Why do we hike?

Not everyone enjoys hiking which is good news for those of us that hike. Let’s look at some of the common reasons a person might be put off by hiking.

1. Hiking requires physical exertion and depending on the hike, can be strenuous.
2. There’s a good chance you’re going to work up a sweat and be stuck wearing sweaty clothes for an extended period of time.
3. Unless it’s winter, you’re guaranteed to encounter insects.
4. You’ll likely need to wake up early so you can drive to the mountains and afford yourself enough daylight hours to complete your hike.
5. There is a high probability of no cellphone service where you’re hiking.
6. You can’t just leave a hike if you’re bored, tired, too hot, etc.
7. You are grossed out at the thought of stepping through mud.
8. You are uncomfortable with quietness.
9. You don’t enjoy conditions that require face-to-face communication.
10. If mother nature calls, there are no restrooms in the woods.

I’ll be the first to admit that several points from the list above were excuses that kept me from hiking during my childhood. I eventually embraced hiking at the age of eighteen, and even then, I struggled with waking up early for a hike or encountering muddy trail conditions. Today, it’s the Adirondack black fly season that keeps me out of the woods. Besides that, I’m excited about the prospect of venturing into the forest and potentially hiking up a mountain.

For those of us who love hiking, what exactly is it that attracts us to spending hours in the woods and ascending mountains? I’ve put together a list of 10 reasons to love hiking.

1. Spending time in nature provides a sense of peace and contentment while enabling you to disconnect from work, chores, technology, and so forth.
2. Hiking is a great way to discover and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, from sparkling lakes, to charming brooks, pretty cascades, towering waterfalls, gigantic boulders, lush forests, and mesmerizing summit views. You may even spot some wildlife.
3. Hiking is a confidence booster. Depending on the hike, you may be challenging yourself mentally and physically. Standing on a summit after a challenging ascent feels amazing, but so does reaching the “finish line” after you’ve dug deep to find that hidden bit of energy needed to propel you through that final Adirondack mile in route to your car.
4. A hiking trail is a great atmosphere to experience quality time with others. People tend to be less guarded and more open while hiking. This enables you to get closer with your hiking companion(s) and that kind of bonding has a positive impact on how a relationship functions off the trail too.
5. Hiking is a great alternative to other forms of physical fitness. You’re breathing fresh air in the wilderness, you’re utilizing different muscle groups including your core, and you’re getting a cardio workout while not being focused on the fact you’re exercising.
6. Hiking is a form of play. You’re playing outdoors, sometimes hopping from one rock to next, climbing up giant boulders, crossing wooden bridges, and occasionally scaling a strategically placed ladder. The suspense of trying to stay dry while crossing a stream is quite fun.
7. The variation of hikes keeps hiking fresh. Some hikes are flat, some have gradual ascents and descents, others can have steep inclines and/or declines. Some hikes keep you in the forest until you reach a summit, while other hikes offer constant vistas from a ridgeline or rockslide. Then there are hiking destinations such as those found in the Southwest USA where the warm dry climate has you hiking through an entirely different type of terrain.
8. Hiking is more often than not, free. Granted, some state and national parks might hit you up with an entrance or parking fee; however, a little research and you’ll be on your way to hours of free hiking. It’s recommended to invest in some proper hiking gear if you’re venturing through more challenging terrain. A comfortable and durable pair of hiking boots should be a top priority followed by a comfortable daypack to hold your water, first-aid supplies, etc.
9. Hiking connects you with your spiritual side. I often refer to the Adirondacks as my temple. Whether deep in the forest or atop of a mountain, I’m reminded of how vast and beautiful our world is. I’m also reminded of how tiny I am within this infinite universe. When you’re surrounded by wildlife and the wilderness, you’re reminded of the other beings you share the planet with. Hiking gives you the space to contemplate your life, dreams, and relationships. The quietness and lack of distractions offers hikers the opportunity to seek clarity.
10. A hiking trip often comes with cherished traditions. Perhaps you drop-in at a favorite bagel shop in the morning on the way to the mountains or cap off a successful hike by replenishing yourself with a burger and pint of beer at a local brew pub. Maybe you swing by the local rustic furniture store to admire the latest handcrafted wooden pieces or stand in line to get a scoop of delicious ice cream. Common courtesy after a long day hike is for the driver to let his or her passengers nap on the trip home.

Although this list is not intended to be exhaustive, I hope it inspires individuals considering this recreational activity to take the next steps toward experiencing the rewards of hiking. For those of you that are experienced hikers, consider how you might help a new hiker learn the ropes of safe and responsible hiking so they too can build a lifetime of wonderful memories from their time on the trail. Happy hiking!