Whether solo or with a group, there are many reasons to enjoy hiking.
John Muir, a naturalist and conservationist credited with the creation of the National Park System, once said, “Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world.” Heading into nature can definitely feel this way, especially when you’re new to hiking, and even still when you’re an experienced hiker exploring new trails. But what is exciting and fun for one person might be scary or too challenging for another. So you might wonder what makes hiking so fun if it can be so subjective? There are many reasons to hit the trails–here are a few of our favorites.
Hiking is versatile
We love hiking because it can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it. Only have time for a quick hike? Then pick a shorter route near home! Have more time for a longer adventure? Plan a road trip to an epic trek! Did you have a tough day and need to blow off some steam? Pick a gentle hike with some nice scenery that will help you relax. We love using apps like AllTrails to find hiking trails because it has filters for distance, difficulty level, scenery and more, plus plenty of reviews from other hikers to help determine if it’s a good trail to check out.
Hiking is good for your physical health
Regular physical activity is important for your overall health. The World Health Organization recommends that adults do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week. But that doesn’t mean you have to do all your workouts in a gym! Hitting the trails is a great way to work your heart, lungs and muscles, and can help build stamina, strength, balance and agility. When you’re doing good things for your body, you feel good!
Hiking is good for your mental well-being
American naturalist John Burroughs (April 3, 1837 – March 29, 1921) once said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” Stanford research found that walking in the natural world yields measurable mental benefits and may reduce risk of depression. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” The act of observing nature and absorbing its calming atmosphere can lower blood pressure, heart rate and harmful hormones like cortisol which comes from stress.
It’s especially important for city dwellers to find green spaces to spend time in nature. Even a five- or ten-minute walk through a local park can help reduce stress and boost productivity.
Hiking offers nice views
Who doesn’t love a moment to take in a great view and maybe snap a couple photos? Whether it’s a quiet trail along a body of water, chasing waterfalls, climbing to the top of a peak for 360 degree views or trekking across a ridge line, there are so many amazing views to enjoy on a hike. TrailHeads is lucky to be headquartered in Kent, CT, right near plenty of incredible hikes with views (here are some of our favorites). But you can find great views hiking amongst desert rock formations, through vast grasslands and along coast routes, too.
Hiking can be social
Hiking is an awesome way to spend time with friends new and old. If you’re new to hiking or don’t have friends who enjoy it as much as you do, we recommend checking out Facebook or MeetUp for local hiking groups. Hiking with an established group often comes with the benefit of someone else planning the hiking trip. Be sure to ask questions about the length and difficulty of the hike so you can determine if that trail is a good one for you to check out.
Not everyone wants to hike with other people, and that’s a-okay. We love the introspection and peace of a solo hike. If you’re hiking alone, expect to do a little problem solving to pick your route in advance, pack the essentials (remember: your gear can make or break your hike) and don’t forget to share your plan with a friend or family member!
Check out our blog for more tips to help you take the trail less traveled.
Hiking lets you make friends
There are many online groups and apps that will allow you to connect with other hikers and make new friends. It’s such a fun activity, and there are always solo hikers looking to meet up with like-minded adventurers. You can also participate in community fundraisers that focus on hiking, and introduce you to new people in your area.
Another simple way to make new friends while hiking is to just say “hi” to those you meet on the trail. If you often see the same hikers, it may get to the point where you meet up at a campsite or local spot.
Hiking keeps you fit
Hiking has plenty of health benefits over ordinary walking. As a weight-bearing exercise, hiking builds muscle and strength, especially in your lower body; your hips, quadriceps, and buttocks get a workout. Your bones are also strengthened with the activity of hiking, and the Vitamin D created by exposure to sunlight is also helpful in keeping your bones strong (plus, sunlight is good for your mood and helps regulate your body clock for better sleep).
Let’s not ignore the cardiovascular health benefits. Hiking, especially uphill, improves heart and lung strength and can help manage your weight.
Because you’re dealing with uneven terrain, hiking helps with balance and stability. For anyone suffering from stiffness or arthritis, hiking is far less hard on the joints than something like running.
Then there are the mental health benefits of hiking. Studies have shown that being out in nature helps your mental health by lowering anxiety and stress and helping to reduce instances of depression.
Hiking helps you bond with nature
Hiking makes for some quality time with Mother Nature. Just being out in the fresh air and sunshine, away from the suburbs or city, is delightful. Think about how you can see the sky, hear the wind in the trees, and walk on grass or earth instead of concrete. That brings some powerful mental health benefits.
As you gaze upon an open field, or from atop a high hill, hiking gives you a different perspective on things – literally. You’re engaging all your senses, hearing birdsong, smelling the flowers, feeling your body moving through the landscape. Hiking provides a healthy, much-needed break from our daily life of screens and chatter and lets us connect with something bigger than ourselves.
Hiking brings quality times
The hiking experience pretty much guarantees a memorable time, whether you’re doing it on your own or with family or friends. There’s always something to see, from a breathtaking view to spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll come away with some unforgettable photos and videos, that’s a given. But outside of that, you’ll be connecting in the moment, away from the everyday stuff.
Hiking is fun for kids and takes them away from the constant pull of their phones and social media (and how great is that?!). Taking a break on the trail to enjoy some lunch or a snack together amidst the beauty of the natural world will be one of those things that stays with you and your hiking partners.
Hiking is never boring
Besides being a great workout and a chance to reset your mental health amidst the beauty of nature, hiking is fun! Unlike walking in your neighborhood, hiking brings constantly shifting things to see and experience. Seasons change creating different color palettes, wildlife is born and grows, and changing weather conditions can really put on a show. Plus, different areas bring physical challenges that keep things interesting. Wherever you travel, whether it’s for business or vacation, there’s a hiking opportunity nearby; it’s a great way to see your destination in a fresh new way.