

Hiking is a great way to get up, get out, and get moving. While the pace is similar to walking, hiking provides that extra challenge to quickly tone your body and comes with all sorts of perks over a stroll in the neighborhood.
According to Piedmont Health, “hiking helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some cancers.” It’s excellent for your mental health, too. Surrounding yourself with nature is a sure way to practice mindfulness, reducing stress, and alleviating depression.

All that fresh air and amazing flora and fauna create an ambiance sure to put a smile on your face.
Here are five fast facts about hiking that will have you strapping your hiking boots on!
● According to AmericanHiking.org, there are over 87k hiking trails on federal land in the US and another 42k on state lands.
● Outdoorindustry.org touts a whopping $887 billion in consumer spending on outdoor recreation equipment such as hiking packs and boots. This industry has also created over 7.6 million jobs within the US.
● The longest hiking trail in America is the American Discovery Trail, at 5,057 miles. It stretches from one coast to the other. You can hike across America!
● The Outdoor Foundation released a report in 2018, claiming hiking’s spot as the fourth most popular outdoor activity! The previous year, nearly 50 million people went for at least one hike.
● The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says that more than 2 million people per year hike at least a small portion of their trails.
Now that we have some facts let’s go over some dos and don’ts to ensure you hike safely.
● DO wear appropriate footwear. Hiking is labor-intensive, and the trails can have all sorts of obstacles. With proper footwear, you can reduce blisters and twisted ankles.
● DON’T wear tennis shoes unless you plan to hike for less than two hours on a well-maintained path.
● DO take water. Dehydration can be a significant concern, and freshwater sources aren’t guaranteed. By preplanning and filling up a camel pack or a water bottle, you’re sure to have a water source.
● DON’T pack too much water. Water is heavy, and carrying it over long distances can quickly tire you out.
● DO tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to be back. Hiking can be dangerous and often happens in spots with lousy cell service. You’ll want someone to know where and when to look for you if you don’t make it back.
● DON’T rely on your innate sense of direction. Having a compass or a clear map can make all the difference if you get lost or turned around. Woods pretty much look the same all along the trails, and it’s easy to miss a marked turn and wind up off the beaten path.
Hiking is loved by many, so search your local pages and groups to see what hiking paths are available near you! You might even make a new friend to hike with. It’s a great time to have in-depth conversations about whatever your interests are!
