November 17 – Take a Hike Day

Take a Hike Day is Today!

Download the 38 Hertz Celebration Book with 365 days of celebrations!

HOW TO CELEBRATE TAKE A HIKE DAY

•  Take a hike!
•  Find a hiking trail near you at The Hiking Project.
•  Read Five Tips for Urban Hiking.
•  Purchase some new hiking boots and things.
• If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!

FEATURED ITEM FOR TAKE A HIKE DAY

For the uninitiated, hiking may seem like a tedious and unrewarding activity. However, those who have experienced the joy of hiking know that it is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time in nature. There is nothing quite like breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty of the outdoors. The physical act of hiking can also be quite invigorating, providing a great workout for the whole body. In addition, hiking can be a great way to clear your head and find some peace and quiet.

So next time you are feeling stressed or looking for an adventure, why not lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail? You may just find that you enjoy it more than you ever thought possible.   Don’t forget urban hiking too!

TAKE A HIKE DAY:  A BRIEF HISTORY OF HIKING

Hiking was popularized in the 19th century by a group of English poets known as the Lake Poets. These poets, who included Wordsworth and Coleridge, were known for their love of nature and their disdain for city life. They often took long walks in the countryside, and their poetry often reflected their love of the outdoors. As interest in their work grew, so too did interest in hiking. Soon, people from all walks of life were hitting the trails in search of fresh air and beautiful scenery.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE TAKE A HIKE DAY

