TikTokers blasted for encouraging followers to go on dangerous hikes

We know influencers love to show off their bronzed, toned bodies in a bikini at popular water holes across the country but it certainly doesn’t come without criticism.

Social media users have been busy pointing out that some of the expeditions they feature are dangerous for inexperienced hikers, and require extensive hiking knowledge and gear, Escape reports.

Though they make good points (if you’re canyoning you should obviously take more than a bikini and an iPhone), it’s also true that this generation is more at risk of hunched backs and crook necks than rivers, whirlpools and cliffs.

However, if a social media user opts to take one of the hikes they see on TikTok or Instagram, they should be aware of all of the attendant risks involved.

If a hiker is inexperienced and doesn’t bring the right gear, they can face serious risks, including injury and death.

Take this video by Chloe Barry-Hang.

The video shows followers how to get to the Dalpura Canyon in Australia and Jinki Ridge loop, also in Australia.

It advises viewers to download the All Trails map of the route and ensure it works without signal.

The video continues: “So make sure you feel comfortable hiking this type of terrain. I would not suggest it for someone that’s not more of an advanced hiker.

It’s not super difficult but there are parts where you have to rock climb/crawl swim etc. and again depends on rainfall.”

Many social media users were impressed.

Others, however, shared safety concerns.

One social media user called Nathan, wrote: “Heaps of leeches and super dangerous if it’s rained. Multiple people have died in this exact area.”

Another had this damper: “Always bring a Personal Locator Beacon, whistle, first aid kit, extra water and extra snacks.”

“Would not suggest doing this hike if there’s any hint of rain,” a TikTok user called @potate added.

Another said: “You tried to rock climb a canyon? They are for abseiling. If you are influencing people at least do the right things by bringing the right gear.”

Another chimed in: “OMG I am looking at how unprepared you and your party are for any accident and you’re giving instructions to others. Please don’t.”

Chloe responded to this: “If I didn’t give instructions they would say I am gatekeeping. Lol you can’t win.”

Other aggrieved comments included: “Please don’t post this for the idiots on TikTok to see. This is for experienced hikers and canyoners only!”

On another video of the same canyon by @naturalattractionsnsw, a commenter wrote: “I went canyoning once in winter and a snake crawled up my classmate’s vest while we were swimming. Don’t know why you would risk this in summer.”

Many others loved the videos, however, writing comments like “this looks so fun” and tagging their friends with the intention of doing the hike.

Two women tragically died doing the nearby Wollangambe Canyon as part of a walking group in 2021, when the first got stuck in a whirlpool and the second attempted to rescue her, so perhaps the call for safety to be front of mind is understandable.