Would you go hiking alone?

Here's the thing, I am living in Texas right now (where the husband is from) and don't know anyone at all.  I am itching to get out to this trail in the next county that circles a lake and according to a hiking site is full of wildlife (wild hogs!).  There are a few variations you can do and make it anywhere from a 2 mile to a 30+ mile hike... I am wanting to do a 4 miler that runs pretty flat with a few semi-challanging areas.

The husband is not into it at all.  He builds houses out in the heat all day (it's still in the high 90's here) so I can see why... but I have a weird feeling about hiking alone even when people will know where I am and what trail I'll be on and everything.  I just have this vision of me being mauled by a wild hog or something, haha.

Am I just being weird?

I go hiking alone all the time as well.  I once went hiking alone in Africa where I came upon a warthog.  When I saw him I was fully prepared to climb the nearest tree (which were covered in spines!).  He took a step toward me preparing to charge, I just lowered my eyes and backed away slowly - he went back to eating the grass.  I did turn around then, however, and jog (aka RUN) back to camp.  ;-)  If you are worried, bring an air horn or mace.  Scary people are everywhere - you can't avoid them no matter what you do.  I would guess that you are as likely to have some psycho break into your house when you are home alone as having someone nab you on a remote trail (seriously - city parks are much worse for this kind of thing).

Don't do it!  I went fishing alone once on the rocky coast and fell down!  I had no one around to help me.  I tore my leg up very badly and could hardly walk.  Luckily...Thank the Lord!  The Coast Guard just happened to drive down in that area!  I stopped them and they took me to the ER, where my gash required 18 stitches. 

Now I don't even walk the dog unless everyone knows where I am and I bring my cell phone.

I go hiking alone all the time. if you want to bring your cell phone and a hand cranking charger. I know I have seen horse shops selling them.

Water at least a gallon 2 if you dont have any streams nearby

a couple days supply of food like nusts and granola bars things that pack a bunch f energy for a small amount

A sweater and blanket something small but warm

extra socks

a couple of lighters

a gerber or some sort of swiss knife

Learn how to use a map and compass or get a gps but I would still learn how to use a map and cmpass and bring them with you

a first aid kit. enough said

ok im gonna add some stuff I dont eave home without when hiking

Mole skins. Make sure you bring that knife if you start to get a blister or omething they are a god send

Ben gay or something like that to relieve sore muscles and cramps

Knee and ankle brace

sunscreen

bug repellant

Small flashlight and an extra pack of batteries

All of this sounds like a lot but if you gt the right stuff it is about 10 or 15 pounds all told. of course have a back pack to put it all in. Its all worth it and I always find it nicer to hike alone. We have some rugged country around here and I have seen two bears one black and one brown on various hikes. Both just looked at me and walked away.

If you have a dog bring him with you if your really scared of people. But how many attacks have you heard of in your area for the year on lone hikers?

Have fun and enjoy yourself. Oh and I have fallen before on hikes. you would have a hard time actually breaking a leg unless your hiking some seriously dangerous stuff and repelling or climbing up rock faces and if you bring the knee and ankle brace you will make it out alive later then expected but alive

I have twisted my knees and ankles a couple times and slapped on the handy knee or ankle brace and was good enough to limp off the mountian with a pride that was more bruised then my body.

Wow that is quite a supply of stuff - I admit I don't bring all that with me.  I do have a small backpack that I carry, which contains a small first aid kit (antibiotic ointment, gauze, bandaids) and water - but only what I will drink on the hike (probably 1 L on a 4 mile hike).  You might also want something for a snack.  If I am going on a long/difficult hike, I might throw in a roll of vet wrap in case of a twisted ankle.  I do usually bring my cell.  Oh and if the park you are going to has a website - print off the trail map and bring that with you. 

You are only going out for a couple of hours - just enjoy nature.

you should add snake bite kit to your first aid.

I hike alone all the time, as I really don't know anybody who enjoys it as I do.  Never had a problem yet.  Have come across bear a couple times, but no problems.  

Get a really big junk yard dog and take it for a walk or run.  Then I think pig or person would leave you alone. 

I go hiking all the time by myself. I let people know where I am and when I will be back. Take my cell phone and also have a hunting knife that I take with me. Most wild animals leave you alone as long as you do not interfere with them or it is not breeding or baby season. I suggest for the first time go on a 2-4 mile hike then make it longer as you get more familiar with the surroundings. Take plenty of water, stay on the trail, familiarize yourself with the trail and how to get back and do not go so late that it might get dark before your return.

Have fun.

Would you go shopping alone?  Would you go shopping alone after dark?  My point is that you are in no more danger hiking alone than you are shopping alone. If there is a creepy person, they will find a way to find someone vulnerable, even in a public place or parking lot. 

That said, as long as you are prepared, hiking alone is something a lot of people do, including me.  I am going this afternoon, in fact.  I take a camel pack with a few basics like a first aid kit, fire starter, waterproof matches, a space blanket and a signal mirror.  Then, in my pocket and easily accesible, I have my phone, a knife and pepper spray (for creepy people or mountain lions or bears.)  I've hiked alone for years and have only good meetings with other hikers and travelers.  It's good to be cautious since that makes for good preparation.  Be confident, alert, and have fun!

I'm more afraid of the people then the animals. We do walk alone at our state park area walking trails. We can check in with ranger coming and going. Atleast they know were there.

wild hogs.  my ex hunted them in s. tx down near Waco.  He was told if one charged hope a tree is close.  All you need to do is get yourself up off the ground a little, as they don't look up.

I'd check with neighbors or check the paper, ask around for a hiking group.  I would not go alone.  doubt pepper spray would be any good on a wild hog.  Those tusks are powerful.

If I go hiking alone, which is not often and I haven't for a couple of years, I bring my cell phone and my knife.  (But make sure you know how to use the knife.)

Usually, the animals are more afraid of you than you are of them, however, if you come into their territory they are likely to feel threatened and attack. 

I would do what Ohio suggested though if you're nervous...there must be a hiking group around.