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AARP’s Smart Guide to Hiking

These 32 tips will take you from baby steps to big strides on the trail

a hiking backpack with walking sticks and boots
Shutterstock (2)

“Take a hike” isn’t the insult you think it is. It is an invitation to enjoy the benefits of walking in the great outdoors — of which there are many, according to researchers. Hiking can improve physical health, thanks to the exercise you get on trails, as well as mental and emotional health, thanks to the time spent in nature.​

A 2024 study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity suggests that the benefits are especially pronounced for older adults. During the study, adults ages 55 to 75 participated in an eight-week hiking program. At the end of it, researchers found that participants “significantly improved” their cardiorespiratory fitness. In a separate analysis published in the journal Wellbeing, Space and Society, the same research group examined the eight-week hiking program’s impact on inactive older adults. For that cohort, hiking was “overwhelmingly positive and satisfying,” the researchers noted, adding that participants also reported being in better physical and mental condition. And because it was a group setting, hiking had social benefits as well, the researchers noted.​

Hiking isn’t just super healthy, though. It’s also extremely accessible. There are hiking trails in both urban and rural settings. There are trails you can only access by purchasing a state or national park pass, and free trails that are open to all. There are steep and rugged trails for advanced hikers, and flat, paved trails that wheelchair users can enjoy.​

While hiking is simple in principle, doing it safely and successfully requires a little preparation. This AARP Smart Guide can help.

GET READY TO GET MOVING

two women smiling while on a hike
Before taking up hiking, make sure you’re physically able to hit the trails.
Getty Images

​​1. Talk to your doctor

​What’s true of any physical activity is also true of hiking: Before you try it, check with your doctor. “Hiking is an excellent way for older adults to stay in shape and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. To make sure this is done safely, it’s a good idea to discuss a few major points with a primary care doctor,” says emergency medicine physician Cheyenne Falat, assistant medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. In particular, she recommends asking about your cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal preparedness.

Consider these questions: Are my heart and lungs healthy enough? Are my muscles and joints strong enough? Do I require any special accommodations or considerations, given the medications I’m taking? Your doctor may want you to take a cardiac stress test to make sure your heart is up to the challenge of hiking, or a balance assessment to determine your fall risk.​

​2. Prime your muscles

​If your doctor gives you the green light to hike, consider starting an exercise routine before you hit the trails, suggests John A. Mercer, a professor of kinesiology and nutrition sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“Treat hiking like any new exercise — you need to ease into it,” Mercer says. “Even someone who regularly runs two to three miles a few times a week may be challenged by hiking five miles. The reason is that hiking can use muscles differently than … regular walking or running.” That can lead to muscle soreness or injury, the risk of which can be dramatically reduced with strength training two to three times per week, says personal trainer, nutritionist and yoga teacher Terry Tateossian, founder of THOR: The House of Rose, a wellness community for women over 40. She recommends focusing on lower-body muscles like glutes, hamstrings and calves to support climbing and stability; doing core work for balance and back support; and building upper-body strength if you’ll be carrying a backpack. Top exercises include squats, step-ups, lunges, glute bridges and hip thrusts.​

​3. Build endurance and balance

​Strength training is great, but endurance and balance also should be priorities, says physical therapist W. Zach Smith, founder and owner of HIDEF Physical Therapy, in Seattle. “Working on endurance can help you avoid fatigue-related injuries or falls,” says Smith, who recommends stair-climbing or walking on a treadmill at an incline. For balance — crucial to avoiding falls — try balancing on one leg while turning your head from side to side, or passing a weight back and forth between your hands, Smith suggests. “You can work up to more uneven surfaces in order to improve the ankle and foot’s ability to maintain balance when stepping on something unsteady. I also like to try and balance on hard surfaces that are slanted.”​

​4. Warm up

​Regular workouts can prepare your body for hiking over the course of weeks and months, but even the fittest hikers can get hurt if they forget to warm up before they hit the trails. “Dynamic stretches are the best warm-up before a hike,” says physical therapist, hiking trainer and certified nutrition coach Alicia Filley, founder of The Healthy Hiker Training Program. “These are stretches that use movement and the contraction of one muscle to stretch the opposing muscle. For instance, when you bend your knee and kick your heels back toward your bottom, you stretch the muscles on the front of your thigh.”

