Hiking is great way to appreciate everything nature has to offer.
It allows you to see places new places, meet new people, find solitude, enjoy the simple things in life and also it is a great way to get fit.
See New Places When traveling on foot you can go places you would never see if driving around in a car.
It can open up a whole new world to you.
This applies whether you're on holiday traveling around or just looking for something new to experience on the weekend.
It also seems that scenery is best enjoyed with exercise, things just look better if you have exerted yourself to get there.
Meet New People When out hiking you'll generally see less people than you would in the city, but something very different seems to happen.
Because you're all out there enjoying the same activity people tend to be a lot friendlier and more willing to take the time to have a good conversation.
In New Zealand we have a great system of backcountry huts that hikers stay in, these are great places for meeting people.
You always have something in common to kick the conversation off and it's quite a relaxing environment, it's just a great way to get to know someone.
Find Solitude It can be really beneficial for people to take time out of their busy lifestyle to get away from the tv, cellphone, internet and the pressures of modern life.
Just to sit and take in some beautiful scenery in a quiet spot is something I think everyone should experience.
Enjoy the simple things in life When you go hiking and camping you can't take all of the modern conveniences with you so you're forced to choose the really essential things.
The lack of distractions means you focus more one what you're doing.
Food tastes so much better after a long days walk to a remote campsite.
Even just simple foods that you wouldn't really enjoy at home can taste amazing at the camp site.
Fitness Hiking is a great way to get fit.
You can start with short walks in flat areas and slowly start to add distance and hills as your fitness increases.