30+ Best Hiking Songs for Your Travel Playlist

These boots were made for walkin', and that's just what they'll do with these best hiking songs.

Nature offers its own mesmerizing soundtrack, but sometimes it's nice to tune into a manmade soundtrack when out on the trail.

It's actually quite interesting to see how music changes your mood and perspective while surrounded by nature. It can help clear your mind or put an extra bounce in your step.

In everyday life, the right song can change your day for the better, and the same is true for a day of hiking. So, just below are the top songs for hiking that are searched for the most online.

But first, we need to make sure we don't let music put us in danger or interfere with other hikers' experiences!

Best Practices While Listening to Music on the Trail

If you are one of those that loves to listen to music while hiking, there are a couple of general guidelines you should follow. They can help keep you safe!

Plus, they can help ensure that you are using good hiking etiquette and treating the other hikers with respect.

Always Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Hiking can be very relaxing, and help you truly connect with nature. But nature isn't all flowers and fluffy clouds.

Not only can wild animals pose a danger to you, but so can natural settings like waterways of cliff sides.

In addition, other hikers may pose a danger, either by accident or on purpose. That is why you want to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

If you choose to listen to music, it's a good idea to listen only with one earbud in or at a low volume. That way you can hear your surroundings, and any potential danger, while also enjoying your music.

Keep it to Yourself

Most people know the saying, “If you do not have something nice to say, do not say it all.” That is because sometimes keeping it to yourself is the best thing you can do. That also keeps for music on the trail!

Everyone enjoys nature differently. While some people love to hear tunes on the trail, other people are searching for quiet solitude. They only want to hear the song of the birds and streams.

Be respectful to others by keeping the volume of your music turned low so that only you can hear it. That way you won't run the risk of ruining someone else's hike.

Another good rule of thumb is to leave your Bluetooth speaker at home. That way you are not even tempted to have a jam session with your favorite songs in the middle of the forest.

How to Stream Your Music

There are many ways to enjoy music while out in nature. Most commonly, people download Apple Music or Spotify playlists. If you make your own playlists, you can download them to your device to enjoy it even if you lose cell service.

You can also listen to music by playing youtube videos. However, this might be more work than you want on a hike since you would constantly need to be on your device to choose music. Plus, you might not have cell service which could potentially make it impossible.

Best Songs to Listen to on Your Hike

A great song can be magical! Not only can it pull you out of a funk, but it can make you want to dance and move. It can also help you get up a hard, steep incline- a great way to pump up your hike!

Do you have an absolute top song when you think about your favorite music? Then add it to your list. Anything that makes you feel good, energetic, or want to move is a great addition to your playlist.

If you do not have any songs in mind, the following list of songs can be a great starting point for your hiking playlist. You can listen to them and add the ones you like. Or, create a list and discover which ones you like while on your outdoor adventure!

Are you ready to hear some music you might know and awhole lot you don't? 🙂

The following songs are the most searched for hiking songs in all genres. I bet you recognize some of these, and I bet a lot of these are new to you, too. Read through it and then see what we created below to take on your next hike.

• John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads

• Ben Howard – Old Pine

• The Lumineers – Ophelia

• Creedance Clearwater Revival – Up Around the Bend

• The Proclaimers – I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

• Lord Huron – Ends of the Earth

• Mumford & Sons – After the Storm

• Ben Howard – He has many good songs from Old Pine to What a Day

• Johnny Cash – I've Been Everywhere

• Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine

• Nancy Sinatra – These Boots are Made for Walking

• Xavier Rudd – Follow the Sun

• Rolling Stones – Wild Horses

• Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World

• Steppenwolf – Born to Be Wild

• George Ezra – Budapest

• Run DMC feat. Aerosmith – Walk This Way

• Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home

• Biffy Clyro – Mountains

• Happy Wanderer – Various Artists

(This sweet song also makes a great “belt it out as you hike” song for the family. Of course, only if there are no other people near you on the trail, as you do not want to ruin their connection with nature.)

• Daft Punk – This group's pumped up hits include Around the World and One More Time

• Neil Young – Hitchhiker

• Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way

• Tina Turner – Proud Mary

• Toploader – Dancing in the Moonlight

• Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over

• The Strokes – Machu Picchu

• Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – Ain't No Mountain High Enough

• Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side

Movie Soundtracks

Another popular option is to listen to a movie soundtrack. You can play your favorite soundtrack, or choose a popular one, such as:

• Forrest Gump

• Into the Wild

• A Walk in the Woods

• The Lord of the Rings

• Harry Potter

I hope this list of best hiking songs helps you (safely) enjoy your next hike. Oh, and by the way, if you plan to take your furry friend on your hike, check out the Best Dog Harness for Hiking. You might also be interested in these Trail and Hiking Apps.

And for fun, one of our team members created the playlist and Phyllis put all of these on a Spotify Playlist for you – right here. Happy hiking! You can start with this list and make it your own.

Your Best Hiking Songs

What are your best hiking songs? Please share your recommendations in the comments below!