Hike club anyone?
This year I’ve been hosting and providing free hiking tours once a month around the parameter of Atlanta.
It’s been an amazing experience and I always gain new perspectives after each hike. The hiking level varies for each location but I aim to keep them beginner friendly. It doesn’t matter the age or hiking level, all are welcomed!
So, what’s the big deal, why should you join a group hike? Well there are a ton of benefits for hiking in general and solo adventure but for this post I want to focus on the necessity of hiking with others.
With Scenic Affairs hikes, we push one another and challenge ourselves. If that doesn’t convince you, here are a few reasons why you should join a group hike.
Networking, creating community, building relationships…alla dat
So many participants walk away with a new connection after our hikes. Whether they’re talking about the newness of their hiking endeavors or what they ate the night before, we empower people to step out of their comfort zones and engage with those around them. I’ve done my fair share of hiking clubs and meetups and it’s always refreshing to meet new people ready to conquer the trail ahead.
When you hike with others, there’s a sense of camaraderie that flows through the atmosphere, and most of the time you all end up thinking the same things at one point or another. (When’s the next stop, how long until we’re there, why are they walking so fast, I don’t remember this in the welcome email)
A lot of participants bring a plus one, but if you can’t persuade someone to join you, this is the perfect opportunity to fly solo and meet new souls!
There’s safety in numbers
I solo hike a lot. And I always get comments or feedback like “be careful”, “take someone with you”, “you travel by yourself?!” I know for most this can be scary, wandering in the woods, no one around, open to danger and unknown entities lurking (whew this does sound a little scary as I’m typing lol) BUT I always have a thorough understanding of where I’m going and precautions to keep me safe.
Given this apprehension with others, I encourage people to hike in quantities so their mind is at ease. With group hiking you’re:
- Less likely to get injured
- Less likely to get lost
- More inclined to stop and observe nature
- More likely to connect with someone outside of your “normal” circle
- More likely to take in a different perspective outside of your typical thought process
- Able to borrow from others (i.e. bug spray, sun screen, trekking poles, etc.)
Health benefits
There are numerous spiritual, physical and emotional health benefits in hiking. There’s a healing power to let go and absorb the beautiful creation God’s graced us with. I try to never take that for granted. Among the ethereal experience, there are tangible physical benefits like:
- Improves heart rate
- Improves blood sugar levels and blood pressure
- Boost bone density
- Strengthens mobility
- Builds leg and arm muscles
- Grows endurance
- Can help decrease diabetes, anxiety and obesity
- Provides a sense of balance
- Can help lower cholesterol
- Teaches patience with the body (you get to really learn and know yourself)
Fun!
Last but not least. Group hiking is just a good time. You get to crack jokes, learn about others, see cool waterfalls, trails, heights, views, all around pleasant memories. And you get to do it surrounded by people who all have the same goal. The introvert gets more comfortable, the extroverts listens more deeply, the ambivert navigates in between, and that’s how we all push ourselves to a level of necessary uncomfortability for growth.
Sounds fun, right? Don’t believe me, see for yourself. Our next group hike is January 27, 2024 sign up.
See you there.
Carrie