – Unknown

68. “Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.” – Dag Hammarskjold

69. “The higher you climb on the mountain, the harder the wind blows.” – Sam Cummings

Hiking Trail Quotes

Find out where the trails can take you and forget about getting lost. It is all part of creating your own unforgettable journey. Where will the trails take you next after these inspiring hiking quotes?

70. “You can visit the same trail twice, but you’ll never take the same hike – We Dream of Travel

71. “Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other… again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit.” – Unknown

72. “Leave the road, take the trails.” — Pythagore

73. “I’d rather be hiking in the rain, than sitting inside at a desk on a sunny day.” – Unknown

74. “I could never resist the call of the trail.” – Buffalo Bill

75. “A flat trail never made a skilled hiker.” – Unknown

76. “Hike Your Own Hike.” – Thru-Hiker

77. “Where the signposts end, the trail begins.” – Marty Rubin

78. “I was no longer following a trail. I was learning to follow myself.” – Aspen Matis

Hiking Partner Quotes

Have you found your hiking partner yet? Being able to share the trails and experience them with a special someone is such an amazing feeling. Hiking the trails is not just a perfect way to connect with nature. It also opens the door to get to know your hiking partner more in-depth.

79. “There’s no one I’d rather walk the trails with than you. “ – Unknown

80. “It’s not where you go, but who you go with.” – Unknown

81. “A good friend listens to your adventures. A best friend makes them with you.” – Unknown

82. “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” – Izaak Walton

83. “It’s not how many miles you walk, it’s how many smiles you share.” – Unknown

84. “Let’s travel together and get lost in beautiful places.” – Unknown

85. “You keep me safe, I’ll keep you wild.” – Unknown

86. “Everyone needs someone who will call and say, ‘Get dressed. We’re going on an adventure.” – Unknown

Funny Hiking Quotes

We all need a little humor to get us through tough times or challenges. Which of these funny hiking quotes will make you roll around?

87. “Hiking Isn’t for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” – Sonja Yoerg

88. “There is no WiFi in the mountains, but you will find a better connection.” – Unknown

89. “Let’s wander where the WiFi is weak.” – Unknown

90. “Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is?” – Unknown

91. “I don’t get it. The trail looked so flat on the map.” – Unknown

92. “Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.” – Ellen Degeneres

93. “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.” – Diane Spicer

94. “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.” – Amit Kalantri

95. “Think outside. No box required.” – Unknown

96. “It’s a hill. Get over it.” – Unknown

97. “Hiking is the only slightly less ugly stepsister of running.” – Lindy Hughes

98. “Cover the earth before it covers you.” – Dagobert D. Runes

99. “I have a therapist. Her name Is nature.” – Unknown

100. “We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” – Robert Sweetgall

101. “Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.” – Demetri Martin

102. “Someone told me to ‘take a hike,’ so I did.” – Unknown

What is your favorite hiking quote? Why do you love hiking quotes that much?

Share your best hiking quotes with us or drop a question in the comments below!

You May Also Like:

• 19 Can’t Miss Hikes in Sedona
• 13 Most Scenic Minnewaska State Park Trails
• 8 Incredible Trails to Hike Arches National Park
• 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
• Explore 10 Striking Capitol Reef Hikes in the Fruita District
• The Best of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park
• 33 Most Beautiful Trails for Hiking in Hudson Valley
• 34 Top Rated Best Hikes Upstate New York
• How to Hike the Dramatic Gertrudes Nose Trail
• Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
• The Ultimate Guide to 11 Best Cold Spring Hiking Trails
• What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras
• 15 Most Helpful Hiking Apps to Download
• 100+ Best Gifts for Hikers to Buy
• 50 Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women Created by Outdoor Lovers
• How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park

 Save this Post for later on Pinterest!

Did you like this post?  Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll send you more unique travel tips, updates, and even FREE content!

Similar Posts

Soldiers Pass Trail: How to Find the Hidden Cave

Share via: More Heading to Sedona, Arizona? Get ready to be amazed by the beauty of the red rock landscape and incredible outdoor adventures. We were stunned by all the special features of the Sedona hikes, and the Soldiers Pass trail is no exception.  The Soldiers Pass Trail Sedona features one of the most remarkable…

13 Best Hikes in Zion National Park to Explore

Share via: More Zion National Park is Utah’s 1st National Park and the 4th most visited park in the United States. It is home to some of the best hiking opportunities in the United States, including some of our personal all-time favorites. Choosing the best hikes in Zion National Park was not an easy task,…

90+ Best Quotes About Falls to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Share via: More Wherever we go, we love catching waterfalls. The powerful flow of water falling down over the rough cliff into a plunge pool fascinates us again and again. If you are not already a huge fan of the cascading water, our quotes about falls will totally want you to get out in nature…

Hike to Delicate Arch: The Must Do Trail in Arches

Share via: More Delicate Arch is the most recognizable and famous arch in Arches National Park, which draws visitors from all over the world. Even though there are different options to see this impressive geological feature, there is only one hike to Delicate Arch, which brings you up close to this can’t miss feature. Before…

A Guide on How to Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park

Share via: More When you hike the Narrows, you will put your hiking skills to the test with a challenging, thrilling, and adventurous trek through the Virgin River in Zion National Park. Hiking through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon is a unique experience and very different from other hikes you may be familiar with….

80+ Best Mountain Quotes to Inspire Your Adventures

Share via: More The mountains hold great benefits for human beings. It is statistically proven that looking at the snow-capped peaks relaxes your nervous system and makes you feel calmer and refreshed. We hope to reach the same goal for you when reading our mountain quotes below.  If you are up for some more thrill…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

25 Best Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Next Outdoor Adventure

"A walk in nature walks the soul back home."

