What’s the Appeal of Hiking?

The allure in hiking has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Books turned movie like “Wild” and “Into the Wild”, have people ready to take off into the woods and rediscover themselves. Admittedly, I have never considered myself the outdoorsy, wilderness type. Though, not even I can deny the appeal of the great wide open, filled with fresh air, surprises around every corner, and views that are best described as a feast for your eyes. Suffice it to say, over the last couple of years it has become one of my favorite things to do in my free time and when I am exploring a new place.

I am, by all means, an amateur hiker at best and was reminded that on a recent hike in Utah where the elevation is several thousand feet above sea level. I’ve heard of elevation issues for hikers who are not used to that high of an altitude but have never witnessed it or experienced it myself. Fortunately, my main concern was being so short of breath that I had to really slow down and pace myself (and use my essential oils). Unfortunately, one of my buddies came down with full on altitude sickness and was cashed for the rest of the day and night. Nonetheless we had an incredible time; so much so that I thought I would create a blog about some of my favorite hikes in the U.S. thus far. All of the photos below were taken with my iphone along the way.

Salt Lake City, Utah

This was the most difficult hike to date. The altitude took some adjusting but  it was also one of the most rewarding hikes I have been on thus far.

High Rock, Maryland (Cascade/Pen Mar)

This is a well known hiking/hangout location not far from where I live. Though with views like this, it’s no wonder as to why.

La Jolla, CA

While visiting San Diego for a conference, I heard of a hike with breathtaking views and trails that led down to the ocean. Sold.

Maryland Heights overlooking Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

This is another location not too far from where I live. What is fun about this hike is that you can also check out the historic Harpers Ferry (pictured here), which is rich in civil war history.

Sugarloaf, MD

This is one of my favorite local hiking spots, so much so that it almost feels all my own when I am there. I am familiar with the trails and the icing on the cake is that I can see this beauty from my house.

Red Rock, Las Vegas NV

I didn’t have as much time exploring the red rocks while I was in Las Vegas as I would have liked; needless to say I will most certainly be back.

Appalachian Trail, MD

While there is much more of the AP that I am looking to explore, it was a lot of fun bringing the pups on the little stretch that cuts through the area that I live in.

If the adventure isn’t enticing enough, the sheer freedom is completely addicting, not to mention the sense of accomplishment during especially difficult hike. Out in the wild, your distractions are limited and you are forced to become reacquainted with your own thoughts. The best way that I could describe it would be meditative and even therapeutic. We live in such a fabricated world that it is recharging to be out in nature, with very little elements disturbed. Leaving behind the technology fog that the majority of us live in and allowing ourselves to sync with the frequency of the earth we live on may prove to have more benefits than anyone could have expected in the near future.

Do you have a favorite spot that you like to hike or one you are hoping to get to? Please feel free to share in the comments, I would love to know! Plus, any tips on places that are recommended are ALWAYS appreciated!!

Look for a blog on each of these locations to come in the near future. In fact, scroll down just a little bit and subscribe to my newsletter so you can be sure not to miss one!

From my journey to yours,