1. Explore a National Park: Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and discover scenic trails.
2. Organize a Group Hike: Gather friends and family for a fun outdoor adventure together.
3. Try Geocaching: Combine hiking with treasure hunting using GPS coordinates to find hidden caches.
4. Take a Nature Photography Walk: Capture the serene landscapes and wildlife along the trail.
5. Pack a Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a scenic spot along the hike with a delicious meal.
6. Bird Watching: Bring binoculars and identify different bird species along the way.
7. Trail Running: Challenge yourself with a trail run for an added cardio boost.
8. Leave No Trace Hike: Practice responsible hiking by minimizing your impact on the environment.
9. Forest Bathing: Engage in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, for relaxation and rejuvenation.
10. Hike to a Waterfall: Seek out a trail that leads to a stunning waterfall for a refreshing reward.
11. Sunrise or Sunset Hike: Witness the breathtaking colors of dawn or dusk from a scenic viewpoint.
12. Take a Solo Hike: Enjoy some quiet solitude and reflection amidst nature’s tranquility.
13. Hiking Bingo: Create a bingo card with items to spot along the trail for added excitement.
14. Sketch or Paint: Bring along art supplies and capture the natural beauty on paper.
15. Identify Flora and Fauna: Learn about the plants and animals native to the area.
16. Forest Yoga: Find a peaceful clearing and practice yoga surrounded by trees.
17. Stargazing Hike: Plan a nighttime hike to observe the stars and constellations.
18. Hike with Your Dog: Bring your furry friend along for some outdoor exercise and bonding time.
19. Trailside Meditation: Pause at scenic spots to practice mindfulness and meditation.
20. Visit a Historic Trail: Explore trails with historical significance and learn about the area’s heritage.
21. Trailside Journaling: Bring a journal to jot down thoughts, reflections, and memorable moments.
22. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find along the trail for an interactive adventure.
23. Rock Climbing: Find a trail with rocky terrain suitable for some beginner-level climbing.
24. Hike to a Summit: Challenge yourself with a hike to a mountain peak for stunning panoramic views.
25. Plan Your Next Hike: Research and plan your next hiking destination to keep the adventure going.
26. Trail Trivia: Create hiking-themed trivia questions to test your knowledge along the trail.
27. Hiking Bingo: Prepare bingo cards with items commonly found on hikes and mark them off as you spot them.
28. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Compile a list of items to find in nature and challenge friends to locate them during the hike.
29. Leaf Identification: Collect various leaves along the trail and try to identify the tree species they belong to.
30. Nature Pictionary: Use sticks to draw pictures in the dirt of animals or objects you see along the hike, and have others guess what they are.
31. Hiking Charades: Act out different hiking-related activities or wildlife sightings for others to guess.
32. Trailside I Spy: Take turns describing items or features you see along the trail, and have others guess what they are.
33. Storytelling Relay: Start a story at the beginning of the hike and have each person add a sentence as you walk, creating a collaborative tale.
34. Hiking Word Association: Say a word related to hiking or nature, and have others respond with the first word that comes to mind.
35. Rock Skipping: Find a stream or river along the hike and have a competition to see who can skip rocks the farthest.
36. Nature Charms: Collect small natural items like rocks, acorns, or feathers, and use them to create decorative charms during breaks.
37. Hiking Simon Says: Take turns being the leader and call out hiking-themed commands for others to follow.
38. Animal Track Identification: Look for animal tracks along the trail and try to identify which creatures left them.
39. Nature Tic Tac Toe: Use sticks and rocks to create a tic-tac-toe board in the dirt and play against a hiking buddy.
40. Hiking Alphabet Game: Spot objects along the trail that start with each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z.
41. Hiking Memory Game: Take turns naming items seen along the trail, adding a new one to the list with each round and recalling all previous items in order.
42. Hiking Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to complete different hiking-related tasks, like collecting leaves or identifying trees.
43. Nature Drawing Challenge: Bring along sketchbooks and pencils to draw scenes or wildlife encountered during the hike.
44. Nature Photography Contest: Capture the best nature photos during the hike and vote on the winners at the end.
45. Rock Balancing: Find flat rocks and see who can stack them the highest without them toppling over.
46. Nature Jenga: Use sticks to create a Jenga tower on a flat surface, taking turns removing and stacking sticks without collapsing the tower.
47. Nature Yoga Challenge: Stop at scenic spots along the hike to practice yoga poses inspired by nature.
48. Nature Imitation Contest: Take turns mimicking the calls or movements of birds and animals you encounter along the trail.
49. Hiking Relay Challenges: Set up different challenge stations along the trail, such as balancing on fallen logs or hopping over rocks, and race to complete them.
50. Hiking Hula Hoop Challenge: Bring along hula hoops and challenge each other to keep them spinning while hiking.
51. Nature-themed Dreamcatchers: Create dreamcatchers using twigs, feathers, and beads collected on your hike.
52. Pressed Flower Bookmarks: Press flowers found along the trail and use them to make colorful bookmarks.
53. Leaf Rubbing Art: Collect leaves during your hike and use them to make beautiful leaf rubbings with crayons or colored pencils.
54. Pine Cone Bird Feeders: Make bird feeders by coating pine cones with peanut butter and rolling them in birdseed.
