November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, a day to get out into nature to appreciate the scenery and get some exercise. The United States has over 60,000 miles of hiking trails, so it’s a good bet there a great trail near you.
With our world becoming increasingly high tech and urban, it’s essential for us to occasionally get back to our roots. Participating in National Take a Hike Day is a great way to de-stress and do something good for ourselves.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of 5 ways you can make National Take A Hike Day awesome!
5 Ways To Make National Take a Hike Day Awesome
Hike a Trail You Haven’t Before
If you hike frequently, you’re probably very familiar with the local trails. Try switching it up. Find a trail you’ve never hiked before. Do some research and be aware of the difficulty level and other factors. If you’ve never hiked before, pick something easy and close to home.
Bring Someone Who’s Never Hiked Before
By inviting someone who’s never hiked before, you’re giving someone a new experience and, as a bonus, you get to vicariously experience it for the first time through them. Make sure they’re fully prepared for the excursion so they’ll have a good experience and will want to go again. If you’ve both never been before, you get to share the newness of the experience together. Take a buddy and go exploring!
Go On a Photo Safari
Be sure to bring your camera or cellphone along to capture the wildlife you see along the trail. See how many different animals you can find on your trek and take photos of them. If you don’t know what species they are, you can have fun identifying them with a little research when you get home.
Post Your Adventure On Social Media
Share with others your adventure on National Take a Hike Day. Post photos of your adventure (they don’t have to be selfies) when you get home with the hashtag #NationalTakeAHikeDay and encourage others to go out and enjoy nature. And if you still haven’t figured out what species that bird is that you caught on camera, ask your followers. One might be a birder and can help you out with an ID.
Get New Hiking Gear
If you’re a frequent hiker, your gear probably has some wear and tear. Now would be a good time to replace or upgrade with some new gear. If you’ve never been hiking before, it pays to be prepared. Make sure you have good hiking boots, canteens or hydration packs for water, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for the climate and season, a compass and map, snacks, a small first aid kit, a knife or multi-tool, and a backpack to hold these items. For help choosing your gear, browse our hiking footwear guide and daypack comparison.
Here are some suggestions…
However you choose to celebrate National Take a Hike Day, we hope you stay safe and have fun!