Dynamic stretching increases blood flow and raises your heart rate, according to Filley, whose favorite stretches include elbow-to-knee marches (raise one knee in a march and reach the opposite elbow to that knee); windmills (spread your legs and arms, then reach down with one hand toward the opposite foot); hip swings (stand on one leg and swing the opposite leg forward and back, then side to side); butt kickers (bend your knee and bring your heel toward your butt); and toe sweeps (take a small step forward and pull the toes of the forward foot up, then reach toward your toes and “sweep” the sides of the foot with both hands as if cleaning dirt from your shoe).​

​5. Try yoga

Yoga can also be a good primer for hiking, says yoga instructor Dalton Grant, founder of online yoga studio The Light Orchard in California. “Many people think yoga helps prepare the body for a hike due to its focus on flexibility, but yoga’s real pre-hike benefit is its focus on mobility,” Grant says. “Mobility is more important than flexibility when prepping for a hike because mobility involves controlled movement through a joint’s full range of motion, which is key for navigating uneven terrain and climbing inclines.”

According to Grant, a great pre-hike ritual is to walk around the trailhead parking lot for five minutes, then do some gentle dynamic movements like bootstraps, where you do a squat and then fold forward through your legs, keeping your feet wide and slightly turned out. You then repeat this squat-to-fold five to 10 times. A favorite pre-hike yoga pose is “anjaneyasana,” or “low lunge pose.” “It opens and lubricates the hip creases, engaging the psoas and quadriceps, which helps you prepare for walking uphill,” Grant explains. ​

​6. Grab — or borrow — your gear

​Your body isn’t the only thing you need to prepare before you start hiking. You also need to prepare your backpack, according to Filley, who says hikers should always carry these 10 essential items to survive a night in the wilderness in case they get lost or injured.​​

  • Water: Carry more than you think you’ll need. ​
  • Food: Be sure to have extra snacks beyond what you need for your trek.​
  • First aid: A well-stocked first aid kit is ideal, but you should at least carry the essentials for handling the most common minor issues, such as cuts, scrapes and blisters.​
  • Sun protection: A hat and sunscreen are important to prevent sunburn, which can contribute to dehydration.
  • Navigation: Maps and a compass are essential, along with any digital navigation sources you might use.​
  • Light source: Headlamps are ideal for navigating a trail in the dark, but you can also carry a flashlight or an emergency light stick.​
  • Fire: Waterproof matches are important for starting a fire for warmth, light and emergency signaling.​
  • Warm layers: Temperatures can change drastically and unexpectedly, so always carry an extra layer of clothing, like a fleece or puffy jacket.​
  • Knife: A multi-tool knife is essential for building an emergency shelter or making equipment repairs.​
  • Emergency shelter: This can be an emergency bevy or tarp to help you stay warm and dry if you’re stranded.​

​7. Purchase poles

​Another essential item, especially for older adults, is a pair of trekking poles, says well-being coach and walking guide Lea Appleton, author of Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a Time . “Especially for those of us who may have some challenges with mobility or balance, trekking poles are top of the list,” says Appleton, who at age 59 has an artificial hip.

“There are so many different types of poles that each person will probably have their favorites. I own both a fold-up carbon set and an adjustable aluminum set of poles, and I don’t really have a preference since I love them both. You pick (poles) for the type of terrain you’ll need.”

James Ian, founder of Parks Collecting, a website offering guides and itineraries for U.S. national parks — echoes the importance of trekking poles. “They will save your thighs going up and knees going down, and help stabilize you even on flat ground,” he says.​

​8. Find your footwear

​Yet another important pre-hike purchase is hiking shoes, says physical therapist and exercise physiologist Milica McDowell, vice president of operations at Gait Happens, a company that specializes in foot-health education. “Don’t hike in a walking or running shoe,” McDowell advises. “Hiking shoes and boots are designed with specific features like grippy soles to help provide traction, and flexible uppers — the part where your laces are — to allow you to adjust your body to uneven terrain, up- or downhill challenges or even … slanted terrain.”

