Reading: Hiking and Famous U.S. Trails

Why People Love Hiking

Hiking is one of the most enjoyable and accessible outdoor activities. It does not require expensive equipment or special training. Most of the time, all you need is a pair of sturdy shoes, some water, and a sense of adventure. Whether you are walking through a quiet forest, climbing a rocky hill, or following a river, hiking lets you experience nature step by step.

Hiking is good for your body and your mind. Walking on uneven ground strengthens your legs, improves balance, and exercises your heart and lungs. Fresh air, sunlight, and natural scenes can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Many people say that even a short walk on a local trail makes them feel calmer and more energetic.

Hiking for Mind and Spirit

Time in nature also helps your mind. Away from traffic, noise, and screens, many hikers find it easier to think clearly. Some people use hiking time to reflect on their lives or solve problems. Others simply enjoy listening to birds, wind in the trees, and running water. Hiking with friends or family can create strong memories and deeper relationships because you work together, share views, and encourage each other on difficult sections of the trail.

Respecting Nature

Hiking is also a chance to learn about the environment. Trails pass through forests, deserts, mountains, and national parks that are home to special plants and animals. Responsible hikers follow the idea of “Leave No Trace.” This means they stay on the trail, do not pick flowers, and carry out all their trash. In this way, beautiful places stay clean and wild for future visitors.

Famous U.S. Hiking Trails

The United States has many famous hiking trails, from short day hikes to long-distance routes that take months to complete. These trails cross mountains, deserts, and forests, giving hikers many different kinds of experiences.

Appalachian Trail (AT) – About 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. It passes through mountains, forests, and small towns in the eastern United States.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – About 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. It crosses deserts, the high Sierra Nevada, and the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range.
Continental Divide Trail (CDT) – Around 3,100 miles along the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to Montana, following the main divide of North America’s rivers.
John Muir Trail (JMT) – About 211 miles in California’s Sierra Nevada. It passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks and offers stunning mountain views.
Zion Narrows (Utah) – A famous hike through a narrow canyon where hikers often walk in the Virgin River between tall sandstone walls.
Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon, Arizona) – A steep trail that takes hikers from the rim of the Grand Canyon down toward the Colorado River.

Whether you choose a short walk in a local park or dream of hiking one of these famous trails, hiking can help you stay healthy, relax your mind, and discover the beauty of the natural world.

Vocabulary List

trail — A path or track used for walking or hiking.
sturdy — Strong and solid, not easily damaged.
terrain — The natural features of an area of land, such as hills, rocks, or valleys.
stress — Mental or emotional pressure that makes you feel worried or tense.
reflect — To think carefully about something.
environment — The natural world around us: air, land, water, plants, and animals.
Leave No Trace — A set of rules for protecting nature by not leaving any trash or damage behind.

Comprehension Questions