Why Are Americans Obsessed With Hiking? (Revealed)

Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Emmanuel

You are right to ask, “Why are Americans obsessed with hiking” because it has become one of the most popular outdoors in the United States in recent years.

According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association, hiking is now the country’s third most popular outdoor activity, behind camping and fishing.

So do people in the United States so obsessed with hiking? There are several reasons, including that it helps to connect with nature.

Hiking is also one of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while exploring new places.

It is better to try this outdoor activity sooner or later if you are fond of the outdoors and nature.

History of Hiking in America.

Hiking has a long and rich history in America, dating back to the country’s early days.

The first recorded hike in America occurred in 1744 when a group of men from Massachusetts set out to climb what is now known as Mount Holyoke.

Hiking quickly gained popularity, and by the early 1800s, there were many popular hiking trails across the country.

One of the most famous early hikers was Henry David Thoreau, who wrote about his hikes in the book Walden.

Thoreau was instrumental in popularizing hiking to connect with nature and find inner peace.

In the late 1800s, another famous hiker named John Muir helped establish National Parks across America.

Muir believed everyone should have access to nature, and his efforts helped make hiking accessible to more people.

Now that you know when this outdoor sport became popular in the US, let’s see what Americans mean by this activity.

What do Americans mean by hiking?

Millions of Americans hit the trails yearly, and many think hiking is a way to walk in the woods.

Others, including aged people, hike a short stroll on a trail to enjoy the beauty of nature while trying to stay fit.

The most experienced hikers go through the more strenuous mountain hike for long hours and even days.

By taking more extended and challenging hikes, these people test their limits.

They make this sport the most likely to push themselves mentally and physically to reach their goals.

In a few words, most Americans consider hiking a way to reconnect with nature.

It enables them to enjoy the beauty of nature and the fresh air, leading to health improvement.

RELATED: What are the best shoes for Slickrock hiking?

The benefits of hiking.

Please find hereafter the advantages one can get from hiking:

• You can go hiking to improve your cardiovascular health and enjoy a better lifestyle.
• Hiking is one of the best ways to exercise and strengthen your muscles and bones.
• It can also improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and stress.
• Hiking can help you to enjoy better sleep at night because your body gets tired and need enough rest.
• Another benefit of hiking is that it gives you more energy during the day, resulting in more confidence.

Hiking Vs. Camping.

Both hiking and camping have in common to empower people to commune with nature and rejuvenate themselves.

The US is specific for this activity because it is a country with vast and varied landscapes.

Many Americans and visitors from other countries feel the need to hike there and get the most out of nature.

That said, hiking differs from camping because you can typically do it for the day, while camping involves staying overnight.

When you leave your home for hiking, you have a specific destination: a beautiful vista, a mountain peak, or a waterfall.

You can hike for a day and return home in the evening to continue doing what matters to you the days after.

On the other hand, camping is more about enjoying the journey for a few days.

You can stay in a remote area for a few days to learn more about your surroundings.

Both outdoor activities require some gear, but camping is more demanding than hiking.

The gear you need for hiking and camping.

If you plan to stay at a camping site for a few days, bring the essentials, including boots, a tent, and a sleeping bag.

You might also need a hot or rain jacket, depending on the weather.

Also, remember to bring a first aid kit to treat minor injuries and illnesses you may suffer on the ground.

Other essentials to bring are water, food, a cooking stove, a lighter, and a backpack to keep all your pieces of stuff in one place safe.

It’s all good if you have this gear, but you may also consider visiting the Eastern Mountain Sports online store.

This brand offers climbing, camping, hiking, and other fitness equipment for men, women, and kids.

EMS offers these items at great prices and delivers across the US, making them the favorite of many people.

Where is hiking most popular in the world?

You can go to many areas for a hike worldwide, including Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and Inca Trail in Peru.

Other best places to go hiking globally are the famous Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Cinque Terre Hike in Italy, Everest Base Camp in Nepal, etc.

What is the hardest hike in the world?

Experienced hikers agree that the most challenging hikes worldwide include Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, Kalalau Valley, Kauai in Hawaii, the African Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the Snowman Trek in Bhutan.

The Final Thoughts.

Hiking has increased in popularity as it empowers more and more people to hit the trails.

You can go hiking with your family and friends for a day or weekend en enjoy the fresh air while exercising.

Many Americans also go hiking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

This outdoor is a relatively low-impact activity people of all abilities and ages can enjoy.

In addition, hiking is the best way to fitness because it enables you to exercise without putting too much strain on your body.

You only need good shoes and some comfortable clothing, and EMS offers high-quality ones.

That’s all we can say about why Americans are obsessed with hiking. We hope this information is helpful.

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