1. Nature
When you make an effort to get out on a trail you are rewarded by being surrounded by some amazing nature. Forests, mountain tops, Sea lines, Canyons are just a few of the areas that we have hiked through. Each area has its own unique flavour and no two areas in the world are ever replicated. That is mother natures gift to us. All we have to do is get out and enjoy it and make sure that humans don’t destroy it.

Hiking in Ireland

Hiking in Zion National Park “The Narrows”

2. Wildlife
When you are hiking there is a chance that you will have the opportunity to see some wildlife. Wildlife is all around us and we have seen all types of wildlife while hiking. Part of it is luck but we are also quietly walking around on foot covering large distances of land in the process. We have seen all types of animals while hiking ranging from small stuff like lizards and turtles to larger animals like horned sheep, muled deer, elk. There is no experience quite like having an unexpected run in with an animal. We have seen wildlife in provincial/nationals parks and also while walking on urban trails. You would be surprised what you walk by without noticing.

An Elk

A Horned Sheep

3. Fitness
Hiking is one of the best ways that I can think of to stay in shape. You are exercising your body by walking longer distances, climbing hills and challenging yourself in ways that you don’t normally. I find I’m more engaged while hiking/exercising in the presence of nature instead of staying stationary and watching a TV on a treadmill. Thinking back the most challenging hikes have usually been the most rewarding.

Hiking is good way to stay fit!

A Red Cedar Tree

4. Cost
There is a major benefit towards planning a hiking adventure while on vacation or at home and for the most part it is an inexpensive activity. Some times it is free and sometimes you need to pay an entrance fee if you are visiting a provincial/state/national park. The fee isn’t usually that much. The costs for us have usually been in getting to these destinations when we are away, some of them have been more remote so the costs obviously go up in these cases. When we were hiking in the United States the cost was $25 per vehicle for a week. Think about the amount of money that you could save on your vacation by including something like this on the itinerary.

A view from the West Coast Trail

A view from a trail in Costa Brava, Spain

5. State of Mind
There is something special that happens to me when I  go hiking. Quite simply, I relax. My mind and body go from the usually stressed out state that they are in to one in which nothing else matters but the moment that I am in. It is a powerful feeling. While hiking I am seeing things that are inspiring me and stimulating my mind which in turn helps bring out my creativity. Sounds like a good enough reason for me to get out and do some hiking.

Hiking on Silver Peak in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario

We are always looking for scenic places to hike, so why don’t you tell us where are some of the best places that you have hiked?!?!

What are you waiting for? Get out and do some hiking!!!