To help get you even more excited about hiking, check out these wise words that will remind you just how wonderful it is to explore this incredible world we live in. If you're an avid hiker, you're probably also into the beauty found in nature—and many of these quotes embody that sentiment. They will have you thinking about the stunning land you've seen and have yet to explore. Others are funny and will remind you that hiking can be a source of fun and joy. Once you read through this roundup of famous inspirational quotes about life's simple pleasures, save a few (or all) of these on your phone to look at during your hike. Even when the climb gets tough, these sayings will remind you to keep going. As Beverly Sills notes: "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." Now, on with the hiking quotes!

Earl Shaffer

"Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care."

"Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits."

Sir Edmund Hillary

"It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves."

G.M. Trevelyan

"After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value."

Beverly Sills

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”

Andy Rooney

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.”

“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”

Gary Snyder

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”

“For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you."

“Deep down, at the molecular heart of life, the trees and we are essentially identical.”

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”

John Burroughs

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."

“Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.”

Henry David Thoreau

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees."

"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves."

Terri Guillemets

“You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well.”

“If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

.css-1shyvki:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-1shyvki:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:inline-block;}} 100+ Quotes for Every Occasion .css-unxkmx:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-unxkmx:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:none;}}

80 Best Friend Quotes to Share with Your BFF

125 of the Best Birthday Wishes for Your Sister

35 Best Teacher Quotes to #ThankATeacher

Short Mother-Daughter Quotes to Touch Her Heart

75 Inspirational Graduation Quotes for 2024 Grads

99 Inspiring Messages for Inside Your Grad's Card

55 Patriotic Quotes to Honor America

Beach Instagram Captions to Seas the Day

30 Meaningful Bible Verses About Children

Happy St. Patrick's Day Quotes and Messages

Moving Easter Quotes to Inspire Hope

100 Epic Hiking Captions & Quotes

Ah, hiking – one of my favourite activities out there, and one I include in nearly all of my trips! Going out hiking is not only a healthy thing to do, but it’s also a great way of exploring new places. As I often find myself looking for the best hiking captions to accompany my pictures, I decided to gather my favourite ones in this post.

Whether you’re looking for some great captions to include in your new Instagram posts, or you’re in dire need of some motivation to start walking, here are some of the best hiking quotes out there.

The best hiking captions and quotes for Instagram

So, let’s dive into it! This list includes quotes about hiking in the mountains and in nature, as well as motivational and inspirational captions.

Short hiking captions

The following short quotes about hikes are perfect to accompany your favourite hiking picture or include in your Instagram caption.

1 –  “Leave the road, take the trails.”  – Pythagoras

2 – “Always take the scenic route.” –  Unknown

3 – “Let’s wander where the wifi is week.” –  Unknown

4 –  “Life is better in hiking boots . ”  –  Unknown

5 –  “Walking is a man’s best medicine.”  –  Hippocrates

6 –  “Sky above, earth below, and peace within.”  –  Unknown

7 –  “Take only memories, leave only footprints.”  –  Chief Seattle

8 – “Hiking is the answer. Who cares what the question is.” –  Unknown

9 –  “For the sake of your soul, venture out.”  –  Unknown

10 – “Not all those who wander are lost.” –  J.R.R. Tolkien

11 –  “Hike more, worry less.”  –  Unknown

12 –  “Walking brings me back to myself.”  –  Laurette Mortimer

13 –  “Vanity dies on nature trails.”  –  Unknown

14 – “Some of the best memories are made in hiking shoes.” –  Unknown

15 –  “ Live your life by a compass, not a clock. ”  –  Unknown

16 –  “A flat trail never made a skilled hiker.”  –  Unknown

17 – “Hiking is cheaper than therapy.” –  Unknown

18 –  “Fall down seven times and stand up eight.”  –  Unknown

Quotes about hiking in the mountains

If you enjoy hiking in the mountains, then the following quotes are the ones for you!

Whether you’re looking for a quote to accompany your picture of the Himalayas or the Alps, you might just find the perfect one below.

19 –  “The mountains are calling and I must go.”  –  John Muir

20 –  “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”  –  Unknown

21 –  “Great things are done when men and mountains meet.”  –  William Blake

22 – “And in the end, you won’t remember the time you spend working in the office or mowing your lawn, climb that goddamn mountain!” –  Jack Kerouac

23 – “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” –  Sir Martin Conway

24 –  “The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls.”  –  Lori Lansens

25 –  “When life gives you mountains, put on your boots and hike.”  –  Unknown

26 –  “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”  –  Andy Rooney

27 –  “ When everything feels like an uphill struggle, think of the view from the top. ”  –  Unknown

28 –  “ It took some time to climb, but the view is more than worth it. ”  –  Unknown

29 –  “ And into the mountains, I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. ”  –  Unknown

30 –  “ A tourist follows a trail; a mountaineer finds one. ”  –  Reinhold Messner

31 –  “ Every now and then it’s good to stop climbing and appreciate the view from right where you are. ”  –  Lori Deschene

32 –  “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”  –  Sir Edmund Hillary

33 – “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” –  Edward Abbey

34 –  “You can’t climb up a mountain with downhill thoughts.”  –  Unknown

35 –  “I like getting near the top of a mountain. One can’t get lost there.”  –  Wislawa Szymborska

36 – “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” –  Greg Child

37 – “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” –  Unknown

38 – “The mountains whisper for me to wander; my soul hikes to the call.” –  Angie Weiland-Crosby

39 – “Climb mountains, hike forward, and push yourself.” –  Unknown

40 – “Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” –  David McCullough Jr.

