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There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking is one of the most popular activities for good reason. It’s accessible and affordable, can be done almost anywhere, helps you appreciate nature and get outside, and can lead to new discoveries about the places where you live. If you’ve never hiked long distances before, or even if this won’t be your first big hike, it might feel a little daunting at first. There is a lot to think about before you go hiking — like what kind of terrain you want to tackle, how much time you have available, what snacks to bring, what gear will help make your trip safer and more enjoyable…And that’s just scratching the surface! Luckily we have some tips to get you ready for a big hike in no time.
Plan Your Hike
If you have never hiked a particular trail before, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are prepared for your trip. Start with a little research: try looking up the trail on sites like TrailLink, AllTrails, and HikingUpstate, and see what you can find out about the terrain, difficulty level, and estimated hiking time. If you want to take things a step further, you could ask someone who has completed the trail before for advice — perhaps a friend who hikes regularly, or someone who works at a store where you are buying gear.
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Get inspired
Hiking is a wonderful way to get inspired, and many trails have inspirational stories attached to them. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the United States, like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, are also some of the longest trails in the country. These trails are well known for being full of adventure, and many hikers go on them to experience the excitement of a long journey. If you are looking for a big hike to try, why not pick one of these famous trails? You can pick the section of trail that is right for you, and set yourself a goal. Once you’ve completed one of these trails, you can add it to your list of outdoor adventures, and inspire others with your stories.
Don’t neglect your physical fitness
Before you go on a big hike, it’s important to make sure that you are ready for it. You should get plenty of exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip, and build up your ability to hike for longer distances. This will help you make sure you are fit enough for the hike, so that you can get the most out of your trip. You should also make sure you are eating healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the hike. This will help you stay hydrated and ready to go. To keep yourself motivated, follow hiking influencers and content online such as Brian McPeek to keep yourself in the right headspace. If you are in a particularly challenging environment, you might also want to consider hiring a professional guide. They can help you navigate the terrain, and plan your trip so that it makes the most out of your time and energy.
