How to Make Wooden Hiking Sticks

Hiking is an active outdoor activity that requires physical strength, stamina and an interest to complete. Hiking sticks improve balance and give added support over uncertain terrain. A wooden hiking stick is a simple stick or wooden pole that varies in height and thickness to preferred measurements.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Wooden stick
  • Knife
  • Saw (optional)
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your height to the shoulder. Though the actual preferred length might vary, the normal measurement for a hiking stick is around shoulder height. Adjust the height as you wish.

    • 2

      Select a sturdy stick of the appropriate length. The diameter of the stick will vary, but it should fit comfortably in one hand. Weight will differ based on height, diameter and the type of wood.

    • 3

      Trim any branches, twigs or bark from the wood with a knife. Scrape along the wood at an angle to remove the bark. Cut through any stick that is too thick or hard for the knife to cut through with a saw. Shape the top with the knife for a rounded curve.

    • 4

      Sand the stick with sandpaper. Sand in an up and down motion to remove any snags or splinters.