Blue Ridge Parkway Journeys

The weather may be a bit brisk here in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean your hiking activities have to cease! Bundle up, grab a friend, and trek up and down the vast amount of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

You all probably know most of the benefits of hiking (physical, mental, and financial), so you can think of this as a refresher course:

-An increase in muscle strength and bone strength (and therefore a decrease in osteoporosis)

-A decrease in hypertension

-A healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sunlight (as always, though, make certain to wear sunscreen so that this “healthy dose” doesn’t decline into sunburn)

-A loss of excess weight (“When hiking a comfortable 2-MPH, a person weighing 150 pounds will burn 240 calories in one hour.” –ATFiles.org)

-A decrease in cholesterol levels

-A decrease in depression and an overall increase in mental health

-A decrease in the risk for colon cancer and breast cancer

-An increase in your sense of accomplishment

Overall, hiking is an inexpensive way to exercise, stay in shape, and relax the mind. For further information, ATFiles.org has a wonderfully detailed article that you can read that covers most of the points above. Find a trail near you and start blazing.

Also, did you know that you can leave a Trip Advisor Review of the Blue Ridge Parkway? Click here and do so!

© Zainubrazvi