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Why is hiking good for you and worth practicing? Hiking has long been a traditional American outdoor recreation and is a favorite form of going on an adventure among men and women. Everybody loves to go hiking and camping on well-known trails, especially the ones in Northeast Ohio, such as Rocky River Reservation, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Quail Hollow State Park. The activity has so many benefits and is a wonderful way of spending your time. In this article, we break down the major reasons why hiking is good for you. So, if you are thinking about going hiking but still aren’t convinced, then here are 5 awesome reasons for you to do so.
Why Hiking Is Good for You?
While experiencing raw bewilderment and awe at nature’s profound and pristine beauty is an incredible benefit in and of itself, hiking is good for you for many, many other reasons as well. It’s much more than just an enjoyable way to spend your free time—it’s an activity that nourishes both body and mind, enhances your well-being, enriches your social network, and deeply relaxes you.
Of course, this is Appalachian Outfitters, and as huge outdoor enthusiasts, we’re unlikely to provide an unbiased answer when someone asks, “Why go hiking?”
Still, in the following sections, we’ll explore five key reasons why hiking is not only good for you but also a rewarding way to enhance your overall well-being. From the joy of discovering picturesque scenes to the satisfaction of overcoming physical challenges, each point highlights why hitting the trails is an adventure worth embarking on.
1. Connect with Nature
Living in the city can make any person out of touch with nature after a certain period of time. Sure, having your own little garden in the backyard gives you a tiny dose of nature, but it can never replace the outdoors where you can walk along the trails in the forest, camp out, kayak in the rivers, see different forest animals going about their business, and be in tune with the natural environment on a broader scale. Going outdoors was the most natural activity for humans because before evolving into corporate executives working and living in high-rise buildings, man used to live among nature. So, in a way, going on hiking is like going back home, returning to your roots, and rekindling that forgotten connection.
2. Health & Fitness
Research shows that people who work in urban spaces like office buildings or in cities where there is pollution tend to get sick easily and quickly. This is called ‘sick building syndrome’. So, every once in a while, it would be really good if you just left everything behind and escaped from the city’s daily grind and went for a hike or took a backpacking trip around the lush green trails. It’s really good for your health as there is a lot of physical activity, fresh air, and a calmer environment for you to relax and unwind. After coming back from your hiking adventure, you will be re-energized and ready for whatever the day throws at you.
3. Picturesque Scenes
One of the best parts about going hiking is that you get to see breathtaking views and scenic beauties of the landscape. They are a feast for the eyes and a pleasure for the other senses. You can even take your art materials along and draw, sketch, or paint the mountains, rivers, trees, or anything that fancies your interest.
4. Meet New People
Hiking is a great way for you to meet new people along the way. If you are going in a good season, chances are you won’t be the only one walking through the trails. There might be other groups that you can meet up with. This is a great way to make new like-minded friends and even meet someone you like. There have been cases where people have found their significant other camping.
5. Challenge Yourself
One of the main reasons you set out on the hiking adventure is that you not only want to explore the outdoors but also challenge yourself. This is a great way to test your endurance and survival skills. Climbing mountains, kayaking through rivers, and camping out can help you build life skills.
How to Get Started?
Having explored the reasons for hiking and why it’s so beneficial, let’s briefly touch on what you actually need to do to get into the thick of it. The answer is: not much! Another beautiful aspect of hiking is that as an activity, its barrier for entry is super low. Of course, there are tougher hikes and easier hikes, but generally speaking, for a budding enthusiast who wants all the benefits with little to none of the hassle, all you need are:
- A solid pair of hiking boots
- Decently sized water bottle
- Weather-appropriate clothing for hiking in any season
- Some calorie-dense snacks
- A positive attitude & a sense of direction
That should pretty much do it for entry-level hikers. Of course, the tougher and longer the trail, the more prepared you’ll need to be. Packing for a multi-day hike means you’ll need a bigger backpack and a well-crafted plan. Going on a wintery, snowbound trip? Better get accustomed to wearing hiking gaiters! Plan to stay exclusively within the backcountry? Well, you best read up on how to set up a campsite properly.
Essentially, hiking trips are so approachable that you can tweak your preferences to challenge yourself exactly how you like it. All it takes is the right amount of preparation, and after that, all you need to do is get up and go!
The Takeaway
Why is hiking good for you? There are multiple benefits, including improved physical and mental health, incredible views, and meeting new people. Plus, the requirements to get started are minimal. Whether you're tackling a challenging trail or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the woods, hiking offers something for everyone.
So, now you have your answer to the question of “Why go hiking?” Grab your gear, hit the trails, and discover why it’s one of the most rewarding activities you can embrace.
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