This week on False Summit, we take you deep into the woods and up a spiral staircase of paranoia. Em and Octavia share two stories that prove the most unsettling moments on the trail aren’t always about the terrain.

In “Goodbye, Happy Hiking,” a serene forest hike turns surreal after a chance encounter with a charming drifter and his silent companion. It’s all good vibes and spiritual chats—until a mysterious booklet leads to a gut-punch of culty red flags and an urgent reminder: not every trail angel is what they seem.

Then in “Echoes on the Stairwell,” a solo hiker in the UK learns that fear isn’t always about danger—it’s about the stories we tell ourselves. A mysterious set of footsteps becomes a full-blown thriller… until the truth takes an unexpected and very human turn.

Stick around for Trail Mix, where Em drops a dreamy, emotional playlist with tracks by ROYA, Yumi Zouma, and Jonah Kagen. Plus, we break down the art of finding the perfect hiking boot in trail etiquette and other shit.

It’s a wild ride this week—featuring interdimensional cults, mistaken identity, and the kind of existential spiral you didn’t ask for but somehow needed.

🎒 Rate, review, subscribe, and send us your best trail fails or spiritual encounters gone wrong: [email protected] or @falsesummit on IG and YouTube.

False Summit: where every mountain is just one more almost there.

Until next time, happy trails—and remember, if it feels like you’ve reached the top… you probably haven’t.