So you say you want to be a hiker…

Over the past year, I have heard many people say they want to become a hiker. But, many times, they never quite get their shoes on and out the door. So, I have asked them why and overwhelmingly, the majority of them said they just didn’t know how to get started! 

Throughout my next few blog posts, I will help dispel any myths about hiking and give you advice to help you take those first steps out the door into the world of hiking.

According to the Outdoor Foundations report, in 2021 there were over 57.8 million participants in hiking. Hiking is one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor recreation. Now that’s something I want to be part of - don’t you? 

Why is hiking so popular? A few (very few!) reasons are:

• almost anyone can do it

• It provides an adventure

• Connect with nature

• Helps your mental clarity

• Helps improve your physical fitness

So, let’s get started! I want you to grab a pen and paper and write down some goals. If we don’t write them down, they are just dreams. We want to ensure our goals are SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.” If you are unfamiliar with SMART goals, read this article.

What goals are you considering for next year? Do you want to hike once a week? Do you want to train for a longer distance hike? Or do you want to find the most wonderful pair of hiking boots you’ve ever worn in your life? We all have different goals and that’s what makes us unique. 

I’m excited to go along this journey with you and create some of my own goals for hiking in 2022. Let’s make this coming year the best year ever! 

Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss this series! I want you to enjoy the wonder of hiking in 2022! It’s going to be fantastic!

The benefits of a waterfall

It’s Waterfall Wednesday on Instagram and I’m always thrilled to see the beautiful photos everyone posts! If there is one day of the week I enjoy the most - Waterfall Wednesday is the day! 

Why do I love waterfalls so much? According to scientific studies, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain which improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety. The sound of running water also aids in diminishing depression, increased mental clarity, greater emotional stability and an overall sense of well being. Well, there you go! That explains a lot! 

My all-time favorite waterfall to date has been Niagara Falls. But, I still get a good amount of local waterfalls to soothe my soul! 

Where is your favorite waterfall? 

Hike 100 of 2021: Bears Den

Name: Bears Den Park Trail

Distance: 1.7 mi

Elevation gain: 291 ft

Location: Bluemont, VA

Alltrails link

This was a great celebratory hike. Hiking Bears Den at sunset is a fabulous treat! Hiking it at sunset with friends is even a better treat! The first part of the trail can get muddy if it has recently rained but, unless it has stormed quite a bit, you can typically get around the mud. There are a couple of small climbs but, as with most Appalachian trail hikes, you have to look down quite a bit or else you’ll trip! The hike to the top is fairly easy, though. Once you get to the top, the most amazing views await you! Some of my most favorite photos were taken atop Bears Den! 

These pictures make me feel such a sense of peace. You see, Bears Den is a place I’ve gone many times to feel peace from the day-to-day challenges I have found myself in. Bears Den holds many of my secrets! It’s seen many of my tears. And, yet, it rewards me with such amazing beauty! Thank you, Bears Den, for always “being there” for me!