Hiking clubs have different personalities – while some are aggressive, some can be laid back; some are older and some are younger – so you have a variety of groups where to choose from, just be careful in all features of your hike.

Here you have listed some reasons why you should join a hiking club, whether you’re new to hiking or an experienced trekker:

i.            Motivation

You’ll be much more motivated to hike more often and to try new areas once you participate in an organized trekking club. When you’re hiking within a group, you have a big chance of adding positive elements to your experience.

ii.            Community

Everyone knows that, once you’re part of a group, you meet great people, who share the same passion for hiking that you adore so much. You can form friendships that last for a lifetime and that lead to more thrilling trips as well. You can even find your soul mate out on the trails, who knows?

iii.            Appreciation

Hiking organizations will help you gain a new appreciation of the outdoor lands. You also gain knowledge from more experienced hikers and you might visit places you’ve never thoughts about seeing. You’ll learn how to appreciate native plants, wildlife or even new hiking gear.

iv.            Stewardship

In an effort to preserve and protect the outdoor spaces and park lands that are the lifeblood of hikers, there are numerous hiking organizations that offer volunteer services. Volunteering is always a fun and rewarding group experience.

v.            Health

It is very well-known that hiking is a great help when it comes to health. In fact, it helps your mind, spirit and body at the same time, since you exercise, breathe fresh air and de-stress yourself. Other group members can give you tips regarding how to pace yourself, how to wear proper footwear and more.

vi.            Benefits and discounts

You have a lot of benefits in return when you join a hiking club, such as discounted or free park admissions, discounts for gear suppliers, discounts for subscriptions to publications.

vii.            Travel

The best reason for joining a hiking club is to get out there and explore new areas. A hiking group usually has an event calendar.

Joining a hiking club is easier than it seems. It only involves a simple form, paying fixed dues/membership fees and taking part into the group’s events. You can commence by checking with your local recreation department, in case you have one, or your local park authorities, city, country or state.

But why choose mountain hiking? Even if the first thing that comes to mind is looking out 50 miles over the scenery, that’s not the single motive for hiking. Taking photos of massifs is also a great thing. Some of us simply feel the need of highlands in their lives. Whether it’s about backpacking in the tundra high in the mounts, swimming in lakes, or riding a bike across some mountain villages, this is what really hiking means.

Mountain Hiking in Asia

The best thing about mountain hiking spots throughout this continent is that they take you to the diverse hill tribes where you can actually meet the indigenous people. The most beautiful waterfall in Thailand can be found in the Era wan National Park. There are also several tribal villages in Era wan and you have the chance to gain some knowledge about the different cultures of Asia.

Another Asian hiking spot is the BA BE Village, in the region bordering China and Vietnam. Apart from the usual mountain hiking adventure, you can also take a shot cruise through the BA BE Lake, which is highly recommended, because you’ll also be taken to the pristine forests, where you’ll observe diverse herbal medicines that the natives make use of. At the end of that trail, you’ll meet some hill tribes, which will give you a rewarding experience. Another lovely feature of this area is that you may also ride a bicycle, which is in reality a local tradition.

Mountain Hiking in Europe

Every European spot is known for having lots of flowers, an unspoiled nature and following the trails for a mountain hiking trip to the Alps.

A pristine area known for its pure rivers and rolling hills is represented by the Sumaya Mountains in Czech Republic. Since this trail has been a no man’s land for the past forty years, you’ll notice that it will take you nowhere near a human settlement. Despite that, this national park along with its horses will surely delight you.

Poland has the smallest alpine mountain in the world. This hike has for you challenging trails and easy walks at the same time. The diverse medieval castles can be viewed, since this alpine mountain hike has a small size. It also has old churches, offering you wonderful historical sceneries and reminding them of an almost peaceful past.

In Slovenia, you’ll have different trails for dissimilar mountain hikers. The Julic Alps’ mountain peaks have easy hiking trails, where you can even find swimming spots. This relaxing experience is combined with a challenging one for outdoor travelers who are looking to see the top of Eastern Europe.

Rocky Mountains in America

America’s greatest mountain range, the Rock Mountains, is, of course, the most popular mountain hiking trail from this continent. This area has a variety of mountain hiking trails for different levels of mountain hikers and outdoor travelers.

Since the older generations have started to live longer and stay healthier, senior hiking has augmented intensely in the last years. You must know that senior hiking is not a race. It’s a steady walk through the woods, over the mountains, or through countryside.

Health Benefits of Seniors Hiking

A senior trip is not only about having lots of fun. The staple of living autonomously as a senior is walking. If you still can get out of a chair and your legs are still strong enough, then do not wait for the assisted living, as it will rather come later than sooner. If you start a hiking regime early in your retirement years, your push to a nursing home might actually be prolonged and your living will be healthier and stronger for years to come.

Tips for Senior Hikers

Whether you’ve been hiking through your adult life or not, it’s important for you to know that certain things do change as you reach the title of senior hiker. Keep in mind that as you start doing this, your body won’t be in as good shape as it once was. Even if you’ll be healthier and stronger than at the beginning, you have to be cautious about certain aspects on a senior hiking adventure. So here’s some advice for your next hiking trip:

• Pace yourself. It’s extremely encouraged to stop to take in the scenery, catch your breath or take some photos.
• Start early. Not only that you’ll have the entire day to enjoy your trip, but also the fact that the mornings are always cooler will be a great help.
• Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. They should have solid ankle support and be light weight and non-skid.
• Always bring a backpack with you. Ensure you pack only the essentials and that it is light weight. You may pack some light snacks, water bottles, a map and a cell phone in case there’s an emergency, as well as your medications, just in case.
•  Pack some extra socks, as keeping your feet dry and warm is more than essential.
• Bring a walking stick, as it comes in handy for people with balance, back or knee issues. Other than that, it makes you look like a seasoned professional.
•  Use the buddy system. Everyone knows that hiking alone is never encouraged and hiking seniors should be cautious of having an emergency or losing their way back. Hiking with a buddy or joining a senior tour hiking group is the best option.

In addition to that, ensure you set mileage goals for yourself that are reliable for your fitness, stamina and experience.

Most mutual conditions of senior hiking are sore muscles in the neck and back, legs, blisters and knee issues. If you already experience some problems in these areas, then it’s recommended to start with a smaller hike.