41 –  “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers.”  – Amit Kalantri

42 –  “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”  – Dr. Seuss

Can’t get enough of these mountain quotes? Check out my post with over a hundred epic mountain captions next!

Quotes about hiking in nature

Most people’s favourite place to hike is in nature, and the following quotes are exactly about that.

43 –  “A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”  –  Mary Davis

44 – “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” –  Henry David Thoreau

45 –  “Another glorious day, the air as delicious to the lungs as nectar to the tongue.”  –  John Muir

46 –  “The sound of nature is the best there is.”  –  Unknown

47 –  “And into the forest, I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”  –  John Muir

48 – “Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” –  Sonja Yoerg

49 – “Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world. ” –  John Muir

50 – “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. ” –  Robert Frost

51 –  “In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”  –  John Muir

52 – “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.” –  Jennifer Pharr Davis

53 –  “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”  –  Mary Davis

54 – “All you need is a mountain breeze and tall trees.” –  Unknown

55 –  “I slow down when hiking. The rhythm of nature is more leisurely. The sun comes up, it moves across the sky, and you begin to synchronise to that rhythm.”  –  John Mackey

56 – “If you’ve ever walked a mile into a virgin forest – you know, like a deep forest where trees have been uncut – the energy is totally different from the shopping mall.” –  James Redfield

Would you like to discover more great nature captions? Check out the following post: 100+ Nature Captions & Quotes

Funny hiking quotes

If you’re looking for funny hiking quotes, you may just find exactly what you’re looking for below!

57 –  “I have two doctors, my left foot and my right.”  –  Unknown

58 –  “DEET is nature’s cologne.”  –  Unknown

59 –  “Anywhere is within walking distance.”  –  Unknown

60 –  “I don’t get it, the trail looked so flat on the map.”  –  Unknown

61 –  “When preparing to climb a mountain, pack a light heart.”  –  Dan May

62 –  “Cover the earth before it covers you.”  –  Dagobert D. Runes

63 – “ Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee. ” –  Demetri Martin

Motivational hiking quotes

Need some motivation to go hiking? That’s exactly what the following quotes will give you!

64 –  “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”  –  Frank A. Clark

65 –  “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”  –  Beverly Sills

66 –  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step.”  –  Lao Tzu

67 –  “If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.”  –  Hippocrates

68 – “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” –  Confucius

69 – “We don’t stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking.” –  Finis Mitchell

70 – “ It’s not a competition to reach the top, it’s a promise you make with yourself. ” –  Unknown

71 –  “ For hiking is one of those things that you can only do when you have the determination in you. ”  –  Unknown

72 –  “ No matter how rough it gets, just keep on moving. ”  –  Unknown

73 –  “ There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. ”  –  Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Inspirational hiking captions

Check out the following quotes if you want to be inspired. My personal favourite ones from this section are #78, 83 and 88.

74 –  “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.”  –  G.M. Trevelyan

75 –  “ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail .”  – Ralph Waldo Emerson

76 –  “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”  –  Friedrich Nietzsche

77 –  “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.”  –  Diane Spicer

78 –  “Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”  –  Thitch Nhat Hanh

79 –  “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”  –  Henry David Thoreau

80 –  “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.”  – Cindy Ross

81 –  “ Fresh air and muddy boots make everything better. ”  –  Unknown

82 –  “ We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down. ”  –  Robert Sweetgall

83 – “On a hike, you’re less a job title and more a human being.” –  Ken Ilgunas

84 –  “Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise.”  –  Carrie Latet

85 –  “I’d rather be hiking in the rain, than sitting inside at a desk on a sunny day.”  –  Unknown

86 – “Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” –  Earl Shaffer

87 – “Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” –  Henry David Thoreaux

88 – “And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.” –  Unknown

89 –  “ The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot. ”  –  Werner Herzog

90 – “The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man.” –  Harold Allen

91 –  “ What a funny world we live in when we won’t turn our phones off, yet we get excited to see we’ve hiked far enough to lose service. ”  –  Unknown

92 –  “ Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. ”  –  John Muir

93 –  “ The moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts start to flow. ”  –  Henry David Thoreau

94 –  “It’s not how many miles you walk, it’s how many smiles you share.”  –  Unknown

95 –  “You can visit the same trail twice but you’ll never take the same hike.”  –  Unknown

96 –  “Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”  –  Laura Ingalls Wilder

97 –  “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”  –  Erol Ozan

98 –  “ If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker. ”  –  Unknown

99 –  “ The long-distance hiker, a breed set apart, from the likes of the usual pack. He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail; long gone, long  ‘ fore he’ll be back. ”  –  M.J. Eberhart

100 –  “ Do more things that make you forget to check your phone. ”  –  Unknown

Hiking captions & quotes: Final thoughts

And that was it! Whether you’re an avid hiker or need some motivation, I hope that you have found the quote you were looking for in this post full of quotes about hikes.

Writing this article and reading all of these quotes sure motivated me to go for a hike!

What are some of your favourite hiking quotes? Let me know in the comments below!

Need more inspiration? You might like one of the following posts:

• Short Travel Captions
• Solo Travel Quotes
• Short Adventure Quotes
• Quotes About Palm Trees
• Cherry Blossom Quotes
• Waterfall Quotes

Pin it for later: Did you find this post full of hiking captions helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

You may also like

75 short & powerful adventure quotes that will..., 58 quotes about france that will inspire your..., 102 nature captions & quotes for instagram, 86 short travel captions to inspire your wanderlust, 115 epic mountain captions for instagram, 52 best quotes about belgium to inspire your..., 91 epic quotes about paris to inspire your..., 61 epic quotes about india to inspire your..., 63 solo travel quotes that will inspire you, 73 best waterfall quotes and captions, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Item added to your cart

Gear guides.