And resist the urge to buy highly cushioned shoes geared more toward walking and running. “When you wear a shoe with excessive cushion, you are diminishing your ability to feel the ground, and when you are walking or hiking on more advanced terrain, it’s imperative that you can feel what you are walking on,” continues McDowell, who says hyper-cushioned shoes can increase the risk of falling during a hike. Overly stiff shoes aren’t good, either. “If you cannot hold the shoe and twist it like a wet kitchen towel, your shoe is very stiff and won’t adapt to the contours of hiking terrain,” McDowell notes. ​

9. Don’t forget important meds

​If you take medication for a chronic health condition, remember to pack it alongside other hiking essentials. “Older persons who need daily meds, or those who use episodic meds like inhalers, blood sugar monitors, insulin or EpiPens, should always carry these,” Filley says. “Keep an extra day’s supply of daily meds in your pack so that should your adventure take a turn, you’ll have what you need to maintain your health.” Depending on your regimen, a medication cooler might be necessary, Appleton says.

10. Pack smart

​It’s not just what you pack that matters, but also how. “Keep your pack light and organized,” advises Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a not-for-profit that helps African Americans reconnect with nature. It’s important to keep the weight and size of your pack in mind when you’re deciding what to bring, Appleton echoes.

“Often, it’s a good idea to measure and check the size chart, or better yet, head to your local outdoor store where they can help fit you with one,” says Appleton. “Some packs are one-size-fits-most, but many come in sizes and are adjustable to fit each person.” For comfort, Mapp suggests a pack with lumbar support, while Ian recommends one with a waist strap, explaining, “This helps to more evenly distribute the weight from your shoulders onto your hips.”​​

11. Understand how to navigate trails

Hiking doesn’t generally require special navigation tools or skills, according to Ian. “For most trails, you don’t actually need to use a compass or a GPS, but you do need to know how to read a map and understand trail markers,” he says. “Trails can be marked by a dab of colored paint on trees or a small marker nailed to trees. Colors are used to indicate different trails … and the number and position of markers can indicate the direction of the trails. If there are no trees, stone cairns can be used to indicate trails.” 

That said, if you’re ready to level up your hiking skills, navigation is a good place to start. “Knowing how to use a paper map and compass is a timeless skill — batteries die, but a compass doesn’t,” says Mapp. “Many local outfitters or REI stores offer basic navigation classes. Start with learning how to read a topographic map and identify landmarks.”​​

PLAN YOUR HIKE

a man and a dog standing on a cliff while looking at mountains
Consider factors such as distance, time and elevation before setting out on a hike.
Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

​12. Set realistic goals

​After having hip replacement surgery, Appleton learned the importance of setting limits before embarking on a hike. Factors such as distance, time and how much a trail ascends or descends can be used to give yourself boundaries. “Even if you aren’t recovering from a joint replacement, being able to decide that you are not going to overdo it will help you stay injury-free longer and enjoy your hiking experiences more,” she says. While time and distance are both meaningful goals, Mapp prefers the former. “Set a goal based on time, not distance — for example, a 30-minute hike out and back,” she says. Peter Gros agrees. “You do not have to summit a mountain to have a meaningful or beautiful hike,” says Gros, cohost of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild , which airs on NBC and its Peacock streaming service. “Some of my favorite trails are the simpler ones that let you slow down and take in the sights, sounds and wildlife around you.”​

​13. Choose your trails

​Perhaps the most important decision when you’re planning a hike is what trail to explore. If you’re new to hiking, “start with short, relatively flat trails with firm footing,” suggests Mapp, who recommends using a hiking website or app like AllTrails, Gaia GPS or Komoot to find trails that fit your criteria. 

Pay special attention to trail ratings — easy, moderate, hard or challenging — and be sure to read user reviews for details about current conditions and foot traffic, Filley advises. Look for trails that match your health, fitness level and comfort, Ian adds.

