Hiking: A Lifetime Sport That Everyone Can Do

If you can walk, you can hike. But hiking is so much more than simply walking. You can hike for exercise, you can hike for fellowship and you can hike for fun. Here you'll find tips for getting started, information about the health benefits of hiking and tips for hiking with kids. We've also got tips for first-time peak-baggers and thru-hikers.

Hiking: A Lifetime Sport That Everyone Can Do

If you can walk, you can hike. But hiking is so much more than simply walking. You can hike for exercise, you can hike for fellowship and you can hike for fun. Here you'll find tips for getting started, information about the health benefits of hiking and tips for hiking with kids. We've also got tips for first-time peak-baggers and thru-hikers.

Why Hiking?

Hiking is simple - just put one foot in front of the other. Whether you're on a woodland trail, climbing a mountain, traversing a continent or walking your dog while chatting with a friend, hiking has big payoffs in terms of well-being and enjoyment.

Dress the Part

What you wear hiking can impact your hiking experience. In a damp environment, you'll want to dress differently than if you're hiking in the desert. Plus, how to choose between shoes and boots and why you should consider inexpensive, lightweight trekking poles.

  • Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners: Best Footwear for the Backcountry

    Do you need hefty hiking-specific boots or will your trusty sneakers work just as well? Tips for deciding what footwear is best for you and the trails you want to tackle.

  • Dress Right: 13 Essential Pieces For Backpacking

    While Andrew Skurka focuses on backpacking, his clothing tips are appropriate for day hikers as well. He also has suggestions and lists for what to wear in specific conditions.

  • Ten Reasons for Trekking Poles

    Lightweight trekking poles offer more than stability when you're out on the trail. You can also use them to help propel you uphill, lessen pressure on your knees and ankles, clear bush out of the trail and more. Pick up some starter poles for around $25.

Stay Safe

Anything you do on any given day has some element of risk. Heck, you could have a bad dream and roll out of bed. Hiking is low-impact, but you're still in the wilderness. It makes sense to understand basic outdoor safety.

  • Top 10 Beginner Hiker Blunders

    Because making mistakes with your gear can actually compromise your safety, here are smart tips from John Stevenson, author of the Complete Idiot's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking.

  • Hiking Safety Tips

    This short Canadian video packs in a lot of great information and tips. My favorite? Bring a whistle. If you and your friends are separated, toot the universal Morse Code S-O-S (3 short bursts, 3 long, 3 short).

  • Ten Essentials of Hiking

    A thorough and comprehensive list of essential items for hikers heading in the backcountry on all-day or longer hikes. If you get lost or stranded, you'll be glad you followed Mike's advice.

Family Hiking

Hiking with kids can be really rewarding. But first, you have to understand what makes hiking fun for kids. Here you'll find suggestions and tips for success, along with strategies for motivating reluctant hikers.

  • Keep Family Hiking Fun

    Family hiking is not necessarily about logging miles. For the most fun, seek out adventure and unique experiences. Wander near the trail and explore nature, from the smallest wildflower to the largest boulder. Plan, prepare and enjoy.

  • Basics of Hiking with Kids

    A short video with tips for making the hike with kids fun and rewarding. You can let your kids watch it with you, or keep it to yourself and surprise them with your trail savvy.

  • Hiking With Teens Can Build Lasting Bonds

    When your kids are babies, you simply plop them in a baby backpack and hit the trail. When they're teens with minds of their own, you'll need their buy-in to get them outdoors.

Peak-Bagging and Thru-Hiking for Beginners

Anytime you hit a trail, you're hiking. But some hikes require more preparation and experience than others. If you're interested in summiting peaks or becoming a long-distance hiker, here is some information to get started.

  • 21 Tips For the First-Time Thru-Hiker

    Yearning to conquer the Appalachian Trail or another long Thru-Hike? Cross-country hikes are a physical and mental challenge and it pays to know what you're getting into. Here is the information you need to get you from "dreaming-of-it" to the end of the trail.

  • Top Ten Tips For Climbing A Mountain (Or Doing Any Hard Thing)

    After climbing South Sister, the third highest peak in Oregon, Alison reflects on the experience, drawing valuable lessons that can be applied to any challenge.

Finding Trails

It's easy to find hiking trails. Ask friends for suggestions. Ask at an outdoor store. Google "best hiking trails" in your area or use a directory website like Trails.com. While we'll leave you to find the best trail for your next adventure, here are links to two articles on hiking in the Western U.S. and in National Parks.

  • Five "Don't Miss" Family Hikes in the Western US

    The Western states are full of phenomenal outdoor experiences. While some trail systems are well known, others are way off the beaten path. Here are five we recommend: Pikes Peak (CO), Fisher Towers (UT), Trillium Lake (OR), Mount Hoffman (CA) and the Grand Canyon (AZ).

  • Best Day Hikes in the Parks

    With beautiful photographs and useful information, this list of 20 day hikes in U.S. National Parks will inspire you. It includes trails in all regions of the country with lengths ranging from less than 2 miles to around 17 miles.

Read and Watch

If you're looking for more inspiration or you just can't get enough hiking, here are two lists of books and movies about hiking. Some are introspective, others are funny, all appeal to those who live for the trail.

About the Author

A native of Western Colorado, I grew up skiing in winter and hiking the same mountains during summer. My family and I love hiking for the fresh air, the fun times, the adventure, the views and the beers at the end of the trail. I hope you'll come to love hiking, too.

  • The Brave Ski Mom

    While I've made my name as a writer focused on family skiing, hiking is my second love. Together, our family has hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and summited some of Colorado's highest peaks. My favorite hiking experience? Climbing Yosemite's Mount Hoffman, a little-known trail that takes you to the highest point in the park.