Hiking is a classic way to enjoy nature and take a break from the busy pace of everyday life. Recently, it has become more popular as people look for ways to relax and discover the beauty of the outdoors, and take a step away from all the drastic uproars within social media. Whether climbing steep mountains or walking on peaceful paths, hiking combines excitement, physical activity and calmness. This makes it a favorite hobby for many, no matter their age or experience.
Hiking has numerous benefits, but starting out does not need to feel like a huge task. If someone is new to it, they can pick trails that suit their fitness level and make sure to bring the basics such as water, snacks and good shoes. Experienced hikers understand that being prepared is crucial for a great trip, which includes checking trail conditions and being aware of how the weather can change. No matter how much experience some may have, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and let nature set your speed.
“In the [girl] scouts, there are the ten essentials that you should like to have with you whenever you go out hiking,” Annelise Shook (10) said. “Though this is part of [the ten essentials], you should have a lot more water than you think you need. Sometimes it’s just sleeping the night before. Some of it is also just preparing myself to make sure everyone else is also in pace and ready.”

Hiking is not just an exciting adventure; it also brings a ton of physical and mental advantages. Hiking can help individuals feel less stressed and think more clearly. Many know that being outside can decrease anxiety, lift their spirits and even inspire creativity. So every time someone is out on the trails, they are not only exploring but also growing personally and connecting more with nature.
“My favorite part about hiking is being in nature as an experience,” Aaron Marin (12) said. “There is just something kind of surreal about walking through nature, with woods on all sides of you. When you’re out there it’s just so quiet and peaceful and you never get that when you’re in the city.”

Hiking is also appealing because it is something almost anyone can do. There is a trail out there for everyone, no matter how old, how fit, or how much experience they may have. They can find easy, flat paths that are great for beginners, or can tackle tougher mountain trails if they are more experienced. This means people can choose a hike that fits their own skills and what they enjoy. Plus, with so many national parks, local nature spots and parks in cities, it is definitely possible to get outside and appreciate the beauty of nature almost whenever.
“My mom loves being outdoors so we just went camping a lot and that started [my love for hiking],” Shook said.“Then my friends joined the scout group. That’s the main reason I began hiking.”
When out hiking, always expect the unexpected from nature. It could be a unique bird sitting on a branch, a shy deer wandering into view or the calming sound of a waterfall in the distance adding special charms to every hike.
“I’m going back down on the same path and I see something off on the side and I think it’s like a stick, so I ignore it but then I look a little closer and it’s a rattlesnake,” Marin said. “My dad was telling me to come on and I was just shocked. It was actually a pretty cool experience after we realized what happened.”
One of the most breathtaking aspects of hiking is the ever-changing scenery that unfolds with each step. People can go from standing among tall trees and green forests to gazing at wide mountain views and calm lakes. The scenery keeps transforming along the walk of the path. Whether exploring colorful wildflower fields in the spring or trudging through snowy trails in the winter, the incredible sights can help remind many how beautiful nature is and how peaceful it feels to be surrounded by it.
“A couple of years ago I was in the Mojave Desert in California and I climbed on top of these boulders because there [are] a lot of boulder fields out there,” Marin said. “I climbed all the way up to the top and there were mountains on either side and a desert valley and the way the sun was setting and reflecting off the clouds; it was just beautiful.”