National take a hike day is November 17!

I fully support National Take a Hike Day as an adventurist, lover of nature, and avid hiker. But you don’t have to be an avid hiker or a person who hikes 10 miles to enjoy this day in nature and go for a hike. There are many benefits to hiking that go beyond what you may think.

In honor of National Take a Hike Day, here are some benefits you can reap if you take advantage of today and find a trail to hike.

1. Nature Healing

Person in hiking gear stands on rocks at a tranquil lake, with a dog beside them. Hills and clouds reflect in the water. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

When you’re outside surrounded by nature, you are healing your body whether you realize it, or not. Nature is found to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

Do you suffer from anxiety? Do you stress too much? Struggle with depression? Get out in nature and take a hike! So many people will often tell you they hike because it’s their “happy place.” I know that is true for me as well.

I love hiking in nature for the views and the quiet. I experience the different terrains, witness various wildlife, explore unknown landscapes, and be present in the moment. Being out in nature is an escape from the crazy, busy lifestyle that many can relate to. It’s a healthy outlet with beautiful views!

2. Quality Time

Person sitting on a cliff overlooking a vibrant autumn forest and ocean coastline. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

When you’re in nature, exploring trails, you are investing in quality time with yourself or those with you. Hiking allows me and those with me to be more present.

This can mean hiking solo, with my German Shepherd, North, or my daughter. In any of these scenarios, I get to be present in the moment with those I love and enjoy the conversations or the quiet together.

When you spend quality time with those that matter to you, you build a stronger bond with each individual. The quality time I get to have with those I love makes hiking that much more enjoyable.

3. Off-the-Grid

A person hikes on a colorful autumn trail with mountains in the background. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

It’s so easy to get caught up in texting, social media, phone calls, schedules, and appointments in our daily routine. But when you’re in nature, none of these exist! You get to and you can unplug!

Sometimes, or many times, I don’t have cell service which I think is a blessing. If nothing else, it forces me to be present. Because of this possibility, I will map out my trails beforehand.

My hikes are not any less fun because I am without cell service. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I am off-the-grid and present in Mother Nature. It is truly a priceless gift!

4. Freedom

Smiling person with long hair holding a cap, standing on a hilltop with a yoga mat on their back, overlooking a forest. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

I feel so free when I’m in the mountains, whether it’s chasing waterfalls or hiking to the highest summit! Have you ever desired that inner peace or free feeling from just being in a moment? I’ve experienced that on every hike I’ve completed, and it’s why I look forward to every future hike too.

There’s something so amazing about being tucked away in the forests with only Mother Nature and Her wildlife around you. The solitude. The peace. The unwavering joy. Life can be complicated or stressful. On a hike, these things are non-existent.

5. Mental Wellness

Two hikers stand on a rock outcrop above the clouds, with a clear blue sky overhead and trees around them. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Hiking helps promote mental wellness. Whether it is your first hike or hundereth you are not only soothing your mind, you’re challenging it too. As many hikes as I’ve done, I am constantly challenging myself. Every single hike to date is different.

You can experience changes in terrain, location of hike, wildlife, people, potential safety concerns, and weather, to name a few. Therefore, every hike requires self-confidence, self-trust, and self-belief.

When hiking, test your brain’s ability to plan, execute, adapt, endure, and pivot, as necessary. You are strengthening your brain’s muscle by helping it consider new ways of strategic thinking. These life skills will serve you well in all areas of your life.

6. Physical Health

A woman hiking on a huge rock. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

You don’t have to be a gym rat to go for a hike. Most people, me included, sit behind a desk, Monday-Friday. You can still conquer your very first hike.

The benefits of hiking are incredible, not just for the mind, but for your body too. Hiking helps increase cardiovascular endurance, lowers blood pressure, increases body mobility, improves balance, builds strength, and burns calories you may not accomplish sitting behind the desk working all week.

You can also improve and heighten your sensory abilities by being present in nature and going for a hike. When hiking, be sure to inhale some fresh air, the post-rain smells, birds chirping, the squirrel running across the trail, or the consistent water flowing from the waterfalls, and listen to the winds from the trees dancing around you! This is one of my favorite parts of hiking!