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One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough with hiking is just how good it is for you mentally. It’s incredibly stress-relieving to get out into nature and just relax, even if the hike can be taxing on your body. A good hike can set you into a place of comfort and relaxation. Part of that is being unplugged, no notifications, no screens, nothing pulling your attention six different directions. Just you, the trail, and whatever’s actually in front of you.
It can also give you a great amount of accomplishment and dopamine when you reach the top of a mountain or get to your intended destination.
Not to mention wildlife and the views. The views of nature are awe-inspiring, it’s a sense of art that can’t be recreated by man. It’s original, it’s unique, and it’s outdoors.
Wildlife is so incredible. I’ve had absolutely awesome moments interacting with wildlife on hikes and trails, from billy goats to pikas, to prairie dogs to moose. They all bring their own sense of identity and character that adds to the adventure that is hiking.
That being said, it should also be taken seriously. It can be dangerous, wildlife is wild for a reason and you can get injured from a fall, heat exhaustion, cold, and more (see our guides on watching wildlife safely and handling a hiking emergency). But the risk is so worth the reward.
If you’ve never really felt it, get out there and find out for yourself. It’s worth every step.
— Adam
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