Hiking - Anyone can do it!

Like many outdoor activities, hiking can be done at whatever pace you are comfortable with. Depending on the reason for your outings, you may be more focused on the walking and the workout, or you may be getting to your camp site. But hiking can be done at the intensity level that you set for yourself. If you are like me, you like to take it slow and see everything you can. I am a photographer and take frequent stops to accommodate my pictures.

I love to go out on the trails near my home and it seems that every time I go out I see something new, no matter how many times I've been there before. Nature is always changing and the best way to see it is to go out as often as you can.

When you are looking for somewhere to hike, a good to place to start your search is online. Your state should have a website where you can find the state parks and forests as well as other activities available in your state. Pennsylvania's DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) website is

www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

On these websites, you can usually search for a park by region and many parks have their own websites that you can link to. To find out information about the trails in the parks, contact the park service. They can tell you about the skill levels of the trails and can help you to decide which is right for you. You can also get maps and information about poisonous plants and animals, what to watch for, and how to avoid encounters.

The point is don't be discouraged or think that hiking is too much for you. It can be done at any speed, by people with any level of fitness.