hike down

USAGE SUMMARY

'hike down' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a verb to describe the action of walking or trekking down a hill or mountainside. For example: We hiked down the mountain, enjoying the beautiful scenery around us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The hike down was much faster.

The New York Times - Travel

And some passengers managed to hike down off the mountain before the avalanche struck.

The New York Times - Books

The hike down was easier, and the view of the surrounding mountains and Viedma Lake magnificent.

The New York Times - Travel

There's a bitter wind early the next day, as I hike down from the lodge to the beach.

Independent

Last fall, Sarah became violently ill with a stomach virus and had to hike down to a doctor.

The New York Times

She would like to go the annual ball in Ebbs without having to hike down with her shoes and gown in a bag.

The New York Times

Top tip You don't need a guide to hike down to the White House Ruins, a three-mile circular trek that drops 150m down into the canyon.

The Guardian - Travel

I hike down to the show grounds, wander through open-sided tents where huge draft horses champ and doze, tethered row upon elephantine row.

The New York Times - Travel

Beating the odds once more, he was later well enough to hike down to a point where a helicopter could rescue him.

The New York Times - Books

But as he sat on the rocks afterward in the waning sun, packing his gear for the hike down, he found himself reconsidering.

The New York Times - Travel

You can snorkel in the day, party on the beach at night and even hike down a gorge to recover if you want.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hike down" when referring to a deliberate and often recreational descent on foot, especially in natural settings like mountains or trails. Make sure the context clearly implies a downward direction.

Common error

Avoid using "hike down" to describe walking on relatively flat terrain or short distances. Opt for simpler terms like "walk down" or "go down" in those scenarios to maintain accuracy and avoid sounding unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hike down" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of descending on foot, typically in a natural or outdoor setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Travel

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hike down" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe descending on foot, often in outdoor environments. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it’s best suited for scenarios involving trails or slopes, rather than flat urban settings. Alternatives like "descend on foot" or "walk downhill" may be more appropriate in different contexts. Its frequency and neutral register make it suitable for various writing styles, from news articles to personal travelogues. The phrase appears most often in "News & Media", "Travel", and "Wiki" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend on foot

Focuses on the action of descending by walking, emphasizing the mode of transportation.

walk downhill

Highlights the direction of movement while maintaining the action of walking.

trek downwards

Replaces "hike" with "trek", suggesting a more arduous journey, and uses "downwards" for direction.

go down the trail

Specifies a path and direction, implying a planned route.

descend the slope

Emphasizes the type of terrain being descended.

make your way down

Suggests a gradual and possibly cautious descent.

walk to the bottom

Focuses on reaching the lowest point, implying a complete descent.

move down the mountain

Highlights the starting point and direction of movement.

come down by foot

Emphasizes the mode of travel during the descent.

travel down the path

Focuses on traveling a specific route downwards.

FAQs

What does "hike down" mean?

"Hike down" means to walk or trek downward, typically on a trail or slope, often in a natural environment like a mountain or hill. It implies a descent on foot.

What can I say instead of "hike down"?

You can use alternatives like "descend on foot", "walk downhill", or "trek downwards" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "hike down" or "walk down"?

"Hike down" is more appropriate when referring to a deliberate descent on a trail or slope, often in a natural setting. "Walk down" is more general and can be used in various contexts, including urban environments.

How do I use "hike down" in a sentence?

Example sentences include: "We decided to hike down the mountain after reaching the summit." or "The trail was steep, but we managed to hike down without any issues."