Some things that determine a trail’s suitability, he says, are length, elevation change, technical elements like rock scrambles, special equipment required, terrain, climate, how clear and well-maintained the trail is, what types of trail markers are used, and scenery. If you’re hiking with medical needs, you also should look for trails with multiple access points and good cellphone reception, Mapp says.​

​14. Study the trail map

​Once you’ve chosen a trail, study it carefully, advises Lauren Jenkins, senior interpretation and stewardship coordinator at the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department in St. Lucie County, Florida. “Examine the route on the map so you know what to expect,” Jenkins says. “Determine if there is a loop, or if you will need to backtrack the way you came in. Understanding the route before you hike will help you plan ahead and help you realize if you made a wrong turn before you get too far.”​

​15. Visit a national park

​One of the best places to hike is in a national park. “The trails are always well-maintained, and there is typically a range of hikes in the national parks, which makes it easier to find a trail that will suit your level and experience,” Ian says, adding that many trails have resources like bathrooms, guides and rangers should you need assistance during the hike. Plus, older adults get a discount.

“A terrific way to access national parks is to get the interagency pass for seniors,” Appleton says. “It’s for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and is available as an annual and lifetime pass. Currently, lifetime access for seniors is $80 and is definitely the best deal around.”​

​16. Be safe

​To stay safe on the trail, bring a hiking companion — or better yet, several. “Hiking in groups is always a good idea. Not only is it more fun, but you can rely on others to get help if there is a medical issue,” explains Jenkins, who says you should also share your plans with someone who isn’t going on the hike with you.

Don’t forget your cellphone, Appleton urges. “Consider upgrading your phone to be able to use satellite service, SOS or other emergency features, or purchase a GPS device that has SOS capability,” she says. (SOS is a feature that allows you to make emergency calls even when you’re out of range of cellular service.) ​

​17. Watch the weather

​You can’t always predict the weather, but you can plan for it. “Check the weather before you go, and know that conditions can change fast,” Mapp says. “Avoid hiking if lightning, wind gusts, extreme heat or heavy rain is expected.” Apps like RadarScope or AccuWeather can help.

Plan your route with the worst in mind. “Having a backup plan before you head on the trail helps prevent panic in the moment,” Jenkins says. “If there is an inclement weather possibility, make sure you can get back to your starting point within a reasonable time frame.” ​

​18. Dog or no dog?

​If you want to bring your pup with you, plan appropriately, advises 56-year-old Michele Nachum of Northridge, California, who has Crohn’s disease. She hikes frequently with her 70-year-old boyfriend and 10-year-old goldendoodle because she says it helps ease her symptoms.

“My dog … loves hiking, and we have been taking her since she was a puppy. But I also know she needs breaks, so I watch for that closely, especially if it is a warm day,” Nachum says. 

Choose well-shaded, pet-friendly trails — not all allow dogs — and make sure to bring a bowl and plenty of water, treats for fuel, poop bags and a leash. “You may think you are alone on the trail, but anyone or any animal could come over to you at any minute. … The last thing you want is your unleashed dog bolting toward a strange animal or person, or an animal going after your dog and you can’t get to them in time,” continues Nachum, who also stresses the importance of flea and tick medication and a post-hike exam. “When done with the hike, check the paws for burrs and such. I brush her out when I get home.” Check for ticks, too.​

GET MOVING

​19. Hiking tips and techniques

​Hikers tend to be obsessed with finding the perfect trail with the perfect vistas. Once you get moving, however, how you hike becomes just as important as where you hike. “Shorter strides and steady breathing are key,” Mapp says. “Use switchbacks instead of tackling steep hills head-on. Going downhill? Bend your knees slightly and engage your core to protect your joints.” Gros says he adjusts his footing to match the terrain. “Shorter steps on rocky trails, steady pacing on long climbs, and staying in control during descents to avoid slips or strain,” he says.

It’s important to go slow. “Hiking isn’t a race, and knowing when to pause or turn back isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom,” Gros continues. “The balance between pushing yourself and protecting your body gets trickier with age, but listening to what your body needs is the key to staying on the trail longer, and enjoying more of nature. The most valuable tip is simple: Pay attention to yourself. You can challenge your body without pushing it past its limits.”

