There is no greater feeling than standing at the top of a hill, looking around you and surveying all that you have accomplished to get there. For some, this can be interpreted as having done something spectacular, like having published a book, or nailing that audition for the school play. For me, I mean it literally. Hiking is something I've been doing ever since I was little, and it most definitely has changed my life for the better. So, without further ado, here are just a few reasons why hiking is without a doubt, the best thing ever:

1. You acquire a greater appreciation for Mother Nature

Every time I go hiking I'm floored by how beautiful the earth is; from the delicate chipmunks scurrying ahead of me on the paths to the hawks soaring above. When the thick roots of trees are your steps up a mountain, you learn to tread delicately.

2. You become physically stronger.

Thanks to hiking nearly everyday this past summer, as well as each time I'm home on break, I'm pretty sure my leg muscles are made of steel.

3. Your decision-making skills improve drastically.

Honestly, I used to be one of the most indecisive people in the world. Picking from a menu was awful, and don't even get me started on how difficult it was to choose a college. While hiking, I have learned how important it is to be a quick thinker. You can't reach a fork in the path and spend ten minutes deciding which trail to take. It's imperative that you make a decision. Since becoming a regular hiker, I have become much more bold with my decisions.

4. You become more independent.

I've never felt more self-confident than after I have hiked through a rough spot, or have had to jump from tree stump to tree stump in order to not sink in the mud. When you're walking across a fallen tree in order to cross a small ravine or a fast-flowing river, the only person you can rely on is yourself.

5. You learn to appreciate just simply existing with a person.

I tend to go hiking with either one friend or two. No matter the length of the hike, at some point conversation fades away. A lot of people might be uncomfortable hiking for five hours straight and only having a grand total of ten minutes of conversation. However, there is a special bond of friendship that is formed by just simply existing with a person. They no longer are just a friend; they've become family.

6. It helps with anxiety

I have always had at least some issues with anxiety, which if you can relate, isn't a very pleasant thing. And yes, I've been on hikes where I've been scared out of my mind. But no matter how scared you are to go forward and tackle an obstacle, if you want to succeed in moving forward and actually reach your goal, you have to push yourself to keep going. This is much like how anxiety works. And even though that fear might still be there in the back of your mind, it is important to keep pushing onward and not let the anxiety get in the way of your goals.

7. You discover beautiful places you didn't even know existed.

Many times my need to hike has led me to new paths, or new parks and reservations. Even in reservations I have hiked five times over, there is always a creek I've never noticed before, or an incredibly small footpath I usually don't glance at that leads to an overlook. If you keep an open mind, you are bound to discover wonderful things.

8. You begin to depend on nature as much as it depends on you.

If I find out that i'm within a ten-mile radius of a forest or a hiking reservation, you can bet I'm going to want to stop to venture on at least a trail or two. When I'm home on breaks, for my sanity, I need to hit the trails at least once before going back up to school. Even if my family is on vacation, if we drive pass a great hiking spot I will insist on going at some point.

9. It keeps you healthy.

Besides giving me calves of steal, soaking up the necessary amount of vitamin D and breathing in fresh air help to keep me healthy. And hiking up steep rocky hills certainly aids in improving and maintaining good stamina.

10. It forces you to self-reflect.

I don't know about you, but if i'm walking in a pretty silent forest, I'm going to start having an internal monologue. Self-reflection is a much-needed thing and can get pretty intense. Retreating into nature forces you to confront hard topics and makes you focus on ways to make important changes in your life.

11. It keeps you coming back for more.

I have never been obsessed with anything more than I have been with hiking. I could not imagine living somewhere so far away from a forest or a hiking reservation that I would have to travel for more than fifteen minutes to get there. No matter the temperature, if the skies are sunny, you know where I'll be: adventuring through forests and reaching the tops of mountains.