Life Lessons I Learned From Backpacking in the Allegheny National Forest

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This summer, I went backpacking in the Allegheny National Forest. I had been camping before, but it was always at campsites you drive right up to. This was a totally different experience—no cell service, no driving to a gas station for firewood, no potable water, just us and the coyotes out in the wilderness for four days. Despite these challenges, this experience reminded me of some important truths about good company, goal setting, getting out of your comfort zone, and so much more. And no spiders ate me in the process!

#1: The load you have to carry is lighter when shared with friends

While backpacking the three-and-a-half miles to and from our campsite, we were carrying 25-30-pound packs. Luckily, my sister lent me her backpacking pack, but even with proper gear, it starts to hurt hiking up and downhill for a few miles. The few things we carried in our hands, like our trash bag, were passed around when they started to wear us down.

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Doing this hike by myself would’ve been miserable. Like with many things in life, the people you surround yourself with are the ones who make hard things bearable. It can be easy to feel weighed down when you’re faced with obstacles. But when you have people by your side willing to share the load, you can go much farther.

#2: There are always options, there is not one correct path

As we hiked, there were places so muddy we had to leave the trail. In one spot, it was so waterlogged we were slowed down for at least a few minutes, trying to judge where to jump, where to bushwhack through the brush, and where any dry spots might be. We all approached it slightly differently, exploring our options to get through.

Each person had unique ideas, and found their own way to tackle difficult terrain. We may have chosen to do something different from one another, but we all found our way through the forest. There isn’t one way to do almost anything in life. It made me grateful to be in a group of such creative and critical thinkers! 

#3: The nights are cold, but the days will bring warmth

During the nights on my trip, the temperature went down to 38 degrees. I remember lying there in my sleeping bag and two pairs of socks, feeling like the night would never end. My neck was all messed up, I couldn’t get comfortable on the ground, and the cold kept me awake. Some of my friends even started talking about what would happen if they froze to death.

But the sun does rise after a long night of cold. A phrase that has brought me a lot of comfort is that nothing lasts forever. If you’re having a hard time, it’s a reminder you won’t always feel that way. And if things are going your way, it’s a reason to make the most of it while you can. So the next morning, we got up, went for a walk, shook off the night’s cold, and warmed up again.

#4: Sometimes your destination seems farther away than actually it is

From our campsite, we could see across the Allegheny Reservoir to another campsite on a pier. I decided I wanted to swim over, even though the people and tents on the pier looked miniscule. My friends and I talked about it for a couple of days, weighing how cold the water was, the tide from the boats on the reservoir, and how hard it is to judge distance in the water. But I was determined. And lo and behold, once I attempted it, it only took me two and half minutes to reach the other shore.

At times, we believe that our goals are harder to reach than they actually are. Sometimes all it takes is simply starting, and then you realize how much stronger you are in relation to your goal. If I hadn’t just tried, I wouldn’t have realized how close the pier really was. Taking risks is scary, but sometimes all it takes is that first leap of faith.

#5: Never underestimate the power of unplugging

While there were so many enjoyable moments on this trip, the best part of the experience was being unplugged from the outside world. Though I wish it wasn’t true, I’m addicted to my phone. Not only am I hooked on Reels, but even work/school emails and notifications keep me glued to it. It’s hard to stay away from screens these days.

Because there was no cell service, I couldn’t text anyone or scroll on social media, and I didn’t want to use up my battery in case of an emergency. The result? I found myself going places without my phone. I was more present and in the moment. We often lost track of time, but we were focused on our conversations and the wildlife around us. It helped me remember how important it is for our relationships to just put the screens down, and it was a refreshing break from the constant stream of notifications, news, and dopamine hits I’m normally inundated with.

Though the backpacking was short lived, the lessons I discovered during this journey were everlasting. Four days felt like the perfect level of immersion—enough to fully experience it, but not so many that the lack of a shower was unbearable. We become so accustomed to our routines that we don’t realize how fulfilling it is to leave our comfort zone, but I want to remember these lessons and apply them to my day to day life in civilization. But for now, I’m going to take a hot shower and appreciate the pillow in my bed a little extra tonight.