National Take a Hike Day

Today is National Take a Hike Day - an annual event where you get outside, enjoy some fresh air and some scenery, all while providing your body with some much-needed exercise.

How Should You Celebrate Today?

It’s simple really. Get lost. Not literally, of course. Throw on your hiking gear, a backpack with snacks and water, and lace up your boots. It’s always good to reconnect with nature by taking a walk in the woods. Don’t worry about which trail leads where. Just go where your heart tells you to go. Make sure you have your compass, enough water, and a few bars on hand to snack on.

First, you need to figure out where you're going to hike. You can either plan and travel to somewhere that has new trails you have yet to explore, or you can go to the same one you always visit. Your hike can be small, or you can pack a tent and go for a day or two.

You can also find something called a “volunteer vacation” where you give something back while you enjoy the day. Many trails need help being maintained - clearing debris, constructing small buildings, and performing duties to help make the trail or the surrounding areas more beneficial for the guests who use them.

Fun Facts about Hiking:

1. The Swiss has the highest density hiking trails in the world.
2. There are 24 different types of hiking trails.
3. A 1,243-mile pilgrimage path is the oldest hiking trail in Europe. It runs from Rome to Canterbury.
4. The Appalachian Trail receives close to 2 million visitors every year.
5. The average hiking speed is roughly 2.5 mph.

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