{"id":11684,"date":"2022-07-26T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/?p=11684"},"modified":"2023-12-04T16:05:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T21:05:00","slug":"a-simple-guide-for-new-hikers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/a-simple-guide-for-new-hikers\/","title":{"rendered":"A Simple Guide for New Hikers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hiking consistently ranks among the top activities that bring people into the Meetup community. In fact, there are more than 12,500,000 members in over 7,000 Meetup hiking groups around the world! If you\u2019re interested in outdoor adventures near and far, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the rugged camaraderie that\u2019s waiting to be discovered on the trail, there are so many physical and mental benefits to picking up hiking as a hobby. But like other active hobbies, it can be a bit intimidating to get started if you\u2019ve never been hiking before, or you\u2019re a few years removed from your last excursion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this simple start guide, you won\u2019t need any more convincing to go explore the great outdoor activities<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What hiking can do for you <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maybe the most obvious benefit of hiking is the physical exertion that will help keep you fit. You can find everything from simple hikes that help you reach your daily step-count goal to advanced hikes with significant elevation gains and scrambling that will challenge your strength and cardio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your level, that physical activity will also contribute to stress relief and an improved mood overall. You\u2019ve probably heard of the runner\u2019s high before. The hiker\u2019s high can be just as potent, combining the endorphin release of your physical exertion with the calming effects of peace and quiet, sunshine, and beautiful views of the natural world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Topping it all off, hiking provides the perfect background for connecting with friends both new and old. It\u2019s an engaging activity, but it\u2019s not so absorbing that you can\u2019t chat while you\u2019re doing it. Everyone will be in good spirits from the hiker\u2019s high. When you leave the trail, you\u2019ll feel like you really accomplished something together, which creates stronger bonds. A recent Meetup Live recording features hiking group organizers<\/a> from across the globe discussing the phenomenon of hiker hangouts and why they\u2019re such a good method for making friends.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips for New Hikers: Getting Started on the Trail\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You won\u2019t be a beginner for long if you follow these basic steps. The first thing you ought to do is get equipped for hiking: think less ropes and carabiners and more water and bug spray. Use this list as a starting point: <\/p>\n\n\n\n