Hiking
Garden Clippings for October 8, 2022
At Mystery Falls near Rock Glen, the highlight is the cool waterfall, hidden from everything. Near Squamish, B.C., the Stawamus Chief, known to locals as The Chief, the reward for hiking 3 hours is arguably the most incredible view on the planet. The Alum Cave Trail in the Smokey Mountains, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee features incredible views, culminating at a dusty, monster-sized cave.
I think I am slowly becoming a trail snob. I am far from being a frequent, seasoned, experienced hiker, but I am finding that the more I hike, the more I want to hike.
Hiking is good for the soul. A great way to build strength, stay fit, and improve mental health.
For this plant and tree lover, a walk in the woods is probably as close to heaven as I will ever get on earth. Towering trees give an immense feeling of stability and strength. Tiny wildflowers reveal their fleeting beauty only to be replaced with a new sweep a few weeks later, making every trail worth repeating over and over again.
Hiking has obvious physical health benefits. Starting with a brisk walk will begin to increase your heart rate to improve fitness and endurance. In time, the walk will naturally become faster, steeper and harder, thus improving cardiovascular health even more.
Hiking is one of the best ways to build muscles. Leg muscles for sure, but also back, stomach, arm and neck muscles. Walking uphill exercises the quads, glutes and calves, while hiking downhill has positive impact on ankles, knees, and hips. As a tallish male who is increasingly bothered by lower back pain, I find hiking to be the best pain reliever.
Other physical health benefits to hiking include improved balance, weight loss and increase bone strength and density.
It is common knowledge that hiking eases stress and improves personal wellbeing. Whether being wowed by majestic trees, humbled by a breathtaking sunset, or soothed by a rushing stream, all forest experiences will raise levels of happiness.
Spending time deep in the woods, preferably without a cell phone, in solitude or in the company of friends, is sure to combat stress and pressures in life.
Hiking enhances relationships and encourages healthy conversation. Whether it be a solo hike in order to let off steam, or a lively chatter among friends, it is impossible to finish a hike in a foul mood.
Be it resolved that I do more hiking. Biking too. For me, last week’s 4-day escape in the Smokey Mountains was a serious reminder that I ought to spend less time on a chair and more time putting one foot ahead of the other. I will start by frequenting local treks such as the Howard Watson Nature Trail, the Mandaumin Woods and Perch Creek Habitat Area.
Signing up with the Lambton Outdoor Club is also on my to-do list. Their mission, “To promote, arrange and enjoy outdoor activities, in keeping with good conservation practices” sounds more than agreeable. Visit their website for upcoming events and information about joining.