20. Stay alert

​Hiking is full of opportunities, but also risks. Be vigilant about dangers like falling rocks and wild animals. “When I am on the trail, I watch for signs of recent storms, fallen branches and loose ground underfoot. I stay aware of changes in the environment just like I would when tracking wildlife in the field,” Gros says. “I also keep a respectful distance from wildlife and make light noise so I do not surprise them. Staying at least 100 yards away from all wildlife is the best way to keep both you and wildlife safe. Instead, grab your favorite binoculars to observe from a respectful — and safe — distance.” If you’re worried about a certain type of wildlife, do your research ahead of time so you know what to do, suggests Appleton, who says snakes and bears are hikers’ most common concerns.

“Where you are adventuring and what time of year it is will determine whether or not these … will be real concerns or just unfounded fears. When it’s a real concern, be sure you know what to do in the case of an encounter,” she says. “Know the types of snakes or bears that might be encountered on the trail you are taking. Check in with the ranger station ... if you aren’t sure of the regulations, such as carrying bear spray.”​

​21. Stay hydrated

a man and woman on a hike
Once you're out there hiking, pay close attention to your body to make sure you don't overdo it.
Getty Images

​Some of the biggest dangers on the trail involve your own body. Ian says common problems hikers experience include altitude sickness, hypothermia and hyponatremia, which is low sodium from overhydration. He adds that you should familiarize yourself with these conditions and their symptoms so you can recognize and respond to them, whether it’s yourself or your companions. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous situations hikers can face, says kidney doctor Raeeda Gheewala, founder and CEO of Sports Nephrology, an Austin, Texas-based health care practice specializing in kidney care for athletes.

“Older adults may be at more risk for developing symptoms of dehydration, including lightheadedness, fatigue, headache and muscle cramps,” notes Gheewala, adding that medications like diuretics — often prescribed for high blood pressure — can exacerbate the risk. “Hiking in the morning hours [and] wearing sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. In addition, carrying at least half a liter of water, along with a protein bar or salty snack, can help alleviate the early symptoms of dehydration that many adults … experience one to two hours into a hike.”​

​22. Enjoy the journey

​While it’s important to be aware of the risks you might encounter on the trail, it’s just as important to remain focused on the joys you get from hiking. “Keep yourself present in the moment while on the trail,” Jenkins says. “Listen to the sounds of birds chirping and the wind rustling, instead of an audiobook or music playlist. This practice will allow you to stay engaged with your surroundings.”

When you focus on hiking’s benefits instead of fixating on its challenges, it can open the door to new hobbies and interests that bring even more joy. “For me, it’s photography and journaling,” Ian says. “It’s also great for sketching, plein air painting, trail running, birdwatching, wildlife watching and horticulture. All of these activities are easy to do on hikes — or the reason to hike to a destination.”​

​23. Make it a game

​If you think the trail might start to feel monotonous a mile or more in, try spicing your hike up by gamifying it. Geocaching is one way. Using a website like Geocaching.com, Project-GC or OpenCaching North America, you can see nearby geocaches — hidden treasures, trinkets or logbooks that you can sign — along with their GPS coordinates, and use your smartphone or other GPS-enabled device to find them.

Another idea is to turn your hike into a “rainbow walk.” Appleton explains: “It’s kind of like the license-plate alphabet game of our youth, where we try to find all 26 letters from the plates on the cars during a long road trip.” In a rainbow walk, she says, “you go through the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. These are especially easy to spot in the spring when the wildflowers are present, but you can be creative during other times of the year to find them in the flora and fauna and occasional hiking gear of people you see on the trail.” ​​

THE HIKING LIFESTYLE

​24. Develop a routine

​The best way to tap into hiking’s physical and mental benefits is to do it regularly. “Prioritize hikes on your calendar like any appointment. Even short walks in a local park count, and may be most accessible,” Mapp says. “Build consistency, not intensity — this is about making hiking a part of your life that supports your well-being over time.”​

​25. Get social

​Hiking isn’t just good exercise. It can also be a great way to make friends and deepen relationships. If you don’t already have hiking buddies, you might find some by joining a hiking group.