• Ultralight Backpacking Gear
• Best Ultralight Backpacks
• Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags
• Best Ultralight Tents
• Best Camp Shoes
• Best Down Jackets
• Best Rain Jackets
• Best Minimalist Sandals

Tips and How-To's

• Ultralight Backpacking Tips
• Animal Tracks ID Guide
• Contour Lines and Topo Maps
• How to Read Trail Signs

Food and Water

• Backpacking Food Ideas
• Backpacking Meal Recipes
• Best Meal Replacement Powders
• How Many Calories Do I Burn Backpacking?
• The Triple Crown of Hiking
• Appalachian Trail Map
• Gifts for Hikers
• What is Naked Hiking?

72 Best Hiking Quotes of All Time

Classic hiking quotes from john muir, some inspirational words from record holders, hiking puns, common thru-hiker phrases, and some down-right corny lines from the community. .

© Connor McClelland

Table of Contents

Inspirational hiking quotes, funny hiking quotes, hiking puns, classic hiking quotes.

1. "Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein

2. "Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong." - Jennifer Pharr Davis, Appalachian Trail Record Holder

3. "After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value." - G.M. Trevelyan

4. "Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." - Henry David Thoreau

5. "The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

6. “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” - John Muir

7. "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

8. "If you’re going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

9. "If the average person walks about 913 miles per year, then we walked about three years of miles in five months!" - @campwalkalong thru-hikers' experience on the CDT

10. "They are able who think they are able." - Virgil

11. "To travel, to experience and learn: that is to live." - Tenzing Norgay

12. “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir

13. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

14. "My loss of the PCT should have distressed me, but a new instinct led me forward. I asked the mountains for some guidance, the strength to get myself out of here, and pulled wild power from within myself I'd never known I'd had. I was no longer following a trail. I was learning to follow myself." - Aspen Matis, Girl in the Woods: A Memoir

15. "Catching those first views of layered mountains, endlessly folding over each other like a giant blue blanket, tears sprung unbidden to my eyes. I had made it. And though I was indeed alone, I felt as if I was in the best company in the world." - Thru-hiker, Chris "Rad" Carter , on the Katahdin summit AT2021

16. "Where the signposts end, the trail begins." - Marty Rubin

17. "If everyone in the world took care of each other the way folks do out on the trail, and if everyone approached each day with as much hope and optimism as hikers do, the world would be a better place." - Jon Tullis

18. "Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care .” - Earl Shaffer

19. "Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me – I am happy." - Hamlin Garland

20. "It was terrifying, yet exciting all at once. I was the wind, untethered and flowing. I went from living as a couch potato the entire 2020 year to sleeping under the stars every night, trekking across deserts, over mountains, through rivers and fire and snow." - Thru-hiker,  Bill , at the Northern Terminus PCT2021

21. "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." - Aristotle

22. "Real adventure is defined best as a journey from which you may not come back alive, and certainly not as the same person." - Yvon Chouinard

23. "You won, this time. But you are as big as you are ever going to get. And I’m still growing." - Sir Edmund Hillary

24. "If you face the rest of your life with the spirit you show on the trail, it will have no choice but to yield the same kind of memories and dreams." - Adrienne Hall, A Journey North: One Woman's Story of Hiking the Appalachian Trail

25. "Taking on this trek with my disabilities in mind, I never thought my body and mind could handle it. Over the past 5 months I have done a lot of crying and talking but I also learned to finally be comfortable with the silence, with being alone. I have developed healthy relationships with my body and my people." - Thru-hiker, Ginger “Babs” Slentz , at the Northern Terminus PCT2021

26. "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills

27. "I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it." - Cheryl Strayed: Wild

28. "Fall down seven times and stand up eight." - Japanese Proverb

29. "When everything feels like an uphill struggle, Just think of the view from the top." - Anonymous

30. "So grateful for having a body that was able to walk all the way from Canada to Mexico - but also for the many great new people I’ve met along the way, the insane kindness and generosity I’ve experienced from strangers, the challenges that seemed too hard or daunting at times that I was able to push through and all the crazy experiences that only a thru-hike can bring." - Thru-hiker, Linnett Andersen , at the Southern Most Point CDT2021

31. “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” - Frank A. Clark

32. "Sleeping bags are the soft tacos of the bear world." - Bears

33. Bop Peoples (famous Appalachian Trail Angel) quotes from Reddit:

a. "Bob Peoples got bit by a zombie. The zombie turned human and started building switchbacks."  b. "Bob Peoples got bit by a rattlesnake. After 3 days of agonizing pain, the snake died."  c. "Bears hang Bob Peoples' bags."

34. “A crude meal, no doubt, but the best of all sauces is hunger.” - Edward Abbey

35. "I have two doctors, my left leg and my right." - G.M. Trevelyan

36. “ DEET is nature's cologne.” - Every Hiker

37. "Anywhere is 'within walking distance'." - Anonymous Hiker

38. "Nowhere but on the trail can you meet a stranger for ten minutes, then decide to share sleeping quarters the same night, but it seems to happen all the time w/ thru-hikers. We're down! - Thru-hiker, Mary Poppins , experience on the PCT

39. “If you turn left at the next logging road, he said, and walk a quarter of a mile, you come to a dock on a lake, with an air horn hanging off it. You honk the air horn, and someone comes and picks you up in a boat, and they take you to this place where there's pizza and showers and cold beer!” ― Lucy Letcher's (author) experience on the AT, The Barefoot Sisters Southbound

