"Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside."
Walking along trails, usually in natural areas such as forests, mountains, or national parks.
Hiking gear: What equipment and clothing is necessary for a safe and comfortable hike.
Trail etiquette: Rules and customs for interacting with other hikers and respecting the environment.
Navigation: How to read maps and use a compass to find and stay on the right trail.
Safety considerations: Awareness of potential hazards such as weather, wildlife, and terrain, and preparedness for emergencies.
Physical fitness: Building endurance, strength, and flexibility to handle the demands of hiking.
Leave No Trace principles: Minimizing impact on the environment and preserving natural areas for future generations.
Trip planning: Evaluating trail difficulty, researching weather conditions, and arranging transportation and accommodations.
Outdoor cooking: Knowledge of camping stoves, hydration, and nutritious meal planning.
Backcountry skills: Utilizing tools such as water filters, bear spray, and trekking poles for extended backpacking adventures.
First-aid knowledge: Basic skills to handle injuries and illnesses on the trail until help arrives.
Trail types and terrains: Understanding the differences between various types of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and choosing an appropriate route for your skill and experience level.
Hiking with children: Tips and considerations for family-friendly hikes and keeping kids engaged and safe.
Camping ethics: Respecting the natural environment and other campers by following established camping rules and practices.
Outdoor photography: Tips for capturing beautiful and memorable moments in nature and preserving the trail for others through photography.
Local flora and fauna: Learning about the wildlife and vegetation that you may encounter on the trail to improve your appreciation of the natural world.
Backpacking: Carrying camping and food supplies on one's back while trekking through wilderness.
Day hiking: Short hiking trips usually done within a day.
Thru-hiking: A long-distance hike that is typically completed in one go.
Family hiking: Hiking trips that are suitable for families with kids.
Urban hiking: Walking through city or town areas with a historical or cultural significance as a leisure activity.
Nordic hiking: Hiking with the assistance of trekking poles that target the upper body muscles.
Slackpacking: Hiking with lightened loads by utilizing lodging and restaurant services along the way.
Trail running: Running on mountain trails or hiking paths as a form of cardio exercise.
Mountain hiking: Hiking in the rugged terrain of mountains, often reaching high elevations.
Winter hiking: Hiking during winter season, often done with snowshoes or crampons.
Desert hiking: Hiking in hot, dry and arid areas.
Coastal hiking: Hiking along the coastline, which can sometimes include sea cliffs and rocky beaches.
Waterfall hiking: Hiking to waterfalls, often done to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Jungle hiking: Hiking in dense tropical forests, often done for wildlife exploration.
Geological hiking: Hiking done for studying geological features and rocks.
Volunteer hiking: Hiking to help out on environmental or conservation projects.
Historical hiking: Hiking done specifically to explore historical sites or events along the trail.
Artistic hiking: Hiking done to explore and create art, such as photography or painting.
Spiritual hiking: Hiking done for personal and spiritual growth and exploration.
Citizen science hiking: Hiking done to collect scientific data, like observations of plants, animals, or climate change.
"Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century."
"Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions."
"Hiking is the preferred term in Canada and the United States."
"The term 'walking' is used in these regions for shorter, particularly urban walks."
"In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the word 'walking' describes all forms of walking, whether it is a walk in the park or backpacking in the Alps."
"The word hiking is also often used in the UK, along with rambling, hillwalking, and fell walking."
"The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia."
"The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia, having been adopted by the Sydney Bush Walkers club in 1927."
"In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping."
"Studies suggest that all forms of walking have health benefits."
"The term fell walking (a term mostly used for hillwalking in northern England)."
"It is a popular activity with numerous hiking organizations worldwide."
"The word hiking is also often used in the UK, along with rambling, hillwalking, and fell walking."
"Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century."
"The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia."
"Hiking is the preferred term in Canada and the United States."
"In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping."
"Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions."
"Studies suggest that all forms of walking have health benefits."