Hiking is a Good Outdoor Activity

Hiking has always been a favorite outdoor activity of mine. No matter when or where, I have always found hiking to be an amazing way to explore new locations and get in some physical activity. While some hikes may require more endurance than others, there is always a reason for me to find myself out on new trails. 

The terrains on trails can vary greatly, ranging from being deep in the woods, to stomping through the mud of a field or traveling across a country road. There are many locations that cannot be reached without hiking, as no vehicle has the flexibility to do so. Cars typically travel too fast, and even a mode of transportation such as a bicycle may not allow a person to truly take in a surrounding area. 

One of the best aspects of hiking is that there is no set number of people required to be there. You can hike individually or with a group of friends, which allows for no true conflicts when attempting to organize a hike. There are instances when hiking alone may be the best option, as it allows someone to find time alone and relax.  

In New York, there are plenty of great locations to hike, most famously the Adirondacks. With plenty of mountains to venture through, an avid hiker could never be bored. The highest elevation in New York is Mt. Marcy. Standing at 5,344 feet, Mt. Marcy is a hike that has proven to be difficult. While several thousand-foot mountains may not be ideal for all, there are plenty of apps that can assist in finding new trails that may be more reasonable.  

While it is not required for a hike, I frequently like to take plenty of photographs when I’m out. This is a great way to remember the hike and the types of terrains and landscapes encountered. That being said, I do my best not to take an excessive number of photos as I do not want to grow distracted from the beauty of an area. 

When winter hits, the weather does not stop me or many others from heading out. While the snow definitely makes it more difficult to hike, there are many ways to get the most out of this experience. There are many trails that are plowed, allowing for easier access. For those who may want to have more of a challenge, there is always the option to invest in snowshoes, which allow a person to not sink into the deep Western New York snow. 

Hiking has quite the following: with over 118 million people globally who consider themself to be a hiker, this may be why there are so many hiking trails in New York and across the world. With hiking not requiring excessive amounts of money being invested on equipment, it is an activity that anyone can engage in.