Hiking

==Health benefits==

==Health benefits==

Hiking has various [[health benefit (medicine)|health benefits]], including positive impacts on both physical and [[mental health]].{{cite journal |last1=Peng |first1=Tianhang |last2=Zhang |first2=Zike |last3=Zhang |first3=Jiayi |last4=Liang |first4=Wanyuan |last5=Tang |first5=Xiuqi |date=January 7, 2026 |title=An integrative review of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic benefits of outdoor hiking |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12819716/ |journal=Frontiers in Public Health |volume=13 |issue= |publisher=Frontiers |pages= |doi=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1700325 |access-date=April 18, 2026}} The contact with natural elements is a driving factor in the health benefits of hiking. Health benefits are almost immediate, and can lead to decreased blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced immune system functioning, and restored attention. Weight loss and decreased [[depression (mood)|depression]] are described as long-term effects. Other positive mental health effects include greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy. The same exercises conducted indoors did not elicit reports of these positive effects.{{cite journal |last1=Mitten |first1=Denise |last2=Overholt |first2=Jillisa R. |last3=Ady |first3=Janet C. |date=July 9, 2016 |title=Hiking: A Low-Cost, Accessible Intervention to Promote Health Benefits |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1559827616658229 |journal=American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine |volume=12 |issue=4 |publisher=Mary Ann Liebert |pages= |doi=10.1177/1559827616658229 |access-date=April 18, 2026}} Researchers have noted that hiking is a good motivating activity for individuals seeking weight loss or weight management, mainly because of its diverse nature and also by the associated fun and enjoyment of life found through hiking with others (group hiking).{{cite journal |last1=Hill |first1=Eddie |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Marni |last3=Freidt |first3=Barbara |date=July 1, 2009 |title=Benefits of Hiking: A Means-End Approach on the Appalachian Trail |url=https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1088&context=hms_fac_pubs |journal=Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research |volume=2 |issue=1 |publisher=Cal Poly |pages= |doi= |access-date=April 18, 2026}}

Hiking has various [[health benefit (medicine)|health benefits]], including positive impacts on both physical and [[mental health]].{{cite journal |last1=Peng |first1=Tianhang |last2=Zhang |first2=Zike |last3=Zhang |first3=Jiayi |last4=Liang |first4=Wanyuan |last5=Tang |first5=Xiuqi |date=January 7, 2026 |title=An integrative review of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic benefits of outdoor hiking |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12819716/ |journal=Frontiers in Public Health |volume=13 |issue= |publisher=Frontiers |pages= |doi=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1700325 |access-date=April 18, 2026}} The contact with natural elements is a driving factor in the health benefits of hiking. Health benefits are almost immediate, and can lead to decreased blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced immune system functioning, and restored attention. Weight loss and decreased [[depression (mood)|depression]] are described as long-term effects. Other positive mental health effects include greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy. Researchers found that similar exercises conducted indoors did not elicit reports of these same positive effects.{{cite journal |last1=Mitten |first1=Denise |last2=Overholt |first2=Jillisa R. |last3=Ady |first3=Janet C. |date=July 9, 2016 |title=Hiking: A Low-Cost, Accessible Intervention to Promote Health Benefits |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1559827616658229 |journal=American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine |volume=12 |issue=4 |publisher=Mary Ann Liebert |pages= |doi=10.1177/1559827616658229 |access-date=April 18, 2026}} Researchers have noted that hiking is a good motivating activity for individuals seeking weight loss or weight management, mainly because of its diverse nature and also by the associated fun and enjoyment of life found through hiking with others (group hiking).{{cite journal |last1=Hill |first1=Eddie |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Marni |last3=Freidt |first3=Barbara |date=July 1, 2009 |title=Benefits of Hiking: A Means-End Approach on the Appalachian Trail |url=https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1088&context=hms_fac_pubs |journal=Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research |volume=2 |issue=1 |publisher=Cal Poly |pages= |doi= |access-date=April 18, 2026}}

==Winter hiking==

==Winter hiking==