Hiking

Hiking is one of the basic outdoor activities people participate in when they go camping. Anyone can enjoy hiking from toddlers to senior citizens. Regular hiking doesn't require any special skills. All you need to do is lace up a good pair of boots or hiking shoes and walk.

There are thousands of hiking trails throughout the United States, from less than a mile in distance to several thousands of miles. On longer hikes and hikes over difficult terrain a little bit of prior physical conditioning is required. But for short hikes or hiking over level terrain hiking requires only being able to put one foot in front of the other.

Many National and State Parks have installed wheel chair assessable paved hiking paths, although usually only over a short distance. So now even people with handicaps and disabilities can enjoy hiking.

Hiking puts you close to wild animals and plant life. It is a great opportunity for wildlife and outdoor photography, bird watching and plant and animal identification.