5 Life Changing Weekend Hikes You Must Do |
Posted: December 14, 2017 |
Whether you're an amateur couch-surfing champion or a long-time outdoorsman, hiking is a fun and effective way to get some much-needed sun and exercise. But these days, you don't have to settle for merely grabbing a stick and hoofing it through someone's backyard, now you can hop a flight and go anywhere in the world and hike through some of the world's most amazing sceneries. So put down that remote, grab a pack, and head outdoors on one of these five amazing hikes that are guaranteed to satisfy your thirst for exploration. 1. Grand Canyon Known for its amazing rock formations and breath-taking natural beauty, the Grand Canyon is one of America's greatest national treasures. But while many people are content to simply drive up to the rim, snap a few pictures, and then spend hours at the gift shop, you can walk the Grand Canyon, tip to tip, which makes for an exhilarating 44-mile trek. Most people complete this trek in less than a week's time, but there's nothing to stop you from spending a couple days on the side of the trail taking in the raw majesty of the park. While many also assume that a hike through the Grand Canyon will mean nothing more than miles of red dirt, the park is remarkably diverse, bringing you up close and personal with a wide array of plant life. 2. Kungsleden If you are looking for a hike outside of the United States, the Kungsleden in Denmark may just be right up your alley. 275 miles of some of the most beautiful country in Europe await, taking you up close and personal with glaciers, open tundra, and Denmark's tallest mountain, Kebnekaise. Though it sounds intimidating, this trek can be completed in about a week's time (or less), and most hikers choose to go sometime between August and early September. You don't have to go the whole distance, however; many hikers choose to do a day trip, where you can find a hut about 8-13 miles apart. 3. Yosemite Another one of America's greatest parks, this 60-mile, seven-day trek takes you through some of the best parts of Yosemite, from the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Range and all the way up to the Cable Route. Along the way, you'll experience sprawling meadows, beautiful waterfalls, and massive cliff-faces that look like they were carved by hand. Though intense, this one is a favorite of both experienced and amateur hikers alike, and is well-traveled through most of the year, but especially between July through September. 4. Bay of Fires If you value adventure more than distance, consider the Bay of Fires hike through the heart of Tasmania, Australia. Along the way, you'll see miles of white sandy beaches bordered by turquoise water, and flanked by lichen the color of blood. This hike is only sixteen miles, but expect to spend about four days hiking it, primarily due to the eclectic and varied terrain. This is one of the more commercial hikes on the list, as there are a few hotels along the way that some travelers choose to stay at, and some utilize guides to navigate the backcountry. It's a challenging hike, and one in which you'll need all those CrossFit supplements you've been munching on at the gym, but regardless, the scenery will make the struggle all worth it. 5. The Appalachian Trail This one is a beast. It is the oldest continuously marked trail in the continental United States, and takes you on a trek through fourteen states and could last up to seven months to finish. Don't feel discouraged if you don't make it though; only about 20% of hikers that start the Appalachian trail actually finish it. Spanning over 2,000 miles of rugged, hilly country from Georgia to Maine, this one will push you to the limit, but for the hardcore hike enthusiast, it's hard to pass up.
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