Outdoor Adventures

Hiking 101: Begin Exploring the Outdoors

Want to go on an adventure, but don’t know where to start?

Kris Zell
ILLUMINATION
Published in
8 min readOct 15, 2021

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I’ve always loved the outdoors but in recent years it has become one of my favorite hobbies. I’ve spent thousands of hours in the outdoors wandering through forests, exploring ridgelines, and camping under the stars.

Not only is hiking great for both your physical and mental health, but it’s also one of the most accessible activities around. There are few barriers to entry since all you really need is some comfortable shoes. Trails come in a vast variety of types and difficulties; some trails are even wheelchair accessible! There’s a hike for everyone, whether it’s a casual stroll through a scenic forest or a strenuous, technical climb up a mountainside.

This guide is aimed at those just starting out on their outdoor adventures. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for your hike and making sure you have a fun (and safe) adventure.

Hiking Etiquette

Leave No Trace

Please do your part to help keep our Earth’s natural spaces beautiful. Minimize the impact you have on the environment, respect wildlife, and leave wild spaces how you found them. The only…

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Kris Zell
ILLUMINATION

20-something female. Travel and hiking enthusiast. Computer engineer. Gym rat. Lover of all things nerdy.