Hiking through nature is one of the most peaceful and satisfying hobbies available. There’s something about the fresh air and being surrounded by beautiful scenery that just has a way of resetting the soul.
While walking, climbing, or just enjoying the scenery, there are songs about hiking that can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Contents
- 1. “Walk Of Life” by Dire Straits
- 2. “The Rocky Road to Dublin” by The Dropkick Murphys
- 3. “Old Pine” by Ben Howard
- 4. “Rise” by Eddie Vedder
- 5. “I’m Happy When I’m Hiking” by Ian Whitcomb
- 6. “Geronimo” by Sheppard
- 7. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
- 8. “Anywhere” by Passenger
- 9. “Walk this Way” by Run DMC featuring Aerosmith
- 10. “Walkin’ to New Orleans” by Fats Domino
- 11. “Mountains by Biffy Clyro
- 12. “Harlem River Blues” by Justin Townes Earle
- 13. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
- 14. “Oh Louisiana” by Chuck Berry
- 15. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- 16. “The Hiking Song” by Kenneth McKellar
- 17. “Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat
- 18. “The Mute” by Radical Face
- 19. “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed
- 20. “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra
- Conclusion
1. “Walk Of Life” by Dire Straits
The catchy keyboard sound in this track is the perfect accompaniment to a hike through the woods. It’s all about the yin and yangs of life, and how we must embrace the good with the bad.
With its repetitive whimsical rock and roll tune, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget all your troubles.
2. “The Rocky Road to Dublin” by The Dropkick Murphys
Rock music with Celtic influences always seems to get people moving, and this tune is no different. It tells the story of a man who leaves home, feels unwelcome, and fights his way through life. This song will definitely have you tapping your toes as you hike along.
3. “Old Pine” by Ben Howard
This acoustic folk music is the perfect sound to enjoy while hiking through a forest. The lyrics are about being happy spending time with friends, making memories, and enjoying the scenery. It’s a feel-good song that will make you appreciate the beauty of nature and life.
4. “Rise” by Eddie Vedder
Vedder’s baritone and soothing voice and the mandolin in the background make for a perfect hiking song. The song was used as the film score for “Into the Wild.”
It talks about how memories and mistakes are all in the past but will not determine our future. The lyrics are infused with a folk rock sound that is truly unique. This song will make you feel inspired and hopeful like you can conquer anything.
5. “I’m Happy When I’m Hiking” by Ian Whitcomb
A highly-recommended hiking song, this upbeat track is all about happily hiking. The lyrics talk about how happy the singer is when he’s hiking and just enjoying life.
Patricio da Silva composed this score, and it is similar to a marching song in tone. This music will give you energy as you walk along the trail.
6. “Geronimo” by Sheppard
Traveling into the unknown, this song is perfect for when you’re hiking and don’t know what’s around the next bend. The lyrics are about taking risks and just feeling the moment. The hype and upbeat tempo of the song “Geronimo” and shouting the lyrics will get your feet moving.
7. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
An optimistic song that has been used in movies like “Matilda” and “Ice Age,” this track is perfect for hikes through the woods.
The lyrics talk about how we all have our own journey to take and how we should just enjoy the ride. It’s a light-hearted song that will make you feel good as you travel along your path.
8. “Anywhere” by Passenger
Being accompanied by the person you love whenever you go on a hike is one of the best feelings ever. The lyrics “Darling, that’s when I’m with you / Oh, I’ll go with you anywhere” speaks about not leaving your partner’s side, regardless of the destination.
The lyrics are very simple, but they perfectly capture the feeling of happiness that comes with being in nature with your loved one.
9. “Walk this Way” by Run DMC featuring Aerosmith
A suggestive song that is perfect for when you’re feeling naughty on your hike or just want Aerosmith’s iconic song.
The lyrics of the song are written from the perspective of a young man who was talked into doing things by a girl. The song has a funky beat that will make you want to move your hips as you walk along the trail.
10. “Walkin’ to New Orleans” by Fats Domino
This classic song about walking to New Orleans is perfect for hikes through the bayou. The lyrics talk about how he’s ready to leave and start walking to his destination. The song has an R&B-infused blues that will make you want to get up and hum the tune as you hike along.
11. “Mountains by Biffy Clyro
“Mountains” is a reflective track that is for people who are feeling a little down. The lyrics focus on the ups and downs of life and that the people we care about are always there for us.
It’s a song that will make you appreciate the people in your life and the mountains that you climb as you experience life.
12. “Harlem River Blues” by Justin Townes Earle
A blues-infused song about a man who is struggling with his life, this track is perfect for when you’re feeling reflective on your hike.
The lyrics talk about how he’s complaining about life, his problems, and how he’ll end up dead in the Harlem River. The song has an upbeat tune despite the lyric’s content, making it perfect for when you need a pick-me-up.
13. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
For a somewhat longer hike, this timeless tune is ideal. The lyrics, which are Scottish-sung, talk about how the person is going to walk 500 miles and then 500 more just to be with the person they love. It’s a fun and energetic song that shows devotion to walking any distance for the people we care about.
14. “Oh Louisiana” by Chuck Berry
This bluesy song speaks about being away for a long time and finally coming home. The lyrics do not necessarily speak about hiking but the mellow R&B blues tune makes it perfect for when you’re feeling homesick on your hike or just missing Louisiana. You’d still want to walk along to this feel-good tune.
15. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This track is for listeners who need guidance on how to overcome problems they may face in their lives. The lyrics are motivational and touch on the idea of having strong faith.
The lyrics of this song are very motivating, and the upbeat tempo is perfect for when you need that extra boost to keep going. This song is for anyone who needs some inspiration to face challenges and go after what they want in life.
16. “The Hiking Song” by Kenneth McKellar
As a song from Scotland, it’s only fitting that it would make the list. This fun folk song is definitely for when you’re in a good mood and just want to enjoy the hike.
The lyrics are about how lovely it is to go on a hike and take in all the nature around you. The song has a very light-hearted and happy tune, making it perfect for when you just enjoy the walk and scenery.
17. “Going Up The Country” by Canned Heat
Known as an anthem of rural hippies, this song is perfect for when you’re feeling like you need to get away and just escape for a bit.
The lyrics talk about how the person is going to leave the city and go up the country. The flute and blues-folk beat embodies the free spirit of hikes and nature. Making this song perfect for hikes through nature.
18. “The Mute” by Radical Face
“The Mute” is a song for people who struggle to express themselves and have trouble communicating.
The lyrics focus on the idea of being a burden and not being able to speak up. The song has a happy, mellow, and sad tone, which fits when you’re feeling introspective on your hike.
19. “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed
A song that shows the perspective of gay crossdressers, hustlers, and transvestites in New York City. The lyrics talk about the life of transgenders, prostitution, and oral sex which has been a taboo topic for a long time.
The song has a soothing rhythm accompanied by saxophone tunes, which makes it perfect for when you need to clear your head on your hike.
20. “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra
Last on the list is a song for women who had enough of men’s excuses. The lyrics “These boots were made for walkin’ / and that’s just what they’ll do” talk about how the woman is done with the man’s lies and cheating and she’s ready to walk away.
The song has a sassy yet cool tone, making it perfect for when you’re feeling badass and hyped on your hike.
Conclusion
Hitting the trail is a great way to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and clear your head. Music will add another layer of enjoyment to your hike, so make sure to bring along a playlist of songs that fit your mood.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or motivation, or just want to enjoy the scenery, these 20 songs about hiking will definitely make your hike more enjoyable.