The unknown is also a key factor. In many hiking horror novels, the characters stumble upon something they don't understand, like in 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. The area they are hiking in, 'Area X', has strange and unexplainable phenomena. The mystery of what could be out there in the uncharted hiking territory creates fear.
'Desperation' by Stephen King can also be considered in this category. Although not strictly about hiking, there are elements of being in a desolate, small - town environment that gives a similar sense of dread as one might experience while hiking in an unknown and dangerous place. The strange and malevolent forces at work in the town add to the horror factor.
A sense of mystery can make a hiking story sexy. For example, if you come across an old, abandoned cabin in the woods during your hike. You wonder what stories it holds, who used to live there. It adds an element of intrigue to the hiking experience.
It could be the exaggerated expressions and actions of the characters. Funny dialogues and unexpected situations also add to the humor.
One midnight hiking horror story is about a hiker who heard strange whispers in the woods. As he continued, he felt a cold breeze but there was no wind. Suddenly, he saw a figure in white that vanished when he blinked. He ran out of the forest as fast as he could.
There was this hiker who followed a seemingly innocent trail. As he walked, he noticed that the trees around him were marked with strange symbols. He then started to feel like he was being watched. When he turned around, he thought he saw a figure in the distance, but when he blinked, it was gone. He quickened his pace but felt as if something was following him the whole time.
The unknown is a really scary element. For example, not knowing what that strange noise in the dark forest is. It could be a harmless animal or something more sinister.
The unique and terrifying concepts could make them great. If they introduce really scary monsters or situations that we haven't seen before.
A great horror story usually has a creepy setting, like an abandoned house or a dark forest. It also needs terrifying villains or monsters that keep you on the edge of your seat.
A great horror story needs a creepy setting, scary monsters or villains, and a sense of impending doom. Also, it should build tension gradually to keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
The character of Carrie herself. She is an outcast, bullied and mistreated, which makes readers feel sympathy for her at first. But then her telekinetic powers and her vengeful actions are what create the horror. It's a great contrast.