Believe it or not, hiking is great for reasons other than taking a cool picture at the top of a mountain that results in getting a ton of likes on Instagram.
1. It’s cheap.
If you want to do something fun this weekend and are not looking to break the bank, hiking is your go-to. You might have to throw down a few bucks for gas, snacks, and water, but the experience is literally priceless.
2. It’s healthy.
Hiking not only is a great cardio, but it can help prevent heart disease, regulate your blood sugar levels, improve your blood pressure, boost bone density, strengthen your core, improve balance, and more. Why go to the gym and run on a treadmill while watching television when you could be outside seeing the world?
3. Dogs.
This is a no-brainer. People own dogs. Dogs need exercise. People take their dogs hiking. You get to play with peoples' cute dogs while hiking. Everyone involved in this situation is happy.
4. It’s customizable.
If you’re in the mood for a nice, pleasant hike you can take it slow or pick an easy hike to go on. If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself and break a sweat, you can pick a place that is more difficult to hike. Depending on where you live, you might have lots of different places to choose from. Take you friends. Go alone. Hike on a trail. Make your own trail. It’s all up to you.
5. It relieves stress.
There’s just something about being surrounded by nature that makes you feel relaxed. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your social media feed, go on a trail and look at what’s around you. Fill your lungs with fresh air. Listen to the sounds of nature. Remove yourself from the real world. There’s nothing like a nice long hike to make you realize that you can do anything you set your mind to.
6. It shows you just how small you are.
There are no words to describe the feeling of conquering a tough hike. Standing at the top of a mountain looking down at the world reminds you of how small you and your problems really are. In the words of Jane Austen, “What are men to rocks and mountains?”
