Hiking is one of the best ways to improve your health and to enjoy the great outdoors. Here you will find a guide and tips for trail success.
Hiking for those over 50
Hikes can be a stroll in the park or strenuous, summit climbing outings. When it comes to enjoying the outdoors and pushing ourselves, it is important for middle-aged folks (and older) to ensure that we can explore for many years to come. Proper planning can go a long way towards exceeding your outdoor goals.
Gear for hitting the trail
Want to hit the trail but don’t want to break the bank? Having the right gear is an essential part of outdoors safety and enjoying your time on the trail. While there is no shortage of gear and ways to spend money, we will focus on what is the most important for you to have a safe and happy time trekking.
Beginners can hike!
What if you have no experience but would love to spend time on the trail? Do you ask yourself: How far can I reasonably walk? Should I worry about bear? What should I take on my adventure? Where can I find a trail that’s right for me? Is it safe to go alone or do I need to find a group? Rest assured, hiking can be done by almost anyone. We will provide tips and guides on how to explore as much as you want and to do it safely.
Hike Safely
Have you read news stories about hikers mauled by a bear? Maybe you have heard of hikers stranded after sustaining a leg injury? Well, nothing is without risk, but most trail risks can my managed. If your are in Grizzly Bear territory, it is a statistical fact that you are almost certain to be safe by staying in a group of 3 or more and by bringing bear spray. You can venture out alone, just be sure to let someone else know your plans. There are a handful of tips that will enable and empower you to cover more trails and survive to tell about your adventures.
Hike Responsibly
Most people you meet on a trail turn out to be good people who love the outdoors. Hopefully we all want to enjoy our natural resources and to protect them for future generations. Adventuring responsibly leaves no trace, protects the land and wildlife, and ensures that our outdoors adventures can be experienced by others.
Taking your dog along offers many benefits to you and your pup. You have a companion that is almost always ready and available. A dog can increase safety on solo outings. You and your pup get healthy exercise as well as bonding time. Adventures with your dog can be fun if managed correctly. Visit our Hiking with Dogs page for tips, advice and gear to make the experience positive for both dog and owner. Read more..
There was a little snow on the ground, and my weather app reported -10 degrees with wind chill factored in; I decided to go for a hike. It’s a shame to let perfectly good trails get lonely just because colder weather sets in and it’s fun to make the first footprints in the snow. See our tips for venturing out in cold weather. Read more…
We visited the gorge after a heavy rain, so the stream was flowing nicely. Our timing also meant that stream crossings proved more challenging. One of the rocks I chose to step on during a stream crossing happened to have a little ice on it. I stepped…I slipped…and my left foot went under the frigid water. Well, a little water never ruined a good hike. Tips on managing cold weather stream crossings. Read more…
Fun Trail-Related Articles
Sometimes it’s just fun to read about other peoples adventures. We can live vicariously through them or we can learn from their experience to plan our own future adventures. These stories and articles will motivate you to get outdoors and explore for yourself. If you want your adventure (no matter how big or small) published, we would be happy to help. Just click the contact tab and send us a note about your adventure and we can publish it here for many to read.
Backpacking
Backpacking is really just walking with your house, food, and clothing on your back. If you want to extend your hiking trips for multiple days and are ok with sleeping in a tent, then backpacking is for you.
Epic Adventures
Some adventures are just epic. People can accomplish an amazing trail in one day, like the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire or summit the highest free standing mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Epic adventures can also be short journeys where you discover wildlife or find a secret spot in Yosemite National Park.
For additional hiking tips and information, visit the American Hiking Society.