Are you considering hiking a long trail? There are numerous benefits to committing to such an undertaking. Here is an (unedited) section of my soon-to-be-published book about Backpacking as a Sacred Practice that gives a few good reasons to take a nice, long walk.
LONG-DISTANCE HIKING
Long-distance hiking offers a surplus of benefits that extend far beyond the physical exertion of the journey. It is an extraordinary way to connect with nature, fostering a sense of wonder and awe as you traverse diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene forests. This communion with the natural world provides mental clarity, reduces stress, and rejuvenates the spirit.
Self-Discovery: One of the most transformative aspects is the opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Solitude on a trail encourages contemplation, facilitating a better understanding of oneself and a person’s greater purpose. Furthermore, the simplicity of the hiking lifestyle, focused on essentials, can lead to a profound sense of contentment and gratitude for life’s basic pleasures.
Physical training: Long-distance hiking is an enjoyable physical challenge, promoting cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance… just to name a few. The act of carrying a backpack over extended distances not only improves physical health but also enhances resilience, determination, and problem-solving skills.
Resourcefulness: When one spends considerable time outside, many new skills are cultured and refined. Efficiency in outdoor skills such as fire-building, locating and purifying water, cooking a meal, and creating a safe, comfortable shelter for the night are valuable proficiencies. This is a path that provides abundantly as aptitude and experience grow.
Community: Socially, long-distance hiking offers a unique community experience. Sharing the trail with fellow hikers fosters lasting friendships and a sense of belonging to a supportive tribe. The camaraderie that forms among like-hearted individuals on a collective quest is genuinely extraordinary. There is an opportunity to meet people with different stories and backgrounds, but at the end of the day, the trail is a familiar, shared bond with a life of its own.
Self-reliance is the ultimate Self-Care: Walking for multiple days teaches us how to be self-reliant, tune into nature, and feel the innate rhythms of the natural world. Anything else soon drops away, and all that is left is a walk in the woods. Learning to love ourselves begins with taking care of our needs first and foremost.
Mental health is significantly improved: When living within the rhythms of nature, many of the daily stresses simply do not exist in this environment. Nature provides its own set of responsibilities, but the experiences had in the outdoors bring immense knowledge and wisdom. The rise in mental health issues can be attributed to decreased time spent outside and the increased time spent inside on devices. Walking in nature day after day while remaining distraction-free (except possibly snapping a few photos here and there) can completely transform one’s perspective on life and its significance.
Fashion sense: Rapidly learn the importance of function over fashion in clothing and gear options. Become your own personal expert as you observe and experience what gear works best and why. In a continual parade of other walkers, you notice the different tents, hammocks, and other equipment being used on the trail, evaluating various features and durability firsthand.
LIVING OUTSIDE
Living outside automatically realigns and balances our internal systems. Our senses become sharper, our vision clearer, and our native voice becomes confident, loud, and strong. We become grounded and centered and adapt to exist without the anxieties of modern, complicated living. Soon, we are not just surviving but flourishing!
Spending days in the wilderness brings radical transformation that transcends the physical realm. As the rhythm of nature replaces the hum of daily life, a deep sense of peace and presence takes hold. Constant exposure to the natural world awakens a heightened awareness of the most minor details… the play of sunlight on a leaf, the call of a distant bird, and the scent of the earth after rain. The ever-changing scenery can be a mystical incentive for learning to embrace the mystery.
This sustained immersion in the wild fosters a great connection with the environment and one’s Higher Self. As the walking slowly peels away layers of stress and distraction, a simpler, more authentic life is revealed. As the days turn into weeks, the wilderness becomes our perpetual mirror, reflecting our strengths, vulnerabilities, and fundamental resilience. The transformation is subtle and profound, leaving a lasting imprint of reverence for nature and a renewed sense of one’s place within it.
A WITNESS TO LIFE IN ACTION
When I spent six months living outdoors on the Appalachian Trail, I began in the cold of late winter. I walked into the awe and wonder of spring… witnessing it repeatedly at different elevations. I walked through the long, hot, dry days of summer. Autumn arrived quickly as I arrived in New England, where summer was fading, and temperatures once again began to fall. I even saw snow and sleet on my wet, cold climb up Mount Katahdin. This intimate out-of-doors experience has forever altered what I identify as the “the real world.”
In the end, long-distance hiking is far from just a physical adventure but a multidimensional journey that enriches the mind, body, and spirit, leaving hikers with a treasure trove of memories, lessons, and personal growth experiences.
If you would like some help getting ready for a long walk, I provide custom-created training programs and I am happy to help. Email me at collin@wildwoodmagic.com. xoxCollin