55. Twig Picture Frames: Collect small twigs and glue them together to create rustic picture frames for your hiking photos.
56. Nature-inspired Mobile: Use sticks, leaves, and feathers to create a hanging mobile that reminds you of your hike.
57. Rock Painting: Paint rocks collected on your hike with inspirational quotes or colorful designs.
58. Wildflower Seed Bombs: Mix wildflower seeds with clay and compost to make seed bombs to scatter along the trail.
59. Twig Vases: Gather twigs of varying lengths and sizes to create unique vases for wildflowers or small branches.
60. Hiking Stick Decorations: Decorate hiking sticks with colorful ribbons, beads, and charms for a personalized touch.
61. Leaf Bowl: Use leaves and Mod Podge to create decorative bowls to hold small items like keys or jewelry.
62. Nature Collages: Collect a variety of natural materials during your hike and use them to create collages on canvas or paper.
63. Nature Weaving: Weave together grasses, leaves, and flowers to create intricate patterns and designs.
64. Twig Candle Holders: Bundle together small twigs with twine to make rustic candle holders for outdoor dining.
65. Pine Needle Sachets: Fill small fabric pouches with fragrant pine needles to create natural air fresheners.
66. Twig Coasters: Glue together thin twigs to create coasters for drinks, adding a touch of nature to your home decor.
67. Nature Mandalas: Arrange found objects like rocks, leaves, and flowers into intricate mandala designs on the ground.
68. Leaf Garland: String together dried leaves to create festive garlands to hang indoors or outdoors.
69. Twig Wreath: Use gathered twigs to make rustic wreaths to decorate your home or front door.
70. Nature-inspired Jewelry: Create necklaces or bracelets using small rocks, acorns, or seeds found on your hike.
71. Leaf Stamping: Dip leaves in paint and use them to stamp designs onto paper or fabric.
72. Twig Plant Markers: Use small twigs to create plant markers for your garden, labeling each with plant names or drawings.
73. Nature Crown: Fashion crowns or headbands using flowers, leaves, and vines collected during your hike.
74. Twig Picture Holders: Glue small twigs together to make stands for displaying photos from your hike.
75. Wilderness Journal: Bind together blank pages with a nature-themed cover to create a journal for recording memories and observations from your hike.
76. Trail Mix: Create your own custom trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and chocolate chips for energy on the hike.
77. Granola Bars: Bake homemade granola bars packed with oats, nuts, honey, and dried fruits for a nutritious snack on the trail.
78. Sandwich Wraps: Roll up tortillas with deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and spreads for a portable and easy-to-eat hiking meal.
79. Energy Bites: Make energy bites with oats, peanut butter, honey, and mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut for a quick boost.
80. Fresh Fruit: Pack apples, oranges, grapes, and other fresh fruits for a refreshing and hydrating snack during the hike.
81. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Cook and peel hard-boiled eggs for a protein-rich snack to keep you fueled on the trail.
82. Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Dip carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips into hummus for a healthy and satisfying snack.
83. Cheese and Crackers: Pair sliced cheese with whole-grain crackers for a tasty and portable hiking snack.
84. Beef Jerky: Pack homemade or store-bought beef jerky for a savory and protein-packed snack on the go.
85. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches: Spread peanut butter on whole-grain bread and add sliced bananas for a delicious and filling hiking sandwich.
86. Protein Bars: Make or purchase protein bars with ingredients like nuts, seeds, and protein powder to keep you energized during the hike.
87. Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries in portable containers for a nutritious hiking snack.
88. Vegetable Chips: Bake thinly sliced vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and kale into crispy chips for a healthy snack option.
89. Tuna Salad Wraps: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and seasonings, then wrap it in lettuce leaves for a light and protein-packed hiking meal.
90. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Spread nut butter on rice cakes and top with sliced fruits or a drizzle of honey for a crunchy and satisfying snack.
91. Homemade Fruit Leather: Bake pureed fruits into chewy fruit leather strips for a sweet and natural hiking treat.
92. Quinoa Salad Cups: Fill mini cups with cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing for a light and refreshing hiking snack.
93. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups: Roll up slices of turkey and cheese for a protein-rich and portable snack to enjoy on the trail.
94. Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sea salt for a sweet and salty hiking snack.
95. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple: Pack individual containers of cottage cheese with pineapple chunks for a protein-rich and refreshing snack option.
96. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Bake homemade oatmeal raisin cookies for a sweet and chewy treat to enjoy during the hike.
97. Vegetable Sushi Rolls: Roll up sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and other vegetables in nori sheets for a light and satisfying hiking snack.
98. Chia Seed Pudding: Make chia seed pudding with almond milk and top with fresh berries or sliced fruits for a nutritious and portable hiking snack.
99. Pita Bread with Hummus: Cut pita bread into wedges and serve with hummus for a satisfying and protein-packed hiking snack.
100. Berry Smoothies: Blend frozen berries with yogurt and a splash of juice for a refreshing and hydrating drink to enjoy during the hike.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Take a Hike Day?  Please share them!