Hiking is a recreational activity involving walking amidst nature on any path or hiking trails in the countryside to enjoy nature’s fresh air and scenic beauty. The fourth most favorite outdoor activity in the US is hiking. It has also become a popular exercise method worldwide as it puts minimum pressure on the body.Most of the hikes are along America’s national parks with around 18,000 mi (28968.2 km) of hiking trails. Hiking can be of two types; short hikes that last for a day or a few days, and multi-day hikes that last for more than 12 days. Youth hiking mostly involves avid multi-day hiking.Before going for a hike, it’s important to plan properly to have a great experience and not get lost. Wear well-fitted hiking boots or any comfortable shoes as you may come across rocks, mud, and dust on the hiking trails. Wear properly layered clothing to protect yourself from stray branches and thorny plants that can come along the way. Carry all the essentials that come in handy, like water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks to keep your sugar level balanced, along with a first aid kit. Bring a backpack or fanny pack to carry all the supplies and try to keep it as light as possible.It’s important to be organized and get all your essential supplies and gear ready before leaving. Also, don’t forget your hiking poles, which can help to reduce the stress on your legs, knees, and back by evenly sharing the load across the whole body. The recommended backpack weight for children is 10-20% of their body weight.Hiking has different names in different parts of the world. It’s called ‘bushwalking’ in Australia, ’tramping’ in New Zealand, ‘rambling’, ‘fellwalking’, or ‘hillwalking’ in the U.K. The Swiss have the highest density of hiking trails globally, and during WWII, Switzerland took down all hiking signposts to avoid revealing the route.And do you know the longest hiking trail in the world? It’s the Great Trail (earlier known as Trans-Canada Trail). It’s around 14,912 mi (24,000 km) from end to end. Also, the first hike recorded in history was in 125 AD by a Roman Emperor, Hadrian, to Sicily’s Mt. Etna.Hiking also provides a great relief to those dealing with climate anxiety, like worry, getting angry, and insecurity due to frequent climate change. Going out for a hike in nature soothes these emotions and helps slow down and feel more in tune with nature’s rhythms. Spending more time in nature helps commit more towards its conservation, thereby mutually benefiting both humans and the planet.Hence, why wait? Whether you are a long-time hiker or heading on your first trail, read the below-mentioned cool hiking facts to explore more about hiking, its health benefits, and the best hiking places to visit during your next vacation.What is hiking?Hiking is adventurous and refreshing nature walks in the countryside. It involves walking across long distances on hiking trails or paths. It often includes rough terrain with a spectacular view of nature that we don’t associate with our towns and cities. Theoretically, we can hike anywhere, but the term is commonly associated with hilly regions, like mountains. It’s exhausting and challenging, but at the same time, it can be fun and easy too. Let us know some more interesting facts about hiking.Hiking is an open-air, straight-up amazing physical activity that involves strolling and connecting to nature.Hiking is all about slowing down and living in the present. While hiking, the sense of curiosity about what lies ahead makes it that much more interesting.In hiking, there is no concept of competition or race. Just reach out to the destination, be it a small mountain ridge, waterfall, river, or a lookout. It’s a goal worth attempting.Hiking is an inexpensive hobby that promotes physical activity and is convenient and economical.Mountain hiking or mountaineering constitutes a large part of mountain climbing, mainly for the pleasure of the climb.Do you know the hardest hike in the world? It’s ‘The Maze’ located in Canyonlands, Utah. Interconnecting canyons of around 14 mi (22.7 km) long look alike. Its high cliffs have no vantage points, and there’s a high chance of getting lost. This hike is only for expert hikers.The Difference Between Hiking And ClimbingOutdoor activities like hiking and climbing have slowly become a favorite hobby of thrill-seekers. As these activities have massive health benefits, one should spend some time outdoors strolling amidst nature. Hiking and climbing are often confused with each other. So, let’s find out why these two activities are different.Hiking is a popular activity involving a brisk walk on a walking route or hiking trail for fresh air or exercise. In contrast, climbing refers to mountain climbing, where hikers climb to attain a high mountain point.Hiking can be a day hike where day hikers return