Finding and Exploring Hiking Trails Near You
Hiking is a great way to escape into nature. Surrounding yourself with greenery and grounding yourself is an important practice, helping you clear your mind and reconnect with the natural world.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll educate you on the easiest ways to find excellent trails and provide some important tips on how to safely and responsibly enjoy your adventures.
Why Hiking Is the Ultimate Everyday Escape
There are numerous things to consider when going hiking as an escape from everyday life. For starters, hiking can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all experience levels, making it easily accessible with limited barriers to entry.
Additionally, you can hike just about anywhere. There are so many beautiful trails throughout the country, some likely just a short drive from your home. It doesn’t take a huge investment or training to get started; you can often just drive to a new trail and get started right away.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of your everyday routine is important. Finding simple and rewarding ways to do so, like hiking, is a great way to preserve your physical and mental health.
How to Find the Best Trails in Your Area
Visit a local outdoor store: Local experts are your best bet for finding nearby trails and picking up your adventure essentials. Take the time to ask any questions you may have and learn what you can about the trails before you head out.
Use an app: Did you know some apps can help you find designated trails in your area? AllTrails, Gaia, and Strava each offer unique features and can easily help you locate a trail aligned with your experience level.
Visit your state website: All states have a website that typically will have a parks and recreation section for your reference. These sites will provide you with a list of trails in your area and highlight some details of what you can expect.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
What to Bring for a Safe and Comfortable Hike
Navigation System
Having a GPS or similar navigation system with you is a great way to stay safe during your hiking trip. These systems will keep you on your desired path and ensure you don’t get lost.
Backup Power
Backup power stations are a wise investment for any outdoors lover. These multi-use devices are excellent insurance plans and can help you stay connected even when travelling off the beaten path. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is a great companion for campers and hikers alike and is easy to transport from stop to stop, ensuring your essential devices stay powered.
Food and Water
You’ll be very active throughout your hiking trip, so it’s absolutely necessary to pack proper nourishment. Food and water should top your list of essentials, and they’ll help you keep your energy up even when the course gets challenging.
Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
Hiking involves a ton of movement and walking, meaning you want to strategically choose the clothing and footwear for your expedition. Light layers are always a must, as you can quickly shed or add them on if the weather conditions change drastically. Comfortable, well-padded shoes are also necessary to protect your feet from uneven terrain and ensure you can walk for long periods.
First Aid and Emergency Supplies
While the likelihood of you needing these items is slim, you should always be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Having a well-stocked emergency kit will give you peace of mind knowing you have what you need in case of an accident.
Tips for Responsible Hiking
Know your routes before you go. An unprepared hiker is at a higher risk of putting themselves in dangerous situations. Take the time to study the routes you plan on walking, and pack backup GPS or paper maps to refer to if you get lost.
Travel light and leave no trace. Everything you bring with you should leave with you. Be sure to pack only what you need and avoid leaving any trash in the locations you choose to stop.
Stay connected. Make sure you have a reliable way to stay connected with someone who’s not on the trip with you and keep them updated throughout your journey. EcoFlow’s RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is a portable power station that can easily keep your phone charged and ready for use in case you need to reach someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best App for Finding Local Hiking Trails?
There are lots of great apps for finding local hiking trails. AllTrails is perfect for beginners looking to find spots near them to travel to, while Gaia is catered to more experienced backcountry hikers. Do some research to find a site that will lead you to the perfect next hike.
Can I Bring a Portable Power Station on a Day Hike?
Yes! There are tons of mini portable power stations on the market designed for transportation and convenience. Shop around to find one suitable for your needs and pack it on your next hiking trip.
Portable Power Supports Safety, Comfort, and Connectivity on Every Hike
Hiking is a highly celebrated pastime, and for good reason. Taking your time to slow down and take in the scenery is what hiking’s all about, and we’re sure this guide will help you find the perfect trail destination.
Planning to combine your next camping trip with some hiking adventures? The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus + 160W Solar Panel can keep your campsite powered up and ready once you return from those long days out in the wilderness.