Soft Hiking: Enjoy Nature & Movement at Your Own Pace

Have you heard about this viral trend on TikTok? Soft hiking is making waves, and I love it, especially in the final stages of my pregnancy.

Growing up, being healthy and outdoorsy wasn’t always a priority, but after college, I realized that my unhealthy habits were taking a toll on me. Then, I discovered my ultimate passion: hiking. It transformed my life, bringing incredible health benefits and a happier lifestyle.

Although I typically love tackling a range of trails, being pregnant means adjusting my hiking experiences. That’s where soft hiking comes in! It’s been absolutely amazing, especially with the joint swelling and hip pain I’ve been experiencing.

Soft hiking isn’t just for pregnant women, though. It’s for all those looking to unwind and take in the beauty of nature. You don’t need a specific fitness level, figure, or age — you just need a sense of adventure and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

So let’s take a look at the trend that’s captivating TikTokers around the world.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Thank you to AllTrails for collaborating on this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own.

What is Soft Hiking?

Soft hiking is a recent trend, thanks to Soft Girls Who Hike, where you can hike an easy trail near you. It’s all about taking the pressure off and finding joy in nature.

When you go soft hiking, the idea is to be fully present IN the moment and take in the beauty of the outdoors. You can soak in your surroundings at a comfortable pace. Of course, you can take breaks when needed and strike a pose for those stunning hiking pictures.

Soft hiking is for those looking for a leisurely activity to clear their mind and improve their well-being. It’s not just for seasoned hikers, so you don’t have to be super fit or athletic; it’s for everyone.

Hiking is my favorite hobby, and while I enjoy a challenging trail from time to time, being pregnant means I have to be careful about the amount and difficulty of hiking I can do. With my feet and joints swelling, soft hiking is a great way to get out and appreciate the fresh air. So with a size up in hiking shoes, baby and I found a way to enjoy nearby trails in Seattle.

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Benefits of the Soft Hiking Movement

It’s no secret that there are many health benefits of hiking and walking. Psychological research shows that being in nature is good for you and significantly impacts your mental health. There are a bunch of benefits that come with soft hiking, such as:

Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
Boosting balance and stability
Improving cognitive function
Enhancing physical fitness
Promoting better sleep quality

On top of these advantages, my doctor has encouraged me to remain active throughout my pregnancy so that I can deliver the baby easily and safely. And, as you may know, walking a lot during pregnancy significantly benefits labor.

Where Can I Soft Hike?

So, where can you experience the pure joy of spending time in nature? Soft hiking is all about making things easy, so you don’t have to venture far to find a suitable hike.

I’ve tackled some of the best hikes in the world and regularly enjoy hiking in Washington or taking on a convenient trail near Seattle. My advice is not to overcomplicate things; simply walk near your home. During the last month of my pregnancy, all I could hike were very easy neighborhood trails.

A few top picks in Seattle include the Carkeek Park via Pipers Creek Trail and Green Lake Loop Trail. If you live in the area, Discovery Park is also a popular place to walk. Take on the Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop Trail. Or try the North Beach and Hidden Valley Loop or the South Beach Trail for something shorter.

The Twin Falls Trail is one of my favorites, and a lovely spring hike in Washington. It’s not too far from Seattle, so if you live in the city, it’s perfect for an after-work adventure. Be sure to bring your camera gear along to capture shots of the mossy trees, flowing river, and breathtaking waterfall.

To make planning soft hikes easier, the AllTrails app is a lifesaver when it comes to finding accessible trails that are close by. The app gives you all the details, like a description of the route, its length, difficulty level, and even the type of route. You can also customize your search by filtering for specific things like difficulty, dog-friendliness, or child-friendliness, which is great, especially if you’re hiking with your loved ones.

The best part is that you can preview the route to get a better idea of what to expect. You can also read the reviews and tips for the hike to help prepare and decide if the trail is right for you. And if you’re heading to a place with a spotty signal or you’re just keen to disconnect, the app offers offline functionality and 3D maps.

So, all you need to do is pick a trail, decide what to wear hiking, and bask in the beauty of the outdoors.

Tips For Soft Hiking & Spending Time in Nature

Soft hiking is an incredible way to incorporate outdoor exploration into your daily life, appealing to adventurers of all fitness levels. But there are still some things to remember for an incredible experience. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

Plan ahead and select easy, accessible trails.
Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the length.
Pack light and bring the necessary hiking essentials like water and snacks.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Take breaks and listen to your body’s needs.
Be mindful of your surroundings, practice deep breathing, and enjoy the fresh air.
Respect nature and practice the Leave No Trace principles.

And above all, leave your worries behind and enjoy the experience!

Ready For Your Soft Hike?

With its gentle approach and focus on finding joy in nature, soft hiking is a wonderful activity to implement into your routine. For those who haven’t considered themselves capable hikers, take a leap of faith and try it out. You’ll be amazed at how it can bring peace and serenity to your life.

And remember, it’s not about conquering mountains and breaking time records, simply embrace the moment and reconnect with nature. So which route will you be enjoying first?

If you’re looking for more tips, check out these beginner hiking guidelines to help you get started.