40. "I love hiking — I don’t take it for granite ." - Anonymous

41. "I’m trying to mount-ain my distance." - Anonymous

42. "Slow down! Don’t you Everest ?" - Anonymous

43. "There’s snow place like the mountains." - Anonymous

44. "Actions peak louder than words." - Anonymous

45. "I’m all a- boot that hiking life." - Anonymous

46. "Mountains aren’t just funny. They’re hill-areas ." - Anonymous

47. "Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits." - Cindy Ross

48. "Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise." - Carrie Latet

49. "Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken." - Frank Herbert

50. "A vagrant is everywhere at home." - Martial

51. "Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." - Walt Whitman

52. "Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence." - Hermann Buhl

53. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing the lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” - Jack Kerouac

54. "The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir

55. "We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down." - Robert Sweetgall

56. "If the winter is too cold and the summer is too hot, you are not a hiker." - A Bitter Hiker

57. "Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread." - Edward Abbey

58. "Anywhere is 'within walking distance'." - Anonymous Hiker

59. "Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street." - William Blake

60. "Walking is a man's best medicine." - Hippocrates

61. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." - Henry David Thoreau 

62. "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity." - John Muir

63. "Leave the road, take the trails." – Pythagoras

64. "It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." – Sir Edmund Hillary

65. "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills

66. "Fall down seven times and stand up eight." - Japanese Proverb

67. "And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." - John Muir

68. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

69. "Hike Your Own Hike." - Thru-Hiker

70. "Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty." – Sonja Yoerg

71. "We don’t stop hiking because we grow old, we grow old because we stop hiking." - Finis Mitchel

72. "The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot." – Werner Herzog

Related Posts

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

100+ Funny Hiking Jokes, Puns, and Quotes for Trail Humor

I f you’re here for funny hiking puns or funny hiking jokes, you’re in for a treat. Everyone can appreciate a good joke, so keep these in your back pocket for your next hiking trip. 

Read through these before your next hike. There are some gems here to tell your best friends and family members to give a little peak at a hiking experience. Hiking might be hard work, but you’re sure to get some of the best views. You might as well have some hiking humor to get you through the trek. 

Tell your hiking companions some of these funny jokes , puns , and quotes – and everyone is sure to have a great time. You’ll be “feeling pine” in no time at all. 

I’ve even got some great camping memes that you can toss into the mix!

Funny Hiking Jokes

• Why don’t mountains get cold in the winter? Because they have snow caps!
• Did you hear about the tree that went hiking? It was really branching out.
• What did the trail mix say to the hiker?”You’re nuts!”
• Why did the hiker bring a ladder? In case they wanted to reach new heights.
• What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear – watch out for those on the trail!
• Why don’t mountains ever get lost? Because they always peak.
• How do mountains stay in touch? They summit a text message.
• Why did the hiking boots break up? They were sole mates, but one had commitment issues.
• Why was the backpack always so tired? It had too much on its shoulders.
• Why did the hiker wear sunglasses? Because even the mountains had a summit glow.
• What did one mountain say to the other?”Rock on!”
• Why did the scarecrow go hiking? To see if it had the scare-durance.
• What do you get when you cross a hiking trail with a dog? A trail wag!
• Why don’t mountains ever get bored? Because they have peak entertainment.
• Why did the hiker bring string to the trail? In case they needed to tie up any loose ends.
• What do you call a mountain with a cold? Achoo Peak!
• Why was the hiker always so calm? They had a lot of trail mix-ture in their life.
• What do you call a hiking group that’s good at math? The Calculated Climbers.
• Why don’t mountains ever argue? They’re too busy peaking together.
• Why did the hiker bring a map to the desert? In case they wanted to find an oasis-ly route.
• What did the hiking boots say to the trail?”I’m sole-searching.”
• Why did the mushroom go hiking? Because it’s a fungi to be with!
• What’s a hiker’s favorite kind of math? Trail-gebra!
• Why don’t hikers ever tell secrets on the trail? Because the trees always listen.
• Why did the squirrel go hiking? To find some tree-treats!
• What do you call a fish that loves hiking? A trout and about.
• Why was the hiking trail always so friendly? It loved to branch out.
• Why did the hiker bring a pencil to the mountain? To jot down some peak thoughts.
• What do you call a mountain that’s always happy? Hill-arious!
• Why did the trail mix blush? Because it saw the hiker’s nuts!
• Why don’t mountains ever play hide and seek? Because they always peak out.
• Why did the hiker bring a net? To catch their breath!
• What do you call a mountain that’s always sad? Down-in-the-valley.
• Why was the hiking trail such a good storyteller? It had a lot of twists and turns.
• What do you get when you cross a mountain with a frog? A croak-ious climb!
• Why did the hiker bring a mirror to the mountain? To reflect on their journey.
• Why don’t mountains ever go to school? Because they’re already at the top of their class.
• What did the mountain climber name his son? Cliff!
• Why did the hiking boots go to therapy? They had too many sole-searching issues.
• What do you call a mountain that’s always late? Behind-schedule Peak!
• Why did the trail mix go to school?T o be a little nutty professor.
• What do you get when you cross a mountain with a comedian? Hill-arious jokes!
• Why did the hiker bring a compass to the desert? In case they wanted to find their way sand-ta Claus.
• What did the big mountain say to the little mountain? “You’re hill-arious!”
• Why don’t mountains ever get in trouble? Because they have peak performance.
• Why did the hiking boots get a job? They needed to make some sole money.
• What did the hiker say to the mountain? “You peak my interest!”
• Why did the hiking trail get a job in marketing? It had a knack for branching out.
• What do you call a mountain that’s also a musician? Rock and roll!
• Why don’t mountains ever get jealous? Because they’re already on top of the world!

