Caught in a Thunderstorm While Hiking? Stay Safe with These 5 Tips!

So, you’re out in the woods, enjoying nature, when a thunder starts to rumble, the sky darkens, and suddenly, you’re in the middle of a storm. Not exactly what you had planned, right? I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned in my past hikes. Here’s how to stay safe and (mostly) dry until the storm passes.

Firstly, it’s important to note that it can go from sunny to overcast and stormy in a shockingly short amount of time—sometimes less than 30 minutes! Personally, I’ve seen it go from a great day for a hike to gotta get to safety in about 45 minutes. Thunderstorms can develop quickly and unexpectedly, especially in areas with unstable air or in the afternoon when the sun has had all day to heat up the ground.

Here's how it works:

1. Sun Exposure: The sun heats the ground, which warms the air near it.

2. Rising Air: This warm air rises quickly, and as it goes higher, it cools, creating clouds. If there’s enough moisture and the air is unstable, those clouds can quickly grow into towering thunderstorm clouds (called cumulonimbus clouds).

3. Thunderstorm Formation: As the cloud builds and the air continues to rise, it can trigger thunder, lightning, and rain.

So, it’s not unusual for a clear sky to go from sunny to stormy in under an hour—sometimes even in just 30 minutes! A useful tip while hiking is to keep looking up at the sky and checking for winds picking up, changes in temperature and storm clouds (dark ones) coming at you..

Remember these safety tips: get off high ground immediately, avoid standing under tall trees, stay away from water (it conducts electricity), use the hiker's crouch (check number 4 below for details) to reduce your height and contact with the ground, and wait it out by counting seconds between lightning and thunder to gauge how close the storm is. Also, be cautious of common myths, like hiding under a lone tree or lying flat on the ground—these won’t protect you from lightning. Instead, find a cluster of smaller trees and avoid open areas or water sources. Lastly, keep a rain jacket, emergency whistle, and a charged phone with you to stay prepared. Stay smart, stay safe, and don’t let a sudden storm ruin your hike! Below are more details on each of the suggestions above.

1. Get Off High Ground—FAST!

If you’re on a ridge, peak, or even a tall hill, move down immediately! Lightning loves high places, and you definitely don’t want to be the tallest thing around. But don’t rush blindly—careful footing is still key, a twisted ankle won’t help in a situation like this. Find lower ground, like a valley or depression, but avoid wide open fields (we’ll get to that in a second).

2. Ditch the Tall Trees

Standing under the tallest tree is like holding a giant “Strike Me!” sign. Not great. Instead, look for a cluster of smaller trees or bushes where you’ll be less of a target. But stay away from lone trees, metal fences, or rock faces that could attract lightning.

3. Stay Away from Water

Puddles, lakes, rivers—bad news during a storm. Water conducts electricity, so if lightning strikes nearby, it can zap through the water and give you an unwelcomed shock. If you’re near a lake or river, move at least 100 feet away until the storm passes.

4. The “Hiker’s Crouch” is Your Friend

If there’s no good shelter and the storm is right above you, get into the “hiker’s crouch”: squat low, feet together, heels off the ground, and balance on the balls of your feet. Wrap your arms around your knees and make yourself as small as possible. This keeps you low to the ground while reducing contact points, so if lightning does strike nearby, it’s less likely to travel through you. You’ll know when you need to do this, it might feel stupid but when you’re in danger that won’t matter.

5. Wait It Out and Count It Down

Sudden storms can pass in about 30-60 minutes. A good trick is the flash-to-bang rule: every 5 seconds between lightning and thunder means the storm is about a mile away. If the time gets shorter, the storm is getting closer. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back out. There is a tricky balance between staying safe and getting back to your car before dark. Remember, rushing back to your car isn’t worth the risk. There are around 20 to 30 deaths due to lightning strikes in the US alone.

Bonus Tip: Pack Smart!

A rain jacket, emergency whistle, and a small tarp or space blanket can make waiting out a storm way easier. If you have a phone, put it in airplane mode to save battery—just in case you need it later. Another one to keep with you is a battery bank (10,000 mAh or higher capacity is great for a few phone charges on the go).

On the flip side, there are myths that go around on what to do if stuck in a thunderstorm. Don’t fall for these unhelpful tips.

Myth #1: Hiding Under a Lone Tree Will Keep You Dry & Safe

Reality: A tall, isolated tree is basically a lightning rod. If lightning strikes, it could travel down the trunk and zap you or send dangerous ground currents your way. If you need tree cover, find a group of shorter trees and stay in the middle of them, but never huddle up against the trunk!

Myth #2: Lying Flat on the Ground is the Best Way to Avoid Lightning

Reality: It feels safer to spread out and hug the ground, right? Wrong! Lying flat increases the surface area for ground currents to travel through you if lightning strikes nearby. Instead, use the hiker’s crouch: squat low, feet together, and balance on the balls of your feet to minimize contact with the ground.

Myth #3: Wearing Metal Attracts Lightning

Reality: Your backpack zippers, trekking poles, or belt buckle won’t attract lightning. Lightning strikes the tallest object, not necessarily the most metallic one. That said, metal does conduct electricity, so if you’re holding a metal trekking pole in an open area, it could become part of a dangerous current. Just put metal gear down a safe distance away and focus on getting to a lower and safer location.

Myth #4: Rubber Boots or a Sleeping Pad Will Protect You

Reality: Sorry, but your hiking boots aren’t magic lightning shields. Even if they have rubber soles, they won’t stop the massive electrical current from traveling through the ground. Same goes for a foam sleeping pad. The only real way to protect yourself is to get to safer terrain and follow proper lightning safety practices.

Myth #5: If You Can’t See Lightning, You’re Safe

Reality: If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike—even if you don’t see the bolts. Lightning can travel over 10 miles from a storm in what's called a bolt from the blue (yes, it sounds like a fantasy spell, but it’s real and deadly). If you hear thunder, take cover!

The Truth? Know the Right Safety Moves!

Instead of relying on myths, follow these real safety tips:

• Get off ridges & peaks quickly.

• Stay away from tall trees & open fields.

• Use the hiker’s crouch if you have no shelter.

• Avoid caves & rock overhangs (they can conduct lightning).

• Count the seconds between lightning & thunder—if it’s getting shorter, the storm is getting closer!

While hiking in the great outdoors can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected storms. Thunderstorms can develop quickly, often turning a sunny day into a dangerous situation in as fast as 30 minutes. By staying vigilant, keeping an eye on the sky, and following the safety tips provided—such as getting off high ground, avoiding tall trees, staying away from water, using the hiker’s crouch, and waiting for the storm to pass—you can significantly reduce your risk. And remember, don’t fall for common myths like hiding under a lone tree or lying flat on the ground—these can actually increase your chances of being struck by lightning. Pack smart, stay safe, and keep these tips in mind for a worry-free adventure. Your hike should be fun and safe, so let these safety practices guide you through any storm that comes your way!

Now you’re really ready for the trail! Stay safe, stay smart, and don’t let a little storm ruin your adventure.

Now, go enjoy the adventure! Just remember: hiking is fun, but safety comes first!