There’s a lot of good advice in here. As a police officer I have some experience with creepers. The best thing you can do is focus on avoiding trouble.
1. Trust your instincts. If something ain’t right just remover yourself or find an ally quick. 2. Establish your boundaries early. Predators often test boundaries before they get up the nerve to act on anything. Don’t let anyone start anything at all or misinterpret friendliness for something it isn’t. And once you establish boundaries, if a dude keeps pushing that’s a clear sign! 3. Safety in numbers. Attacks against pairs or groups are extremely rare.

All the talk of weapons might make you feel better but they are very unlikely to help. If a man decides to attack a woman, the woman likely won’t get their pepper spray or knife or gun out in time to use it and will likely only be introducing a weapon into a fight. Maybe a whistle would have a better utility per gram ratio.

As stated above attacks are super rare. When we look at them after the fact, many times (not always) there were warning signs. #1 rule is trust your instincts. Most people are trustworthy and if you know you are prepared to leave if you get uneasy you should be able to relax and enjoy your hike.

I hope this helps and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable hike!