Did you know that taking at least a 20 minute walk out in nature can significantly lower your stress hormone levels?1 This is a great time of year to get outside and go hiking. With leaf foliage in the Orange County near peak color, this is one of the most beautiful times of year to be outside.
This week’s the challenge is to go hiking.
- Pick somewhere you have never been or your favorite hiking spot.
- Take a picture of yourself by the trail head or on the trail.
- Submit your photo.
Where to hike
There are so many place to hike in the area. You can climb to the highest point in Newburgh on the Crystal Lake to Snake Hill Trail, explore the beauty of the Brewer’s Reservoir in Port Jervis, or stroll down the newly expanded Heritage Trail that now runs from all the way from Middletown to Harriman. Don’t know where to go hiking, check out these sites find the right hike for you:
Hiking Safety
When it comes to hiking, safety is crucial. Check out the Hike Smart NY website to learn how to be prepared for your hike including the ten hiking essentials you should always bring on your hike.
What are you waiting for? Get outside and go hiking!
Don’t forget to take a picture on your hike and submit it to the 2021 Get Outside Nature Challenge.
References
1MaryCarol R. Hunter, Brenda W. Gillespie, Sophie Yu-Pu Chen. Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 2019; 10 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722