Hiking is one of the few activities that can actually improve your mental, physical and spiritual health and well being. Not to mention that it can be a welcome departure from your daily routine.

Twice a week, you can find me at a local or state park putting a few trail miles under my feet. Chances are excellent that you have a few good hiking spots in your area. You don't have to plan a vacation to go hiking, but I do on occasion.

My favorite mental component is the time you have to think, or avoid thinking. We tend to get so closely involved with issues at work or problems at home that we just don't see them clearly enough to make good decisions. You may suffer from information overload and just want to quiet the mind listening to nature.

The challenges you face in daily life might not seem so daunting once you've completed a section of challenging trail. Hiking can present you with all sorts of terrain and obstacles. As a result, you may feel there's nothing you can't do. Everything else is put into perspective.

Improvements hiking can provide for your physical health are remarkable. Your resting blood pressure will decrease, eliminating hypertension, the heart muscle will strengthen preventing heart disease, you'll see a noticeable increase in stamina and if you're on a diet, hiking can help you lose weight.

From the earth, to the earth. As we are a part of nature itself, learning about the earth's precious natural resources, we begin to take more responsibility for them and all who share them. That's how a global society makes progress.

I can't think of a more exciting family activity. I've seen hiking mend the rifts between father and son, husband and wife and the outdoor memories created among friends you'll cherish for the rest of your life.

Day Hiking doesn't require much in the way of gear to get started. Take some time to learn Leave No Trace ethics first and you're on your way to having a safe, enjoyable and rewarding outdoor experience. Go Take a Hike!