Now that you’re reacquainted with the outdoor world and hopefully recommitted to physical exercise, you may be excited to combine movement with adventure and walking with wandering in nature. If so, hiking – whether on a formally marked trail or just off the beaten path- can be just the ticket to solve your wanderlust and need for exercise, even if you just hike locally for a day. Way back in 2018, we introduced you to the website My Itchy Feet, an adventure website for older travelers, which features an updated post on what to bring- and what to wear- on a short day hike. More recently, there have been lots of new resources to support and inform older adults who take up hiking and to underscore the benefits to both body and brain when you take to a trail and exert yourself in nature.

First, the benefits: Different than just a leisurely walk in your neighborhood, hiking usually involves a more challenging cardio workout, especially if your trail includes hills or inclines. You’ll also engage your core and likely strengthen your balance to the extent your trail involves uneven surfaces or obstacles to work around. You’ll also likely be wearing heavier shoes than your usual sneakers (see some recommended footwear here) which will lead to stronger leg muscles. In total, a hike can be an energy expending, calorie-burning endeavor that can quickly get you to your recommended weekly physical activity level, while also boosting your mood and elevating your outlook. 

But lest you think this is easy or a ‘walk in the park,” think again. You’d be foolish to embark on a trail without proper prep and some basic equipment. Road Scholar, the well-regarded source of travel and adventure trips for older adults, has 10 essential tips to prepare for your hiking journey, including checking in with your physician, building up your endurance, putting together your emergency pack, and choosing the trail that’s right for you. The REI website also has a valuable recent blog post to inform your hiking itinerary, including advice about building endurance, selecting trekking poles, and preparing your mind for long stretches of quiet and solitude. Other sources of ideas and support include the Sierra Club Seniors website, the American Hiking Society, and Senior Hiker Magazine.

Once you’ve committed to the idea, how do you select the right trail? You may want to begin with some of the US National Parks (but be aware that post-pandemic, many are very crowded and require reservations), or go the route of technology and use one of the many apps now available to find trails near you and navigate them skillfully. Gear Up Hiking has a list of 10 awe-inspiring US hikes for older adults, and there are organized hiking trips so that you can enjoy companionship while exploring. The previously mentioned Road Scholar has a list of 61 hiking adventures that it hosts across the world, and Travel and Leisure recently put together the best senior-friendly travel groups, many of which include treks and hikes for both individuals and groups. So for those of you ready to go, there’s ample support for local, national, or even international hiking to get you on your post-pandemic journey.