A passion for the outdoors

I’ve been hiking for as long as I can remember. The reason for this? My dad dragging me outside to undergo the hardships of beautiful views and satisfying workouts. Tough stuff, right? At some point, though, I started to go on hikes because I wanted to, not necessarily because I had to. Going out into nature is the best way to escape and feel detached from all the day to day issues of modern life. I remember waking up early once to do a hike in Pinkham Notch, NH with my dad. It was so still and quiet that day except for the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds, as if the only things that existed in that moment were in a mile radius of where we were.

Hiking is the perfect opportunity to be in tune with both yourself and your surroundings. Not only do you have to mentally check in yourself to see how your body is keeping up, but you have to be aware of where you’re placing your feet and where the trail is taking you. I’ve had many opportunities to learn this from hikes all around the world including the US, Canada, Thailand, Switzerland, etc. As an 18 year old about to graduate high school, I feel as though the world has so many vistas and experiences to offer, and I’m set on taking advantage.

Throughout making this guide and discovering these hikes, I’ve been asking the question: How can I use my interest in the outdoors to make a beneficial impact on the larger community? I’ve found through volunteering and by sharing this site that even small contributions can make a difference.

All photos taken by myself, Alexander Orth, or Patrick Colbert Muetterties @prcmphotography