- Hikers hike on natural trails, walkers walk on any surface - concrete, asphalt, gravel, sand.
- Hikers seek natural environments - forests, mountains, parks. Walkers walk anywhere.
- Hikers like to dress the part in natural fibers, sturdy hiking boots, a hiking stick. Walkers may look like anybody else out strolling down the street.
- Hikers take the 10 Essentials along to deal with any emergency. Walkers take their house key (when they remember) and maybe their wallet and water bottle.
Be a Hiker on National Trails Day
Each year, the first Saturday of June in the US is National Trails Day. It is a day set aside to get outside, enjoy a trail, and be a hiker, biker, or rider for the day. A trail may be in a local park, a national forest, a national park. You can find a list of the National Trails Day Events on the American Hiking Society site.
National Trails Day Events
Hikers vs. Walkers
I am a hiker as well as a walker. Most walkers are willing to cross over to the "wild side" to spice up their walking. It amuses me, however, how many hikers turn up their noses over the idea of going for a nice 6 mile walk NOT in the woods.
In general the walkers I know walk two or more days a week. The hikers I know hike once or twice a month. Quality over quantity? Perhaps, but we should all enjoy using our legs to see the world around us - mild as well as wild.
Next > How to Hike
More of This Feature
• Hiking Essential Gear
• Trail Shoes for Hiking
• Hiking Sticks and Trekking Poles
• Wildflowers Clip Art Photos
