The USA boasts some of the most amazing scenery found on the planet, and with such an abundance of National Parks, there’s never a shortage of trails to explore. But with the stresses of everyday life, it can often feel impossible to find the time to get out and enjoy all that is on offer.

There’s a lot of research that shows the benefits of hiking, often highlighting the physical benefits such as helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and Type II Diabetes. But in addition to the many physical benefits, hiking is so much more that simply walking from point A to point B, it offers a time to reflect, be present, live in the moment and is therefore excellent for your overall mental health and wellbeing.

The next 7 points will cover why hiking is great for the soul and will hopefully inspire you to set some time aside this weekend to get outdoors and explore!

1. Clears Your Head and Reduces Stress

With ever increasing works loads, social schedules, and general life admin, our days are often filled with busyness, pressure and stress, while we try to balance work and family life. While going to the gym or for a jog around the neighborhood is a good way to get some exercise, it’s not always the most relaxing or enjoyable with cars driving past, and all the other noises and distractions around.

The benefits of hiking on the other hand, go well above and beyond that of just exercise. The open space, fresh air and peace and quiet offer the chance to escape and disconnect from all the distractions and stresses of the modern world so you can truly relax and clear your head. The calming effects of being in nature along with being able to slow down and take in the view along the way is something many don’t get to experience often.

2. It’s a Great Way to Bond With Others

Hiking can be enjoyed solo or in a group, and while there are awesome benefits to both, grabbing a friend or two and hitting the trail is a great way to make lasting memories together. Whether you’re doing a short hike somewhere close to home or a multi-day trip, the challenges, laughs, adventure and fun all have a way of bringing people together to form a life-long bond.

If you don’t know anyone that is into hiking, a great way to find hiking groups to join in your area is by joining forums or Facebook groups. Hikers are usually a friendly bunch and are more than happy to have you come along and join in on the adventures!

3. You Never Know What You May Find

Exploring a new trail opens up a world of possibility, with some of the best kept secrets being found on foot. In many cases though, people don’t take the time out to discover an area past the view from their car window, which is why hikers often get to see and discover some of the most amazing spots that most people never get to experience. Often times what might look like an uninteresting patch of forest from the outside may in fact contain all sorts of rocky outcrops, wildflowers, streams or waterfalls.

When you really pay attention to being present and being aware of your surroundings you’ll often find, see, smell and hear so much more, all contributing to the experience of the journey.

4. Hiking is an Excellent Family Activity

It can be hard to find activities to keep the family entertained. Hiking is a great, low-cost option that, gets the kids away from the screens and out getting some exercise while also spending quality family time together.

In addition, there are so many life lessons to be learned from nature and starting kids young may just spark an interest in outdoor activities that could last a lifetime.

If you have younger kids that get tired easily, a child carrier backpack can be a great option, allowing you to go further while still including the whole family.

5. It a Great Opportunity for Personal Growth

Whether you choose to hike on your own or in a group, there’s a lot of lessons to be learned along the trail. With the right attitude any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity; walking through the rain only makes you appreciate being dry when you get back home, or persevering and making it to the top of a steep hill and getting to enjoy the reward of the view at the top makes you proud of yourself for sticking to it. Life is what you make it, and with so much potential for personal growth when it comes to hiking why not get out there and explore, you wont regret it!

6. Problem Solving

Has there been something on you mind for a while now, perhaps a decision you’ve been contemplating but you just can’t quite settle on a decision?

Often our lives are so busy, that our minds are overwhelmed with thoughts and stimulation - things that happened in the past, mental lists of everything you need to do, social media, etc. so much so that our minds aren’t given the chance to simply process. Over time this constant stimulation can limit our creativity and problem-solving skills.

Getting out into nature and simply walking, free from the distractions of everyday life gives your mind a break and a chance to process and reflect and you’ll often find that by the end of your hike the decision or problem you’ve been pondering will come to you, or at the very least you’ll have created more space for creativity and insight.

7. Reconnect and Become Present

It can be easy to get caught up in the tasks of everyday life, not really paying attention and just letting the time pass by. When you think about it, when was the last time you were truly present and living in the moment?

The beauty of nature has a way of pulling you into the present moment offering a chance for you to recharge and reconnect to yourself and the world around you.

With all the amazing benefits of hiking, why not start planning your next hiking adventure, your soul will thank you for it!