The Unique Benefits of Hiking for Your Body and Mind

If you’re one of the nearly 60 million people enjoying America’s favorite outdoor activity this summer, you’re likely gaining much more than just family bonding time, stunning views, and fresh air.

Hiking offers numerous mental and physical health benefits. It can improve your heart health, strengthen your muscles and bones, enhance your balance and coordination, and provide mental health benefits that other exercises can’t match.

“Hiking is a fantastic way to get outside, explore nature, and reconnect with feelings of wonder and awe. It offers many benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression and lowering the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity,” says Alyson Chun, assistant director of the Adventure Sports and Recreation programs at Stanford University.

These benefits are particularly encouraging because hiking is accessible to almost everyone and is generally safer than other popular mountain activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, or mountaineering.

“Whether it’s a local trail or a challenging mountain path, there’s a hike for everyone. Each trail offers a customizable adventure suitable for any fitness level and schedule,” says Rami Hashish, a physical therapist and body performance consultant at the National Biomechanics Institute in Los Angeles.