I always thought hiking in the rain was a bad idea until a trip in the Smokies

For years I avoided any trail if there was a 50% or higher rain chance, thinking it would be miserable and unsafe. Last spring, I got caught in a steady drizzle on the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte because I misjudged the forecast. Instead of being awful, the fog made the views feel private and the forest smelled amazing. I was warm and dry in my gear, and the trail was nearly empty. It made me see I'd been missing out on a whole different hiking experience just to avoid a little water. Has anyone else changed their mind about hiking in less-than-perfect weather?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_olivia1mo ago

Same, a rainy hike totally changed my mind.

jade_miller621mo ago

Oh man, my buddy got caught in a downpour on a trail last year and said it was weirdly peaceful. It really does shift your view on bad weather hikes, @the_olivia. He came back soaked but totally happy.

jenkins.wade20d ago

Ha, well I guess I'm the last holdout then. I still see a dark cloud and my brain just says "nope, couch time." Maybe I need to get caught in a storm like @the_olivia did. My idea of a good wet hike is from the fridge to the couch with a bag of chips. I can't imagine actually wanting to be out there when my boots would get all muddy and my glasses would be covered in drops.