Trail Running for Beginners – An Easy Guide to Get Started on Local Trails

Trail running can look somewhat intense from the outside, especially if you haven’t done much road running or hiking before.

You see runners dancing down rocky descents, purposefully speed-hiking steep climbs, and moving through terrain that doesn’t look remotely “runnable”… and yet, somehow, they’re smiling like they’ve discovered a secret no one else knows about.

Then you try it, and the first thing you notice probably isn’t speed, it’s the new found appreciation for attention and focus on the ‘now’.

On the road, you can settle into rhythm and let your mind drift but trails don’t really allow that. The ground keeps changing, the line keeps shifting, and your body starts making tiny adjustments without you even thinking about it. At this point you’re not just running through space, you’re responding to it.

That’s why trail running feels different; it isn’t simply road running with dirt under your shoes. It’s a more interactive version of running that’s less linear, and more present.

And you don’t need mountains, extreme routes, or a stacked gear closet to start. You just need a trail that feels friendly enough to meet you where you’re at, like easy running trails near you that fit into your daily walks.

In this article 🌲

• Why trails feel different (and why pace stops mattering so much)
• The mindset shift: effort is more important than splits
• Walking and power-hiking (the not-so-secret skill)
• The beginner gear list (with quick explainers)
• Choosing your first trail so you actually enjoy it
• Trail technique basics (climbs + descents without eating dirt)
• Safety, fuel, etiquette
• A simple “first month” plan + checklists

This guide has been sponsored by our friends at REI. I have linked any trail running gear I mention to the REI store, and if you purchase through those links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

If you’re going to shop at REI more than once, it’s worth considering the REI Co-op Membership: it’s a small one-time fee (no annual dues), and members typically earn an annual Co-op Member Reward (cash back) on eligible full-price purchases, plus access to member-only perks and offers.

We have been members for a long time, and have saved so much money over the years, from all the annual member benefits and sales.

Roads are predictable but trails are a conversation

On roads, effort tends to be clean and measurable, consistent if you will. Pace, splits, heart rate zones are all very controlled, and to some degree you can chase progress in a straight line.

A quick bit of advice for you to take with you; trails don’t care about your target pace, so neither should you (at least whilst you're getting started).

A mellow dirt path might let you float, then two minutes later you’re stepping over roots, climbing a short pitch, adjusting stride to avoid loose rocks, and slowing down without even deciding to, because the terrain quietly makes that decision for you.

That unpredictability is exactly why trail running can feel like a journey instead of a workout; the workout comes as an added bonus to the adventure. You’re not just ticking off miles, you’re moving through a place, enjoying the journey in nature.

Quick Compare: Trail Running vs. Road Running

Wondering how trails stack up against roads? Here's a simple breakdown to ease the shift.

Trails trade predictability for presence, but both build your base. (For a deeper dive, check our full Trail vs. Road running guide).

The biggest mindset shift is that pace doesn’t matter, but 'effort' does

If you’re used to road running, your watch is about to get humbled. Trail pace often looks “slow” because the surface and elevation ask more from you, even when you’re cruising.

Instead of chasing splits, I think in terms of:

• Relative Perceived Effort (RPE): easy, steady, hard
• Heart rate: if you like structure, then paying attention to your heart rate is another way to understand your effort level, no matter the trail, or distance
• Time on feet: because trails can stretch time in a good way

And if you want a simple permission slip: it’s completely normal to be noticeably slower on trails than roads.

Nothing is wrong, you’re just doing a different sport with the same two legs, so NEVER let that dismay you.

Walking isn’t failure, it’s actually a big part of trail running

Most road runners assume walking is what happens when the run goes wrong but smart trail runners treat walking as a strategic tool.

Power-hiking is one of the most underrated “skills” in trail running.

When a climb gets steep enough that your form collapses and your cardio just can't keep up, hiking is often more efficient than trying to run it in that half-shuffle, half-suffer mode.

You stay in control, keep your heart rate from blowing up, and you hit the top still able to run again when the gradient eases - that's a huge tactical advantage during a trail race.

It’s also where trail running becomes oddly freeing because the trail gives you permission to move how you need to move.

There's no judgment, and certainly no 'pace police' on the trails.

You only need a few essentials to get started

Trail gear can become a rabbit hole, but starting doesn’t need to be complicated, and if you do want to go down that rabbit hole, Trail & Kale mag is here to help you navigate.

For starting out, I’d keep it to:

Trail running shoes

Road shoes work fine on dry, mellow dirt paths but you're much better off with a good pair of road-to-trail (hybrid) running shoes. A pair of all-mountain trail running shoes will be a better option if you don't plan on running roads too.

Once it gets rocky, steep, loose, or muddy, trail shoes make the whole experience calmer and safer, more comfortable, and ultimately even more enjoyable.

My road-to-trail pick for beginner's is the KEEN Roam, and my all-mountain trail shoe pick is the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4.

To explore the full range of trail running shoes at REI, hit that button below:

Hydration

Trail runs often take longer than expected, even when you don’t plan them to, so bring more than you think.

I recommend getting yourself a running hydration vest that can store essential items like water, running gels & snack bars, key, waterproof later, and even running poles for when you decide you want them.

There are a lot of options there but I recommend the Salomon brand right now, as they make the best ones. They come in men's and women's specific fits, and various different capacities; the Salomon ADV Skin 5 (reviewed here) is a great option for most runs.

A light layer

Weather can flip quickly on the trails, especially if you’re exposed or out longer than planned. A wind or waterproof running jacket is one of those essentials that can make or break your day out.

Optional extras

A GPS watch can be handy for logging your runs, navigation and safety features, but it’s not required early on.

Here are the best running watches under $450, right now.

Everything else can come later, once you’ve earned a sense of what you actually need for your trails, your weather, and your style of running.

Choosing your first trail is where most beginners either stick or fold

When someone tells me they “tried trail running” and didn’t like it, it’s often because they started on something too technical, too steep, or too remote - or it was raining and they weren't properly prepared.

If your first trail run feels more like a test than an introduction, then you did it wrong.

Your first trail should feel forgiving, welcoming, and enjoyable enough to make you want to go out and do it again.

What you need first, is a park loop, fire road, mellow singletrack, or somewhere you can turn around easily and relax enough to enjoy it. Your goal isn’t to prove anything, it’s to come back thinking, “Okay… I want to do that again”.

There's an app called AllTrails that can help you find beginner-friendly routes, and Strava heatmaps is also a great way of discovering where local trail runners actually go.

And if you can run with someone who already knows the trails, you’ll learn faster and feel safer from day one.

How to move on trails without eating dirt (most of the time)

Trail technique isn’t about perfect form; adaptability is far more valuable.

Written by

Share

Copied