"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" -Dr. Seuss
1. It's FREE!
2. It's social. Hiking is a great way to catch up with friends, with no distractions except the chirping of the birds.
3. It has built-in motivation. You know there's a stellar view at the top, so you'll use all your strength to make it there.
4. It's a great way to exercise. It's way less boring than running or hitting the gym. You're always facing new terrain such as rocks, sticks, trees, etc. Plus, you can go at any speed, allowing you to talk while still getting a great workout from walking uphill.
5. Anyone can do it! There are so many different types/levels of hiking, allowing anyone to participate, regardless of athletic ability.
6. It provides a much needed break from technology. We're constantly surrounded by so many screens, it's essential to take some time to get away from all of the glossy technology and just be. Hiking is an ideal time to put down your phone and pick up a walking stick.
7. Though if you do bring your phone, you'll have some killer Insta opportunities. There's no denying that the top of a mountain is an ideal spot for some rad camera snaps.
�8. It's a wonderful way to clear your mind and relieve stress. It's relaxing, inspiring, and simple, three characteristics that are often hard to come by in our increasingly hectic daily schedules.
9. You might get a glimpse of some wildlife. Deer and fox and bears, oh my!
10. It'll help you catch some z's. As addressed above, hiking is cardio. According to The National Sleep Foundation, getting a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise a week reduces insomnia by a whopping 65 percent. A solid hike can easily knock out a good chunk of those workout minutes!
11. It's a proven mood-booster. Numerous studies have been done on the correlation of exercise and mental health. Getting regular exercise is proven to be a powerful fighter of depression and anxiety.
12. You can soak up some rays. A hike a day keeps the paleness away.
13. Sometimes you meet some pretty cool people. People on the trails are usually very friendly; if you're at a bigger mountain you might meet some locals with some rad stories about their hiking experiences.
14. You can bring along your pup! Dogs love hiking too! Hiking is a great way to spend some quality time with your favorite furry friend.
15. It provides a sense of accomplishment. There's no better feeling than taking that last step and finally reaching your beautiful destination.
16. There are always new places to go. Adventure is out there, and it's everywhere. From the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, to the small trails in your very own hometown, there are endless places to explore. So grab a friend or two, a water bottle and some sneakers, and get on your way!
