Hiking to Stay Healthy

• SA Engages

May 11, 2020

Famous French designer Coco Chanel once said, “The best things in life are free.” With

that being said, one of the most exciting things you can do that will cost you absolutely nothing is hiking. My family is very active, so I have gone hiking ever since I could hold myself up. Then, once I was able to drive myself, I started to explore this hobby more and more. Though I would often go by myself to clear my mind, I do advise you to always bring someone with you. I have always seen activities such as hiking, biking, and running as good exercises that help you clear your mind. There’s something freeing about throwing on your favorite music and just enjoying God’s creation. It’s also nice just to unplug by soaking in every ray of sun, listening to songs from the birds, and the cool breeze on your skin.

I think another reason I love hiking so much is the incentive that there is an amazing view at the top and you don’t usually see it until you’re all the way up there. As you start your journey to the top, the tall green trees block your view of the other mountains. When you get near the top you can sometimes get a quick peek of the expansive view but not quite the full picture. Then you reach the very top, you take that last sigh of relief, step up, and see a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. This makes all of the sore calves and complaining from your friend all worth it.

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor at Harvard Medical School, said, “A number of small studies hint that spending time in green space — nature preserves, woodlands, and even urban parks — may ease people’s stress levels.” As we are spending more time at home, activities like this become even more prevalent. Hiking is also a great form of physical activity that all people can enjoy no matter their age or build. The American Hiking Society posted an article listing that hiking can help with heart disease, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, and much more. It’s perfect exercise because it fits right between walking and running on the difficulty spectrum.

If you’re anything like me, as I described the scenery, you had a certain hiking trail in mind. Because I am a Lynchburg local, I want to share some of my favorite hikes in this area. One hike I recommend is Devil’s Marble Yard. This one of the most interesting hikes I’ve been on, especially the last third of it. The hike has a slow incline with a small rock/dirt path, until the last section when you stumble upon the “devil’s marbles,” which you actually have to climb! These rocks range from 3 feet to almost 15 feet tall and is the most challenging part of the hike, but easily the most fun part! The drive there is around 40-60 minutes from Liberty, so be sure to give it a try.

I also want to recommend Sharp Top. The Outbound Collective, a hiking reviewing site, gives some really good details regarding this hike. It’s approximately one hour from Lynchburg with an elevation gain of 1,340 feet. Up and down the mountain is nearly 3 miles with 360 degree views at the top. This hike is one of the most popular trails for groups and dog friendly. The incline is pretty steady until the last section which becomes intermediately steep. The very top of the hike has one of the best views around the city, and plenty of space for your group to gather and take in the scenery.

Lynchburg and our surrounding area has countless trails, both flat and with an incline, that are worth checking out. In a time of learning how to distance and enjoy the outdoors, I encourage you to try these hikes out with your family and friends!

Sources

www.health.harvard.edu/blog/health-benefits-of-hiking-raise-your-heart-rate-and-your-mood-2016092810414

www.americanhiking.org/resources/health-benefits-of-hiking/

www.theoutbound.com/virginia/hiking/hike-the-sharp-top-trail

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