Hiking Puns

I can appreciate a good hiking pun. So many memorable moments can be locked into your core memory with a good pun – and what better way to make someone laugh than in the great outdoors? 

• I’m pining for a good hike!
• Let’s put our best foot forward and hit the trails!
• Hiking is just my trail mix.
• Don’t be too intense, let’s take it one trail at a time.
• My hiking boots are laced with adventure!
• Time to put my life on paws and go hiking.
• Let’s make like trees and leaf for the mountains!
• This hike is really summit special.
• Trail mix: the crunch that fuels the hike!
• I’m not lost, I’m just taking the scenic route!
• Hiking is my cardio – and my therapy!
• I’m trailblazing my way through nature!
• Just hanging out on the trails, no big dill.
• Hiking is all about finding the path of yeast resistance.
• Feeling fern-tastic on this hike!
• It’s knot about the destination, it’s about the journey.
• This hike is rock solid!
• Don’t be a sap, join me on the hike!
• Let’s make like a compass and find our direction!
• I’m lichen this hike more and more with every step!
• Hiking is my path to enlightenment.
• The mountains are calling and I must go… with gusto!
• Let’s wander where the WiFi is weak!
• Every hike is a step in the right direction.
• Hiking: where the view is always worth the peak!

Funny Hiking Quotes

Before you head out on your next adventure, here are some quotes from fellow hikers. Whether you’re at the top of the mountain, top of the hill, or are experiencing long hikes for the first time, these quotes can be the best way to get through the uphill battle to relax. 

• “I go hiking because I don’t like to hear my thoughts screaming at me in silence.” – Unknown
• “Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.” – Demetri Martin
• “Climbing a mountain is like having a really long Wednesday.” – Unknown
• “If you can’t remember my name, just say ‘hiker’ and I’ll turn around.” – Unknown
• “Hiking is the best workout! You can hike for miles and still be lost.” – Ellen DeGeneres
• “The best view comes after the hardest climb… or from the nearest pancake house.” – Unknown
• “Life is like a mountain, hard to climb, but worth the amazing view from the top… unless it’s foggy.” – Unknown
• “I’m outdoorsy in that I like getting drunk on patios.” – Unknown
• “Hiking is just a prolonged game of ‘I Spy’ with trees.” – Unknown
• “My idea of camping is a hotel without room service.” – Unknown
• “Camping: where you spend a small fortune to live like a homeless person.” – Unknown
• “Hiking: the art of getting your whole family to walk 5 miles while carrying your stuff.” – Unknown
• “Camping: where you can pay a small fortune to live like a homeless person.” – Unknown
• “Hiking is the only time when going downhill is harder than going uphill… thanks, gravity.” – Unknown
• “I don’t need therapy, I just need to go hiking.” – Unknown
• “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going… unless you have a helicopter.” – Unknown
• “I’m not lost, I’m just exploring alternative routes.” – Unknown
• “Hiking: the art of walking in circles and still getting a workout.” – Unknown
• “The only time I exercise is when I accidentally fall down a hiking trail.” – Unknown
• “Hiking: because sometimes the gym is just too crowded with mirrors.” – Unknown

The post 100+ Funny Hiking Jokes, Puns, and Quotes for Trail Humor appeared first on HodgePodge Hippie .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products

I’m a Comfy Shoe Snob, and These Are the 8 Travel Styles I Rotate Through My Suitcase — From $30

From my go-to adventure sandals to the only rain boots worth traveling with, these shoes literally keep me on my toes.

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

I am one of those travelers who would rather walk the 2.5 miles from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Montmartre than take the metro, just to soak up the feel of every arrondissement and sample a chocolate croissant from any Parisian patisserie I come by along the way. I am a firm believer in exploring on foot, and I’ve had enough trip-shattering blisters and cracks in my heels to know which shoes are cut out for the job and which aren’t.

As a tireless walker , sandal enthusiast, and style-driven comfy shoe snob (truly a restrictive combination), I’ve tried the gamut and narrowed my current rotation to these eight tried-and-true styles.

Chaco Z Sandals

The first time I wore these Chaco Z sandals was on an hour-long hike on varied terrain in the Arizona desert. They gripped the sandstone and provided a cushiony barrier between my feet and the rock. Hiking boots would have been covered in red sand, impossible to clean off, but I threw these Chacos in the sink of my hotel room and voila! They were clean and dry by dinner. I daresay they’re some of the comfiest adventure sandals I’ve ever worn.

Reebok Women's Club C Walking Shoes

A versatile and comfy plain-ish white sneaker is a travel must-have in my book. The Club C Reebok style with over 800 five-star ratings on Amazon is suitable for long city jaunts, but it looks a little cooler than your average athletic shoe. The retro aesthetic goes well with any vintage-inspired denim. My one word of warning: Just don’t get them wet. 

Blundstone Vegan Chelsea Boots

They’re on the pricey side compared to other non-leather Chelsea boots you might find on Amazon, but believe me — your feet will thank you for spending a little extra on quality materials that are soft, breathable, nonrestrictive, shock-absorbing, water-resistant, and everlasting. Mine are three years old now with hardly any signs of wear. I love how comfortable they are and that they move with my feet, even though they aren’t made of genuine leather.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoes

I’m an avid hiker who’s cycled through several iterations of the now-classic Merrell Moab boot. One of the more recent versions, the Moab Speed 2, is my current go-to. It has all the beloved features of the original Moab but with 30 percent more foam in the midsole and Vibram TC5+ outsole technology for improved traction and debris-shedding. And the fun colors are a major plus.

