Hikers build up stamina, experience with various tools and gadgets, stronger lungs, but more importantly, they also have the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous view. While comfortably pacing on even ground and amidst relatively dispersed lines of trees, it’s quite easy to pause for a quick breather and snap some photos.
Exploring nature on moderate-distance hikes is slightly trickier; such trails are usually rocky and slightly inclined, so it’s only natural to pay more attention to these natural obstacles than to the gorgeous greens around you.
Today we’ll talk about how to explore nature using moderate-distance hikes, so without any further ado, let’s begin:
Don’t “focus” on particular details
The best advice for all hikers is to not be consumed with the “search” for the most beautiful flower, the tallest tree, or the largest boulder. The saying ‘missing the forest for a tree’ applies here perfectly; if you’re too narrowly focused on any particular aspect of whichever biome you’re hiking in, you’ll probably miss out on everything else.
Allow yourself to be mesmerized and impressed by all of nature’s wonders. Whether it be the sheer number of trees on your side, the seemingly endless trail ahead, or the great distance you’ve covered already; all of these are a part of your unique hiking experience.
Don’t underestimate natural obstacles
Keep in mind that moderate-distance hikes are labeled as such since they present more challenges. Whether it be the sheer length of the road, windy goat trails, steep inclines, rocky floor, or all of the aforementioned, you should be observant of the obstacles as much of the landscape in general.
At the same time, every obstacle stands out from the rest of the scenery and can be perceived as a landmark.
For example, if a particular trail steps off from the beaten path, it may be easy to get sidetracked and lost. Remember the places where inclines start, where the grassy floor became rocky, and try to memorize the location of any fallen tree. Use these landmarks as guideposts to get back on the trail.
Explore the plants and flowers – learn which are poisonous
Wildflowers always attract the attention of hikers for a good reason; you won’t see them in an urban environment, and they lose a bit of their flair when wrapped up in a bouquet. You may want to use the hiking opportunity to search for them, and you may feel the urge to pick them up, or at least touch the little beauties.
While many plants are as harmless as they are gorgeous, quite a few species are toxic and can ruin your trip in split seconds. Although all species have different characteristics, there are easy ways to discern them from non-poisonous ones.
First and foremost, most toxic plants exude a milky sap. However, in some cases, you won’t be able to see it unless you snap the plant’s stem, so this isn’t exactly an obvious indicator.
Secondly, poisonous plants have distinctly shiny, and somewhat more intricately shaped leaves. However, the same can be said for non-poisonous plants that are still wet with morning dew.
Plants with pointy, umbrella-shaped forms are more likely to be poisonous than round-shaped ones. Again, this doesn’t necessarily apply to all poisonous plant types, but it will hopefully dissuade you from taking unnecessary risks.
Search for rivers and waterfalls, but be careful when heading off the trail
There are thousands of trails in America, most of which are ranked ‘hard’, but many of which are ranked ‘moderate’. This is especially true for river trails. You may want to use the opportunity to take a sip from the clear river waters, or simply enjoy a moment of respite on the bank.
The Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park, for instance, is among the ‘easiest’ moderate hiking trails with a length of 10 kilometers and an estimated trailing time of 3 hours and 28 minutes.
To slide down to the Edith Creek River, you’ll need to cross over to the Golden Gate trail and wind down some 200 meters downwards. While you will have quite a sight in front of you, you’ll also face a significant drop in elevation and a fairly rocky floor.
Mount Tammany is somewhat easier to navigate, but it’s more suited for mountain biking than regular hiking. If you would rather enjoy a carefree hiking experience, consider the Zion Narrows Riverside trail; it’s only 3.1 kilometers long and can be covered in under an hour.
Pack light and smart
The first advice experienced hikers usually give to rookies is to pack light, meaning to carry only the bare necessities. A lightweight backpack, a few bottles of water, spare footwear, and a bag of mixed nuts & seeds is typically all you’ll need for a wonderful hiking experience on a moderate hiking trail.
The correlation between light packing and exploring nature is somewhat obvious. Hikers burdened with excess gear will face discomfort and fatigue, both of which are hindrances to enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes.
Fortunately, you won’t need hooks, hatchets, and axes like campers, so preparing a hiking checklist should be a breeze – hydration and clothing, plus a few items of personal preference are all you need.
Sailing Along the Croatian Coast: Nature’s Trail on Water
One of the most exquisite ways to explore nature doesn’t always involve hiking boots or mountain trails. Consider the Adriatic Sea, where Croatia’s coastline beckons adventurers to embark on a different kind of journey. Hiking and cruising in Croatia is akin to a moderate-distance hike but on water. As you navigate the serene waves, you’re treated to a panorama of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and ancient port towns. The rhythmic motion of the boat, the scent of salt in the air, and the sight of untouched islands in the distance offer a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. Just as trailblazers unite over challenging terrains on foot, they can also come together on a voyage, discovering Croatia’s natural wonders from a fresh perspective. And sailing isn’t just about the rhythmic dance of a boat on open waters; it’s a gateway to inaccessible corners of the world, just waiting to be explored on foot!
Consider Mountainside trails
While being at the heart of the forest seems like the best way to see everything nature has to offer, mountain views are incomparably different. In fact, by being on a higher elevation, you’ll feel the difference and get to explore hundreds of miles that you couldn’t cover on foot.
Moderate mountainside trails, regardless of their actual difficulty rating, tend to be a bit more fatiguing and challenging than regular ones. However, you’ll get the opportunity to explore a completely different side of nature; towering boulders, unique species of trees, birds, animals, and such.
There are numerous moderate mountainside trails in America that are perfect for hikers who are transitioning from the ‘easy’ ranked ones, such as the Cathedral Rock Trail in Coconino National Forest, Saint Mary’s Glacier in Arapaho National Forest, and Twin Falls Trail in Olaille State Park, all of which are under 5 kilometers long.
We hope that this brief guide was useful to you and that you have learned something new today on how to tackle those moderate-distance hikes. Make sure you are staying safe in these times we are all going through and have a good one, guys!
