Long-distance hiking is a great passion of mine. Although I have enjoyed hiking for the majority of my adult life, I developed my passion for long-distance, ultralight after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2002.
Since then, I have hiked the Appalachian and Ouachita Trails, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail, the Alpe Adria Trail, and many other trails in dozens of countries and regions through the world ranging from the Alps and the Azores to the Patagonia and the Via Francigena in Italy. Most recently, I hiked the Landmannalaugar + Fimmvörðuháls Trek in Iceland. It was beautiful!
Long-distance hiking offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature (and with yourself!), get good exercise, and feel a sense of community with fellow long-distance hikers. Here’s why you should consider taking on the challenge of long-distance hiking:
Disconnect to Reconnect
My favorite part about long-distance hiking is that it allows me to separate myself from the stresses of everyday life. But trust me, this is a learning curve and is much easier said than done. We all live busy lives, and it’s sometimes difficult to focus on our physical and mental well-being and truly take in what’s around us. Technology is a blessing – things like email, iPhones, and social media have revolutionized our ability to communicate. We’re able to connect with people all across the world with the touch of a button! But this technology also has a shadow side – it’s very challenging to take a step back and truly separate yourself from the responsibilities of everyday life.
My biggest piece of advice is to put away your phone, allow yourself to be present, and take in the beauty of nature while hiking. The service is likely spotty or nonexistent anyway – take advantage! Hiking is my favorite way to let myself be present with myself, my thoughts, and the world. I love being able to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful nature around me.
In fact, spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of hiking itself can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the rhythm of your steps and the beauty of your surroundings. Long-distance hiking also provides ample time for reflection and can help clear your mind, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional well-being. I have certainly found this to be true!
Physical Health
While regular aerobic exercise will help your body prepare for a long-distance hike, it is very difficult to adequately train in advance. Instead, you will get into shape as you hike. Long-distance hiking is an excellent way to improve your physical fitness! The combination of walking for extended periods and carrying a backpack provides a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves endurance. It also promotes weight loss and the varied terrain can challenge your balance and agility.
Since you can’t really train for this form of exercise, long-distance hiking is an adjustment for your body. I am a frequent long-distance hiker and every time I set out on the trail I experience some early pain and soreness. I consistently find that I am sore on days 2 and 3 and begin to feel better on day 4 of the hike (some people call this process “getting your hiking legs”). If possible, take a “Zero Day” (non-hiking rest day) on day 3 or 4 and let your body rest and revitalize. The training effect is accelerated with a day off after the first 2 or 3 days of hiking, which is why I recommend another day off on day 7 or 8 for the same reason. But remember – your body will respond to both the stress you put on it and the rest and relaxation you nurture it with!
Building Community and Friendships
Long-distance hiking involves embarking on a journey that is both physically challenging and mentally enriching. Whether it’s tackling the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or any other long trek, hikers share a common goal: to reach the end of the trail, often spanning hundreds or even thousands of miles. This shared goal creates an immediate connection among hikers. I have met some of my closest friends on the trail and have a core group of good friends that I continue to hike with. I am so grateful for these relationships!
There’s an unspoken feeling of kindness and connection between hikers. The kindness of strangers, often referred to as “trail magic,” fosters a sense of community and support among hikers. These acts of kindness can be as simple as offering a stranger encouragement or providing supplies or help in challenging situations. These gestures, big or small, are so powerful and make the trail community such a special one to be a part of.
Long-distance hiking has more than just physical benefits; it’s an opportunity for self-reflection, connection, and community. Whether you’re seeking a mental break from your day-to-day responsibilities, a chance to reconnect with nature, a journey of self-discovery, or a physical challenge, the trail offers something for everyone.
Photography: @kathydragon + Whole Journeys