Hunter Original Play Short Boots

Rain boots are a staple of my wardrobe at home, but I wouldn’t think to travel with them — I mean, considering the size of them … and the weight! — were it not for Hunter’s Play Short style. Hunter-brand wellingtons are known and loved for their durability. I bought my first pair more than 10 years ago and they’re as waterproof now as they were a decade ago, when I was a college student rushing between classes in the rain.

Teva Original Universal Sandal

While I love my Chacos, the Teva Original Universal Sandal was the first adventure sandal to steal my heart when I was a twentysomething backpacking in New Zealand. I wore them so frequently that my feet tanned around the distinctive velcro straps (“Teva tan”). I’m now on my third pair, and many Amazon reviewers agree with me that they’re some of the best sandals to travel in .

Cushionaire Cork Sandals

These Birkenstock lookalikes are super comfy, affordable, and made of vegan materials. They have more than 40,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, making them the No. 1 best-seller in women’s slides. At least one pair is sold every hour, on average. They’re ideal for slipping on and walking around in at the hotel.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe

A versatile tennis shoe is good to always have in your suitcase. You can go for a morning run through the city, take a cool dance class, squeeze in a session at the hotel gym, or go for a hike in these. I have brought them with me on trips when I’ve been amid marathon training, and they’ve kept my feet strong enough to walk around comfortably even after miles of running.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

Related Articles

Introduction to Nationwide Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options
• How to Purchase and Manage Your Policy

Nationwide Customer Reviews and Claims Experience

Compare nationwide travel insurance.

• Why You Should Trust Us

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Nationwide has been around close to 100 years after being founded in 1926. The Ohio-based company has many different products in the insurance and finance space, including coverage for trips. Nationwide Travel Insurance policies are available for single or multiple trips and can cover cruise trips too.

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide is one of the leading names in insurance across various areas of coverage including life, auto, and travel insurance. Nationwide's coverage is also as comprehensive as it is varied. It tops our list of the best travel insurance companies and best cruise travel insurance , also ranking among the best cheap travel insurance companies for the value it provides.

With single trip, multi trip, and cruise-specific policies along with an abundance of riders, there's a good chance Nationwide will have the coverage you're looking for.

That said, Nationwide lacks some of the niche coverage that other companies can provide. For example, Nationwide doesn't insure trips over 31-days long. Its annual travel insurance only applies to trips 30 days or under. Additionally, Nationwide lacks specific adventure sports coverage.

Ultimately, Nationwide is the company to beat. If you're shopping for something a little more specific, use Nationwide's quotes as your baseline as you search for something more tailored to your trip. 

Coverage Options from Nationwide

Nationwide offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

The travel insurance policies offered by Nationwide are available to consumers and are divided up by the type of trip: single trip, multiple trips, or cruise coverage.

Single-trip travel insurance policies

Nationwide offers two single-trip travel insurance policies: the Essential plan and the Prime plan.

As the name suggests, Nationwide Essential travel insurance covers the basics. It offers some protection should anything happen ahead of your trip or while you're on your trip.

The Prime plan takes your coverage to the next level, with higher coverage limits and the option to add on the coveted cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage at an extra cost.

Both plans include trip cancellation or interruption coverage in the event of terrorism in your destination city, travel assistance from Nationwide at no additional charge, and refunds with a 10-day review period (except in Washington and New York). Note that for baggage and personal effects coverage, there is a $500 combined maximum limit for valuable items (see your policy's terms and conditions for details on what's considered valuable). It also covers damaged or lost sports equipment.

Here's how the two plans stack up in terms of coverage limits. For trip delay coverage, you'll be eligible for reimbursement for delays of six hours or more.

Annual and multi-trip travel insurance policies

If you're looking for travel insurance coverage for more than one trip and want to cover your partner and children, the Travel Pro Plan may be an affordable option. It's important to note that this policy only covers events after departure, not pre-departure events. This policy could be as low as $59 as of the time of writing.

The Travel Plus Plan is another multi-trip policy from Nationwide that has flexible term limits for trip interruption and cancellation coverage, up to $10,000. This covers the gaps from the Travel Pro Plan, which only covers post-departure events. So if you needed to cancel the trip due to a covered illness or other reason, this is the plan for you.

If you want to increase the level of benefits for your after departure coverage, the Travel Pro Deluxe Plan does just that. It builds on the Travel Pro Plan, hence the name, and includes higher coverage limits for just $20 more.

All plans include the same travel assistance from Nationwide that's included with the single-trip policies. Here's how the multiple-trip plans compare:

Cruise coverage

Nationwide offers three cruise travel insurance plans.

If you're going on a short cruise or going for the first time, the Universal Cruise Plan may be a good starting point if you want added protection and to recoup nonrefundable costs. Just make sure that you qualify based on your state, as cruise coverage isn't available in all states.

If you're going on a longer cruise and want added coverage to protect your trip, the Choice Cruise plan is an option to consider. And if you're looking for the most benefits and go on many cruises, the Luxury Cruise plan offers the most coverage options.

All three policies can be refunded with a 10-day review period, except in Washington and New York.

Here's a comparison of the coverage you'll get with Nationwide's three different cruise travel insurance policies:

Additional coverage options from Nationwide

Nationwide has a number of additional coverage options that can add more protection to your policy but also add to the cost as well. These include:

• Financial default coverage , in the event your travel supplier ends up in default or bankruptcy. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Pre-existing condition waiver, which may offer coverage for pre-existing illnesses or diseases if certain conditions are met. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Accidental death and dismemberment, which can have limits of $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 depending on the plan. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Accidental death for flights only, which can have limits of $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.
• Rental car collision or loss coverage, in the event something happens to your rental car, you can add on this coverage for up to $25,000 or $35,000 depending on the plan.This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies (except in Texas or New York).
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) , which must be added to a policy and is available through the single-trip Prime Plan, the Choice Cruise Plan, and the Luxury Cruise Plan.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for Nationwide Insurance plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Nationwide coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following travel insurance quotes:

• Essential: $89.55
• Prime: $129.19

Premiums for Nationwide Insurance plans are between 3% and 4.3% of the trip's cost, well within the average cost of travel insurance.

