Hikes Near Me
Whether you’re looking to lose that extra couple pounds, reduce your overall stress, or simply clear your head, getting out into nature and going for a hike delivers lasting and immediate rewards. Not only can hiking help you to lead a higher quality of life but it shapes a true appreciation for your environment and the world you live in.
Are you interested in finding hikes near you? You’ve come to the right place! Simply browse hikes near me on the map below and find a list of hikes located in an area near you. Need a bit more information on hiking? Read on for interesting facts, trivia, and more!
Hikes Near Me – Find it on the Map
Hikes Near Me – Hikes Trivia
Have Americans always hiked?
Americans have likely always hiked, but it’s not likely that they called it hiking or even did so for recreation. Up until the 20th century, much of America was very rural and heavily forested. Going for a walk in the woods was just another way to get from point A to point B. For many this wasn’t fun or recreation, but for some hiking became a truly joyous activity that brought clarity, physical wellness, and connection. An early example of interest in hiking came from Abel Crawford and his son Ethan. Together the duo cleared a trail to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire in 1819. This 8.5 mile path is known as the oldest continually used hiking trail in the United States. Other early influencers on the outdoors were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau who each wrote of the importance of walking in nature and spending time in the outdoors, not only for one’s physical health, but for spiritual health as well. By 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club was established as America’s earliest recreational organization. The club was designed to protect trails and mountains in the United States, something that had been largely overlooked in much of the country’s early development stages. Further establishing the role of nature in everyday life was American naturalist and writer John Muir who was an important early advocate of wilderness preservation. He petitioned the US Congress for the National Park bill which was officially passed in 1890. This helped to establish Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. His writings possessed a spiritual quality and enthusiasm towards the natural world that proved infectious. Today, he is lovingly referred to as the Father of the National Parks. As you search hikes near me, consider how men like Muir helped to cultivate a love and fascination with national parks and the great outdoors.
Hiking is a great way to get outside and maintain your overall health!
When was the National Trails System established?
Though the National Park Bill was first introduced in 1890, it wasn’t until 1965 that a national trails system was formally established. With the establishment of this system, the total mileage of the trails on federal lands increased from 88,000 miles to over 193,500 miles. On state lands, the number increased from 15,000 miles to 42,500 miles. This not only lead to a greater degree of protected lands, but it provided thousands of more people with the opportunity to hike, camp, and search hikes near me!
Hikes Near Me – Hikes Facts
A Lifelong Activity
One of the greatest benefits of hiking and searching hikes near me is that hiking is a lifelong activity that isn’t dependent on age, income or class level. At almost any age, hiking can be introduced to help individuals get to know the joys of the great outdoors and to cultivate a respect for the world around them. In fact, kids who are introduced to hiking at a very young age tend to have a better world view and are far more respectful of the environment. They tend to be gentler and more in tune with their surroundings. Of course, this love can be carried with them long into adulthood. While many activities and sports have limited life spans for those who are involved, either because of injury or the logistical challenges presented by a team sport, hiking exceeds these boundaries. Because hiking is very low impact, one can easily control and anticipate the intensity and duration of their workout. There are also trail guides to help participants choose easy, moderate, or difficult hikes depending on their fitness levels. You may not be able to climb a mountain at age 80 or cover 20 miles in one day, but you’ll probably be able to take a walk in the woods. There’s something truly gratifying in knowing that hiking is the one steadfast way that anyone and everyone can connect to the world around them.
Hiking Can Ward Off Depression
By now, you probably know that doctors and medical professionals strongly encourage working out in order to stave off or help improve depression. Hiking is no different. Unlike traditional workouts, hiking can also improve your overall quality life. In a recent study, researchers found that a 90 minute stroll in nature can lead to measurable benefits for the brain. Not only can these benefits help combat depression, but they can help you to maintain focus, stay calm, and find perspective in a busy world. Hiking can also help you to solve problems. Spending time outdoors has been known to increase attention span and expand upon creative problem solving skills by 50 percent. This means that time in nature will not only make you look good, but it will make you feel good and do better when you spending time indoors. As you search hikes near me, consider how a good hike may just benefit your overall well being.
