The Benefits of Hiking
Hiking is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities you can pursue. It provides a wealth of mental, physical, and emotional benefits while allowing you to immerse yourself in breathtaking natural scenery. Let’s explore some of the primary advantages of going hiking:
Mental Health and Stress Relief
Our busy, modern lifestyles are a major source of mental stress and anxiety. Hiking allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle, clear your mind, and reset. Being out in nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
On the trail, all your focus shifts to being present in the moment – watching your footsteps, feeling the breeze against your skin, and taking in the sights and sounds around you. This mindfulness provides perspective and clarity that can be difficult to achieve in everyday life.
Physical Exercise and Fitness
While hiking, you are constantly working against gravity and PropelLing yourself over varied terrain. This provides an incredible cardio workout that strengthens your heart and burns a ton of calories. You’ll work your legs, core, back, and other major muscle groups in a low impact way.
The intensity of the workout can be adjusted based on factors like:
- The difficulty level of the trail
- The pace you set
- Elevation gains
- Weight carried in your pack
Hiking trails present a wide range of challenges from easy strolls to grueling uphill climbs. This makes hiking an excellent option for building aerobic endurance and strength no matter your current fitness level.
Exploring Nature’s Beauty
One of the greatest draws of hiking is the opportunity to witness nature’s awe-inspiring scenery. Every hike takes you through unique environments full of diverse geological features, flora, fauna, and beautiful vistas. It’s truly a feast for the senses.
You may find yourself wandering through dense, fragrant forests of towering trees draped with mosses and ferns. Or perhaps traversing rocky ridgelines with sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and waterways below. Hiking allows you to visit places of pristine natural beauty that can only be seen by foot.
What to Look for in Hiking Gear
Having the proper hiking gear and accessories is crucial for safety and comfort on the trail. You’ll want to make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear as well as plenty of food, water, and other supplies. Key items include:
Hiking Footwear
Your feet will be doing a ton of work, so investing in quality, broken-in hiking footwear is a must. There are several options to consider:
Hiking Boots
- Provide full ankle support and stability on rugged, uneven terrain
- Usually waterproof and highly durable
- Can be hot and heavy for summer hiking
Hiking Shoes
- Lower cut for more ankle flexibility
- Lighter weight than boots
- Mesh/venting helps keeps feet cool
- Less protection for rocky or brushy trails
Trail Runners
- Lightweight and flexible like running shoes
- Sticky rubber soles grip well
- Very breathable and fast-drying
- Minimal ankle support or waterproofing
No matter what type of footwear you choose, make sure it fits well and is broken in before your hike to prevent blisters and hot spots.
Clothing
The clothing you’ll want to hike in comes down to these key points:
- Moisture Wicking – Avoid cotton as it absorbs sweat; go for synthetic, fast-drying layers
- Layers – Be able to strip down or bundle up based on shifting temperatures
- Sun Protection – Long sleeves, pants, neck gaiters, and hats can shield against UV rays
- Proper Socks – Quality wool or synthetic hiking socks manage moisture and prevent blisters
Backpack
You’ll want a backpack with a supportive, ventilated back panel to carry all your hiking essentials:
- Water Reservoirs and/or bottles
- High-protein snacks and nutrition
- Navigation tools like map, compass, GPS
- First aid kit and safety equipment
- Repair tools and supplies
- Extra Layers of clothing
- Sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses
The capacity you need depends on the length of your hike. For shorter day hikes, 15-25 liters may suffice. For multi-day backpacking trips, you’ll want a 35+ liter pack with room for a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles can provide welcome relief for your knees and help maintain stability over rough terrain. The poles disperse some of your weight to your arms and core. This reduces the impact on leg joints, especially when going downhill.
Planning Your First Hike
If you’re new to hiking, it’s best to start with shorter, easier day hikes close to home. Gradually work your way up in length and difficulty as you build endurance and experience. Key things to consider:
Choose the Right Trail
For novice hikers, look for trail descriptions labeling the path as “easy” or “moderate.” Avoid anything rated as “strenuous” or “expert” level until you get your hiking legs under you. Be realistic about distance based on your current fitness level. Five to eight miles may be plenty for a first trail outing.
Check the Weather and Conditions
Always monitor the weather forecast and trail conditions before you head out. Wet, snowy, or extremely hot conditions can make trails more treacherous. You’ll also want to keep an eye on potential severe weather that could roll in during your hike.
Tell Someone Your Plans
Whether hiking solo or in a group, let a friend or family member know what trail you’ll be on and what time you expect to be back. This way, they can notify authorities if you don’t return on time.
Start Early
Get an early start, ideally hitting the trails by mid-morning. This gives you plenty of time to complete the hike at a reasonable pace and get back before dark.
Pack the Essentials
Food, water, navigation tools, first aid, and proper clothing/footwear are absolute musts. Many hikers also carry a headlamp, knife or multi-tool, emergency shelter, and fire starter as part of a hiking survival kit.
Learn Trail Etiquette
Observe the principles of “Leave No Trace” to minimize your impact on the outdoors. Stay on marked trails, pack out any trash, and don’t disturb wildlife or plants. Yield to uphill hikers and be considerate of others trying to enjoy nature.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush through the hike and miss out on the entire experience. Pause regularly to rest, snack, and take in your surroundings. Soak up the sights, scents, and sounds of nature around you.
Where Can You Go Hiking?
There are fantastic hiking trails available in all corners of the world for day hikes as well as multi-day backpacking adventures. From coastal vistas and redwood forests to mountain ridges and desert canyons, the possibilities are endless.
Here are just a few examples of renowned hiking destinations in the United States:
- Appalachian Trail – This epic 2,190 mile trail runs along the entire Appalachian mountain range from Georgia to Maine.
- Pacific Crest Trail – Traverse mountainous terrain through California, Oregon, and Washington with over 2,600 miles of trails.
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Experience the pristine alpine environment and incredible summit views in Colorado’s Rockies.
- Grand Canyon National Park – Hike into the stunning, massive canyon for a unique vantage point of this natural wonder.
- Zion National Park – Red and tan-colored sandstone cliffs make for striking scenery in Utah’s first national park.
Of course, there are extensive local trail networks and beautiful state parks that provide fantastic hiking options closer to home as well. With patience and the proper preparation, hiking is an enriching outdoor pursuit that can be enjoyed anywhere.
No matter where your trails lead you, hiking provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature, exercise your body, challenge yourself, and make unforgettable outdoor memories. So lace up your boots and start exploring the wilderness one step at a time!
