When I was asked to write an article about hiking, I wondered why anyone would be interested in what I have to say about hiking.  My first response was to say "Just go hike! It is fun!!" Or as my older son frequently points out "Mom, you know hiking is glorified walking, right?!" Well..., I am going to make an attempt to put into words why I find the activity to be so much fun, energizing and relaxing at the same time.

Over the years I have come to enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, gardening and so on. While any outdoor activity is great fun, hiking is unique for many reasons. You don't need any special equipment, you need not go far, there is often a great trail close to where you live, especially in New England, it is an activity you can share with other family members and friends, a great physical exercise and can be enjoyed in every season. 

I have hiked in many National Parks. The Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Denali, Acadia, Moab, White mountains are some that come to mind. Although the experience in each of these places is distinctly unique, there are certain commonalities. Often, you are rewarded with panoramic views, waterfalls, wild life, and diverse landscapes.  There is a sense of accomplishment once you have reached the summit of a mountain or completed a trail, a freshness and peace that you feel when you dip your feet in a lake, listen to the sounds of nature, enjoy a PBJ in a quiet picnic spot or simply feel the cadence of your feet. The time you have spent with your family and friends or getting your kids excited about a plant, a bird, a tree, a pebble or a mushroom, is precious. You meet some of the nicest people on hiking trails who will stop and help if you find yourself lost, hurt or stuck. In the current COVID world, it is a great way to relax, exercise and get outside when most other modes of relaxation and entertainment are closed or inaccessible. 

One of the best hiking adventures I had was hiking on the Appalachian trail and staying at the Appalachian Mountain club huts. These are very rustic cabins along the trail that offer lodging and food to the hikers for a fee. The cabins have to be booked in advance. The huts have a volunteer crew mostly manned by college students.  Breakfast and dinner is provided in a communal style. There is no running water or electricity in the cabins. If you are really looking for an adventure, try it! It is an amazing experience.

No, I am not always hiking! I am a working mom and also enjoy music, gardening, baking, sports among other things and am currently taking dance lessons in Bharatnatyam.

Some tips for those interested in exploring hiking.  The Essentials You Need.

1. A good pair of hiking boots with ankle support.

2. Download the app "All trails", just the basic free version would suffice. It will help you find trails nearby and you can tailor it to your preferences, including distance, difficulty, whether it is kid and pet friendly. You can also download the map before you leave, which is very helpful to know your location and get back on the trail if you are lost.

3. Plenty of water, as dehydration can happen fast; roughly a liter of water per mile for a difficult hike is a good measure.

4. Hiking poles: not necessary but very useful if you have knee problems

5. Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and sunglasses

6. Let someone know where you are hiking and what time you plan to be back

7, Check for ticks at the end of the day

8. When trying to motivate kids to go, try arranging an outing with other kids of their age.

9. Last but not least, a good fun attitude!. 

Some Must Visit Hiking Destinations in New England

1) Ward Hill Reservation 

2) Harold Parker State Park

3) Mount Wachusett: mellow mountain with good views

4) I also highly recommend the White Mountains area in NH

5) Acadia National Park Maine: I am attaching a link to the blog I have written on planning a trip to Acadia. https://www.facebook.com/mvelamala

Fall is my favorite time of the year to hike, but does not have to be the end of hiking season. Hiking in the winter has a charm that is quite unparalleled. You may need snowshoes or crampons depending on the weather.

Wherever you go, the idea is to have fun. Nothing more, nothing less. Happy Trails! 

Check out the Gallery Below of Madhavi’s Best Hiking Destinations.

Bio: My name is Madhavi Challagulla and I hail from a small coastal town called Visakhapatnam in A.P/India. I have lived here in the US for the past 19 years and currently work as a Primary Care Physician for Partners HealthCare in the state of Massachusetts . I live with my husband, our 2 boys and our sock chewing, rug eating menace, Snow (our dog). I am proud of being able to live on my own terms and not succumbing to social pressures. I grew up reading Enid Blyton and she is still one of my favorite authors. My interest in outdoor activities perhaps comes from reading about all the fun adventures the kids in her books had every summer! Women have historically been held to a different set of rules and continue to bear the brunt of social injustices despite being the pillars of family and society. This world would be a much better place if every woman feels empowered in a way that she is free to pursue her own dreams.

Thank you Madhavi for sharing these amazing hiking spots and tips with our empowered women’s network!

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