“Search Facebook and Meetup for hiking groups in your area,” Filley suggests. “Get to know some of the leaders, and participate in planned events. From formal clubs to informal meetups, you’ll find friends to join you on the trail.” Echoes Gros: “For older adults, that social connection can make a big difference in staying active and engaged. Plus, it’s always safer to hike with a buddy.”​

​26. Consider charity hikes

​If what you seek isn’t friends but purpose, consider a charity hike for an organization that’s close to your heart. “Charity hikes are a great way to support causes you care about while staying physically active,” Gros says. “These events often welcome hikers of all levels, making them a great entry point for older participants.” To find charity hiking events, check out sources like the American Hiking Society, local hiking and running clubs, or the specific charity that you’d like to help out. ​

​27. Attend special events

​Special events within the hiking community can make even humdrum hikes feel more fun and festive. “Events like First Day Hikes, which many state parks host on New Year’s Day, are a great way to start the year outdoors. They’re usually guided, welcoming to all ages and focused more on connection than distance,” Gros says. “For anyone looking to ease into hiking or explore new places with support, these kinds of events are a great start. They also remind us how important our public lands are, and how much they offer year-round.” The American Hiking Society's website has a geographic directory of hiking trails and organizations that often includes special events. Also, check the websites of outdoor-focused retailers such as REI, L.L. Bean and Patagonia for events related to hiking. ​

​28. Try thru-hiking

​If you’re ready to graduate from beginner to advanced, thru-hiking may be for you. “Thru-hiking means taking on long trails over many weeks or months,” Mapp explains. “While it’s a major commitment, section hiking — doing a piece at a time — can make these epic journeys more approachable. Preparation and mental resilience are just as important as physical fitness.” Be forewarned: Thru-hiking involves backpacking for long stretches of time and resupplying periodically, so it requires planning and high levels of fitness and stamina. ​

a Pacific Crest Trail sign with mountains in the background
The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada is one of the peak U.S. hiking experiences.
Getty Images

​29. Come up with your bucket list of hikes

​If you love hiking — like, really, really love it — there are a few thru-hikes you might want to add to your bucket list. The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine is one. There’s also the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail that follows the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.

These trails “are some of the most challenging and iconic hikes in the United States,” according to Gros. “Completing even a section requires thoughtful planning, awareness of your limits and a strong commitment to safety,” he says — but the rewards can be as great as the challenge. “These trails offer unforgettable views and a powerful connection to the natural world,” Gros adds.​

KEEP LEARNING

​30. Continue safety training

​Older adults in particular can benefit from knowing how to spot medical emergencies and respond to them. “Learn how to identify signs of dehydration, hypothermia and heatstroke,” suggests Mapp, who also recommends skills like making a shelter, starting a fire and purifying water. “[These skills] aren’t just for survivalists — they’re empowering and can be fun to learn.” Appleton echoes the importance of basic medical training. “Taking a Wilderness First Aid course from National Outdoor Leadership School is the gold standard for outdoor wilderness training,” she says. “The American Red Cross and local organizations also sometimes provide classes for wilderness first aid.” Note: CPR training is often a prerequisite for these courses​

​31. Protect through environmental stewardship

​If we want to continue enjoying the environment, we must learn to protect it. All hikers should follow the seven principles of “Leave No Trace,” created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors.

Of these, “dispose of waste properly” is one of the most important, according to Ian. “I always carry a small ziplock bag with me and pick up any trash I see on the trail,” he says. “Always carry out everything you carried in. This includes organic matter such as orange peels or apple cores.” For bathroom breaks, “always stay close to the trail, and pack both toilet paper and a ziplock bag to keep everything in, so again you are taking everything out with you,” continues Ian, who also emphasizes the importance of staying on the trail. “This helps minimize the impact that humans have on often fragile environments.”​

​32. Help with trail maintenance

a hiking trail sign on a tree
Pitching in with trail maintenance is a great way to immerse yourself in hiking culture.
Getty Images

​Finally, if you want to give back to the trails you love, consider giving your time to a trail maintenance program. “Whether you are clearing branches or repairing trail markers, you are helping to keep the outdoors safe and accessible for everyone. It is also a great way to connect with others who care about conservation,” Gros says. “Just remember to always volunteer through an official organization, to protect yourself and the land.” Check out the websites for the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service for opportunities. Local parks departments and hiking clubs can also steer you in the right direction.​

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