Top 5 Hiking Trails in the USA to Improve Your Well-Being and Relationship
Hiking has several perks: fresh air, beautiful nature, nice views. It is believed to be beneficial for people's overall well-being and relationships.
Going for such long walks can play the role of a powerful cardio workout but with moderate intensity. I recently came across research that shows it can boost your mood and combat anxiety and stress symptoms. And if you hope to have a beautiful figure and control your weight, taking up hiking will be the right decision.
Why Hiking Travel is Good for Your Physical and Mental Health
Basically, hiking means going for long walks, and I didn't think it was that useful, but when I read what studies have shown, I suddenly changed my mind. Hiking lowers the risk of heart disease significantly, improves blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and builds strength in your muscles. Since walking is considered a weight-bearing exercise, it can boost one's bone density. But the question is: How does hiking affect our mental health? Turns out, it can really improve our mood because when we spend more time outdoors, the risk of depression is seriously decreased.
How Going Together Can Strengthen Your Relationship
Whether we are in a new or long-term relationship, going together on a hiking trip can always help strengthen it. Today, we all live a stressful life and have a fast-paced routine, and unfortunately, there is no time for good communication. But when we are among beautiful nature, we can forget about smartphones and responsibilities. We may just enjoy each other's company, communicate effectively, and boost our bond in this way.
Popular Hiking Trails in the USA
There are different types of hiking trails. Some of them take more than ten days to complete, and others are way shorter. I have found a few good suggestions for couples who want to spend some time away from everything and focus on improving their relationship.
1. The Long Trail: Vermont
The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the USA. It runs from the South Massachusetts state line to the Canadian border. The trail hits the state's major high points, and it will take you around 19 days to complete it all. If I were you, I would take a month off and have a great time going there with my partner.
2. The Superior Hiking Trail: Minnesota
When choosing this trail, you get to enjoy impressive views and see the northernmost of the five Great Lakes. The good thing here is that there are car-accessible trailheads every 10 miles. So, hikes will be easy to arrange as well as getting food supplies.
3. Nugget Falls Trail, Tongass National Forest
This area feels like a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can often spot eagles, black bear cubs, and salmon. They can hike through meadows and dense forests or explore caves. The Nugget Falls Trail is easy and suitable for couples.
4. Lassen Peak Trail Hike
The trail is located in the Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, and it is a 5 miles trip. Lassen Peak Trail is perfect for beginners who are hoping to climb to the top of the volcano. It is even accessible in hot summer temperatures.
5. North Vista Trail Hike
It is a three-mile round trip in Black Canyon, Colorado. The views down into the Black Canyon are some of the deepest in the world. After a short hike, visitors can witness an amazing natural beauty and a 2250-foot cliff of the so-called Painted Wall, created by the river below.
Personally, I have never thought that hiking can be so beneficial for my physical health, let alone for my relationship. But here I am, clearly mistaken because researches show otherwise. In today's fast everyday life taken over by technology, it would be great to spend some time among nature and pay more attention to our health and mood. There is no need to be absent for a long time, and we can just choose one of the shortest hiking trails.