Nationwide insurance provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• Essential: $113.01
• Prime: $160.47

Once again, premiums for Nationwide plans are between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, within and below the expected range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000:

• Essential: $571.62
• Prime: $801.94

Nationwide plans cost between 2.8% and 4% of the trip's cost, below and within the average cost of travel insurance. 

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following quotes:

• Essential: $248.56
• Prime: $352.44

Premiums for Nationwide plans are between 4.1% and 5.9%, which is well the average cost for travel insurance. While its certainly more expensive than coverage for younger travelers, it's on the lower end of what travel insurance companies tend to quote for older travelers. 

Nationwide Annual Travel Insurance Cost

Quotes from Nationwide's annual travel insurance plans don't actually change based on age or state. You'll get a base quote of $69, which will vary based on how much trip cancellation coverage you'd like to purchase. Prices range from $155 to $729

You can also select a Pro Delux upgrade, which will cost an additional $20.

How to Purchase and Manage Your Nationwide Policy

To purchase a Nationwide travel insurance policy, you first need to obtain a quote from Nationwide's website. You should be prepared to provide the following:

• Destination
• Departure date
• Return date
• State of Residence
• Total trip cost
• Initial trip payment date

When you select a plan, be sure to also take a moment and scroll through the optional add-ons, such as rental car coverage. 

How to File a Claim with Nationwide

If you purchased travel insurance through Nationwide and need to file a claim, you can contact a Nationwide representative. You have seven days from the start of the issue that caused loss to notify Nationwide of your claim.

Claims through Nationwide are handled by Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC. You can use its claims portal or call a representative, based on your type of policy.

Single trip policy phone number: 888-490-7606

Annual plan policy phone number: 866-281-1017

Cruise policy phone number : 866-281-0334

Rather reach out via email? You can contact Nationwide via [email protected] .

If you need to send documents via mail, the mailing address is:

Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance

Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222 Tampa, FL 33623

Nationwide refrains from promising a specific response time frame. However, customers have reported waiting several weeks before hearing any updates.

Since Nationwide offers such a wide breadth of insurance types, it's difficult to separate its travel-specific customer reviews from reviews on its other products. It received an average of 1.16 stars out of five across over 340 reviews on its BBB page, though most customers are writing about experiences with Nationwide's auto and health insurance.

On SquareMouth, a travel insurance-specific aggregator, Nationwide has an average of 4.01 stars across 570 reviews. Reviewers reported unresponsive a claims team and long wait times. Additionally, while insurance companies often engage directly with customer reviews on SquareMouth, Nationwide doesn't respond to customer reviews.

Learn more about how Nationwide Travel Insurance compares against the competition. 

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Much like Nationwide, Allianz Travel Insurance insurance offers many different types of insurance coverage. While the company may be most well known for auto insurance, it offers travel insurance as well and has eight options. Allianz Travel Insurance, a major player in the travel insurance space, has 10 options listed.

Allianz Travel Insurance may offer higher coverage limits for the policies offered and have a streamlined process for filing a claim online. Where Nationwide wins out is the fact that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) for an added cost, whereas CFAR coverage isn't available when purchasing an online policy via Allianz Travel Insurance.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance vs. John Hancock Travel Insurance

John Hancock Travel Insurance  is similar to Nationwide in that it provides a wide range of insurance offerings and financial services. One of those offerings is travel insurance. John Hancock travel insurance offers travel insurance through Bronze, Silver, and Gold policies.

When comparing policies, the budget option may be slightly more affordable with Nationwide. However, mid-tier and higher coverage options may be more affordable with John Hancock travel insurance. It depends on your policy, trip details, and age. One good thing is that you can add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage under all John Hancock travel insurance plan options.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Nationwide vs. credit card travel coverage

Rewards credit cards come chock full of benefits for cardholders, some of which they might be unaware of. One such perk can be travel interruption or cancellation coverage as well as rental car coverage. Credit cards may have sufficient coverage for quick trips. However, if you want the peace of mind of having solid medical coverage or higher limits, going the traditional travel insurance route may be a better fit.

For frequent travelers, credit card travel protection may be appealing as the coverage is constant. If you're looking for a comparable travel insurance plan with more comprehensive coverage, some companies offer annual travel insurance.

You can find our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Nationwide's travel insurance offers very comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.

Yes, Nationwide allows the purchase of travel insurance up to a day before your departure. It doesn't offer plans for trips already in progress.

Nationwide covers COVID-19 like any other illness, covering trip cancellations with proof of a positive test and covering emergency medical expenses. 

Nationwide single trip plans cover pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase the Essential plan within 10 days of your trip deposit and the Prime plan within 21 days of your trip deposit. The annual plan doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, with a 60-day look-back period. 

Nationwide is known for its reliable customer service, wide range of coverage options, and the ability to tailor policies with various add-ons, setting them apart from many competitors.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Nationwide Travel Insurance

For our review of Nationwide, we looked at the leading travel insurance providers and compared the amount of options provided, coverage limits, cost, customer service options, and flexibility.

Nationwide is a top contender for cruise-related travel insurance policies and stands out for having cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, though it's not available with every policy and comes with an extra cost. To find the best travel insurance policy for you, review various providers and compare quotes before buying a policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates travel insurance companies here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content