Should Solo Hiking and Backpacking Be Discouraged for Safety Reasons?

Is solo hiking/backpacking too risky, or is it a personal choice that builds confidence and skills?

Should parks or trail organizations do more to discourage or restrict solo hiking for safety concerns?

What are the real dangers of solo hiking: wildlife, injuries, weather, or human threats?

Are solo hikers unfairly criticized compared to groups, or is there merit to the concerns?

Share your experiences: Have you had a close call while solo hiking or backpacking?

What precautions do you take to ensure safety when going alone?

I like being alone in the woods, it's given me a lot of freedom to explore where I want to go. I did a group hike last year, and I'm doing another one this year. Maybe I'll do more.

I like hiking with my wife.

I don't mind doing group hikes here and there, though.

I enjoyed hiking solo when I first started, but when I met my wife, who was just a hiking buddy at first, I fell in love with hiking with her and almost feel abnormal to do it alone. However, at times, I still hike alone when she is at work and I'm not.

Biking... I prefer to ride alone for the most part. I can set my own pace and focus on what I want to get out of it.