The idea of hiking is simple. It is walking outdoors, usually over an extended time period and in a natural terrain. How to define "extended time period" and "natural terrain" is pretty much up to the hiker. Some prefer adventures contained within a single day while others look to cover a wider area over a longer period of time.
Hiking is the most basic of outdoor activities although the act itself can be very complicated depending upon the terrain. There are places that cannot be reached any way other than on foot. Some will argue that the best way to see nature is by walking trails. When you are on foot, there are none of the distractions associated automobile noises or smells. You can truly be one with your surroundings. Every sense is involved. You can see the beauty of nature around you. You can hear the birds and the rustling leaves. You can smell cleaner air than you may have believed existed. You can feel the crunch of soil under your feet.
There are a few things to consider if you are considering taking up hiking as an activity. It is best to begin with short hikes. These shorter sessions will allow your muscles to adjust to walking on something other than smooth, flat pavement. They will also help you to build up the endurance you will need for a longer adventure. Staying relatively close to your home base or starting point will also help you to be and feel more secure. If you do lose your way on a trail, you won't be far from where you started. It will also help you to judge how much water and other supplies you may need on a longer hike.
Another important consideration is hiking equipment. Shoes are an important item for the hiker. Some time and thought should be put into choosing the proper footwear. Boots are not a requirement, especially for shorter sessions. What is important is to choose a shoe that is designed for walking, including having a non slip type of sole. One mistake some beginners make is buying a new pair of shoes and immediately going out and hitting a trail. New shoes should be worn around the house and around town to help break them in. This will also give your foot some time to adjust to the feel of the shoe.
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