here's the long and short of it. i want to go backpacking one of these weekends coming up, with the weather getting better and all... i have everything i could possibly ever need in the outdoors. the problem is that unfortunately and very embarassingly im afraid of the dark. also i like to take my time and hike very slow and just enjoy being outdoors. its a very relaxing place for me and i tend to just want to take my time and take it all in. in any case, living in western mass, i'm very close to the AT but being it my first time on the trail for more than one day i'd like to know of anyone that has similar fears and/or any tips or tricks to get over this stupid fear that is caused only by my imagination. also if there are any suggestions for hikes close to my house, i'll gladly like to hear about them. something nice and easy and leisurely. thanks for all the help

Plan your hike during a clear night with a full moon.

Pros: Lots of light
Cons: That's when the werewolves and vampires are out. [sorry, couldn't resist]

Seriously, a full moon will help as it can be very bright once your eyes adjust, and if needed take one of those little mini LED lanterns (Wal-Mart) for inside your tent as a night light. They'll go all night on a set of batteries. With time, you'll get over your fear. The scariest noises in the woods at night are usually made by little critters like chipmunks, skunks, and screech owls, etc.

What exactly is it about the dark your are afraid of? It could take a good therapist to find that out and find a way to help you get over those fears. In the mean time, maybe sleeping pills and ear plugs? What you can't see or hear can't hurt you :-)

Here's a story that may make you laugh...

My first time sleeping under the stars felt weird. No thin nylon wall of protection! I was a bit on edge as it was a little outside my comfort zone at first....

At 2am or so, I wake up. I see these eyes perhaps 3 feet away looking at me. :eek:

I went AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGHHH!

The vicious bunny rabbit hopped away....:o


The point is that we are all afraid of something. They key is to get out there and face it. Bravo for you that you are doing this! Awesome!

As has been suggested, a full moon is not only the best time to ease you into getting over things that "go bump in the night"..but it is also just beautiful.

Good luck..and have fun!

I agree on the bright moon, maybe not full but bright to see whats up at night. I was camped on Rocky Ridge in WV a couple weekends ago and the sky was very clear - lots of stars and the moon was bright. Although there was a halo around it (means stuff is blowing in). The wind steadily increased to hurricane force by 4am. I was by myself in the tent, the rest of my group was elsewhere. Ill admit it was "scary" at times, but then again I have never camped in that high of wind before.

What I did is I used my camera and documented the night. Every so often I would flip on the camera and take a short video of the wind blowing the tent around. Then I would get out occasionally and check my anchors (I was on a rock and used smaller rocks to guy out to). All in all it worked and I mantained my sanity, but I couldn't wait to get off that damn ridge and out of the wind! By daybreak I packed up, we all ate bagels, and hit the trail.

Point - find an activity. Do something to keep your mind on something else. If you are scared of something I know it doesn't help your sleep any, but if you face your fear and learn there isn't really much to be affraid of it will make things that much easier when in a similar situation again. Now that I know what my tent does and sounds like with 60+mph winds I won't be as scared of it again.

Ear plugs help alot, and try to relax. I know its hard to do, but RELAX. I'm a little jumpy my first few nights in the woods. But with time i get over it and realy enjoy the woods at night. Enjoy your walk ..

Moonlight. LED light or lantern. Hiking partner. Hiking to a familiar place. All can help with first time jitters. The KEY is to "Just do it" (apologies to Nike). The more you are out, the more at home you will feel. I actually look forward to the nighttime and "things that go bump in the night." I will admit I sleep lightly the first 1-2 nights out on any trip.

As far as hiking slow and enjoying being outdoors, go for it. There is no distance requirement beyond that which you set for yourself. If I am out of sight of my car and carry all my gear on my back in 1 trip I call it backpacking :)

I like a candle lantern. Keeps the ghoulies and ghosties away.
Still not so sure about the Long Legged Beasties.


Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
Wherein our Savior's birth is celebrated,
The bird of dawning singeth all night long:
And then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad;
The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike,
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm,
So hallowed and so gracious is the time.
--Marcellus.
So have I heard and do in part believe it.
--Horatio.


Scots Prayer (Traditional)

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!

Getting out walking will help fill your mind with the wonders of the trail. Fiddling with minor equipment things along the way provides victories and retreats. Bring along a light stick to use in the dark. These are light, and last all night. As you spend time, you will come to embrace the wonderous world of the outdoors.

One of my best nights on the trail was cowboy camping at Wigg Meadow (BMT) under a full moon with 6" of snow on the ground. :D

Replace your fears with good experiences and you'll forget about your fears.

I have similar fears. As silly as they are, they are also very real. I have learned to really enjoy camping anyway. It helps to spend a few nights in the back yard before you head out. It also helps to have a lot of people around the campsite. I don't sleep in shelters, but I do camp near them. I use earplugs. I also sleep with my headlamp around my neck and I don't hesitate to turn it on when I want to. There are always things rustling around at night in the woods, and they always sound a lot bigger than they are. You get used to it after a while. After a few days hiking I usually fall asleep pretty quickly regardless.

I understand. But, you may find that being out in the woods with the beautiful "night music" is more relaxing than scary. A lightstick is a good idea. Funny thing..I feel safer on the trail than I do at home. Our house was broken into over 25yrs ago when I was home alone and asleep. I sleep with a light on and I still jump at every little sound..like a tree branch rubbing the side of the house in the wind.. I go camping/hiking just to get a good nights rest <VBG> Go and have fun..