Nature vs. Noise: A Hiker’s Rant

Last weekend, I set out for what I hoped would be a peaceful hike in the mountains. The air was crisp, the leaves rustled softly, and birds sang in the distance. But suddenly, the serenity shattered—a group of hikers marched by, their portable speaker blaring some viral TikTok song. The sound echoed through the trees, drowning out the gentle babble of the creek and the wind in the pines. I couldn't believe the nerve. Why come all the way out here, just to pollute the forest with noise? I glared, but they just laughed and shrugged, claiming they 'needed the motivation.' One even said, 'It’s public land, deal with it.' I’ve noticed this trend growing. Some folks treat nature like their personal gym, blasting playlists for everyone to hear. It’s as if the ancient woods exist just to be their background. I miss the days when hikers respected the quiet, letting the sounds of nature soothe their souls. Now, it feels like a battle: those who crave peace versus those who want a mobile dance party. It’s not just annoying—it’s disrespectful. Wildlife scatters, older hikers grimace, and the magic of the outdoors fades. If you must have music, why not use headphones? Is it really so hard? Or is it just another symptom of a world that’s forgotten how to listen? #hikingetiquette #naturelover #outdoorconflict #soundsofnature #respectthewild #Travel