Hiking doesn't necessarily mean going "up", let alone through highly steep paths. Walking through the woods in uneven terrain is hiking.

OK, I should have said "out there" instead of "up there" -- happy now? It doesn't change my point at all. What happens when you twist your ankle in those uneven woods and are unable to get out before nightfall?

Don't hike alone? This isn't complicated.

The context in the above conversation is that the activity is framed as riskier than it realistically is.

I never said it was "complicated." Don't hike alone, leave a detailed itinerary with others, carry warm overnight clothing just in case, etc. Collect a few of these simple rules in one place and what do you have? A manual.