Maybe you’ve met someone on Tinder, another dating app, or perhaps organically through a mutual friend. You’ve exchanged numbers and are hashing out the details for the first date. One of you suggests a nice hike and you are wondering if hiking on a first date is a good idea. You are going to be alone in the woods with this person for probably at least a couple of hours. So think this one through.
On a first date you both need a chance to bail if it starts to go south and you can’t easily do this on a hike.
When hiking on a first date could be a bad idea
It’s your first time meeting
It really depends on how well you know this person and how you met. If you have known them for a while socially and just never dated before then I think going on a hike would be a great idea! It will give you a chance to spend some time together in nature with no distractions and get to know each other.
If you met this person on a dating app or know next to nothing about them, this is where a cup of coffee or even a drink is a better choice. The last thing I would want is to be out in the wilderness miles from civilization with someone and realize I don’t like them. Or worse yet, they’re super creepy. That would make for a fun and relaxing hike… not!
When hiking on a first date is probably ok
You already know each other
In my opinion a hiking date is fine on the 2nd date and beyond, or if you already knew the person socially. If you have met up once and have decided to go out with them again, then what better way to get to know them than a nice hike. There will be no distractions and chances are no one will have there faces glued to their phones on Facebook or Instagram.
Maybe don’t overdo it and try anything too strenuous, something you can both do leisurely and enjoy each other’s company. A nice 2-3 hour hike would be perfect. One where you can stop at a waterfall and eat your lunch is a great idea.
Some other options for first dates
As I mentioned already, you are going to be stuck with someone in the woods. Maybe they turn out to be really annoying, super creepy, or you just aren’t vibing with them. There are a lot of weirdos on social dating sites/apps. They can look totally normal and carry on great text conversations. You really need to vet people on the first date.
- Meet up for drinks – If you drink, 1 or 2 can loosen you up a bit. This makes it easy to keep the conversation light and get to know them a little bit.
- Or coffee – A coffee shop is another popular spot for a first date. The important things are that you should be in a public and familiar place.
- Go to the park – Another outdoor type option is meeting at a public park. Here you are both close to your cars. You can take off easily if you aren’t feeling it yet you are still outside and can walk around talking.
Then on the second date when you are both totally sober and you do decide to do that hike, you’ve got some stuff to continue talking about. All of the main questions are out of the way now. Like how long have you lived there, do you have any brothers or sisters, and what do you do for a living.
Conclusion
Hiking on a first date may sound like a great idea, and maybe it works out fine for you! In my opinion though, save it for date number 2 at the earliest. At this point you will know if you like this person enough to spend more time with them. Good luck and happy hiking!