before night. Other hikers who want to hike for a few more days may extend their hike also. In contrast, mountaineering is mostly a multi-day trip.Depending on the hiking route, hikers require water, food, a map, a compass, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Climbing, on the other hand, requires ropes, picks, carabineers, and other such equipment.Families with young kids, groups of friends, and seniors can go for a day hiking to have a break from gadgets. While mountaineering involves a group of experienced people.The Benefits Of HikingGood long-distance walking in the wilderness gives a good feeling and sense of belonging to nature. Hiking’s tangible physical and mental health benefits make it one of the best workouts for both the body and mind of the hikers. Hiking has helped cope with the uncertainty and instability caused by the global pandemic, and in the last year and a half, people have taken up hiking to deal with stress. So, in case you’re new to hiking or need a little inspiration, let’s explore some of the best health benefits of hiking. Hopefully, these positive benefits give you some extra motivation to hit the trail.Hiking has ample benefits, from weight loss to improving overall physical and mental health. For example, a woman weighing 160 lb (72.6 kg) will burn around 440 calories with an hour of hiking. Studies have shown that a 15-minute walk in the woods causes a 10% decrease in stress, a 4% decrease in heart rate, and a 2% decrease in blood pressure. Two hours per week of walking leads to better health and well-being. It helps to strengthen our heart, lungs, muscles, and mind.Hiking is a form of cardio exercise that lowers the risk of heart disease and improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even a weekly short hike can alleviate your fatigue and sleep issues.Hiking trails often include steep inclines that demand the body to use different muscle groups of legs, arms, and core strength. Also, carrying a backpack and walking against gravity increases bone density. It is indeed a full-body workout.Hiking encourages the body to release endorphins (happiness hormones). It makes you feel happy and reduces anxiety, stress, and depression.Hiking allows you to expose your body to the sun, where you get shots of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that gives immunity, increases bone health, and improves mood regulation.Hiking isn’t always about mountaintops and sunset views. Hiking requires important decision-making abilities like setting the place, trail map decoding, and handling bad weather. These challenges require communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which eventually help you in life.It’s the best way to boost self-esteem, self-confidence, and know your self-worth. Each hiking trail offers unexpected difficulties to overcome, and the ‘I did it!’ feeling at the end of challenging hikes is worth celebrating.Best Hiking PlacesMany hikers plan effectively and decide the whole itinerary. Before starting the journey, it’s important to gather all the information on the landscape, weather, type of ground, and threats of wild animals. Short-day hikers don’t need much equipment, but you must carry specialized gear to make things easier when planning a long-day hike.So, are you planning for some hiking this vacation? Why wait? Plan effectively, get your gear on and put your steps on hiking trails. Let’s explore some of the best hiking places.New Hampshire’s Crawford Path is America’s oldest maintained recreational hiking trail. It is about 8.5 mi (13.7 km) and was established in 1819.The Appalachian Trail is a world-famous hiking trail and attracts around 3 million hikers per year. It’s 2193 mi (3529.3 km) long, starting from northern Georgia and ending in Maine at Mt. Katahdin. Though private citizens built the trail, it’s now managed by the National Park Service, the US Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and various state agencies.Glacier National Park, often called the ‘Crown of the Continent,’ is located on the border of Canada and Montana. This park features a variety of trails for all skill levels and is a favorite hiking trail among hikers.Yellow Stone National Park is a hiker’s paradise with thermal attractions like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Also, be prepared to share your hiking trails with some animals like moose, elk, buffalo, and grizzles.Grand Canyon, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive chasm in northern Arizona is a natural wonder that attracts around 6 million visitors per year. People travel to gaze out its red and orange grandeur and the mighty Colorado River.
Hiking is a recreational activity involving walking amidst nature on any path or hiking trails in the countryside to enjoy nature’s fresh air and scenic beauty.
