I never hike without trekking poles. They help going up allot and they certainly help on your way down. Stepping off of check dams is hard on the knees but with poles you can lower yourself down easier.
They also are invaluable while doing fords or help balance with snow travel.
They can also give you more options of going lighter weight using tents that only use trekking poles.
The only way I find them a minor pain is when you pause to take a drink or take pictures.
