Join your fellow campers and explore Michigan’s plentiful trails.

Most RVers can agree: There’s nothing better than stretching their legs after a full day of traveling. Michigan is home to hundreds of beautiful hiking trails, near your favorite camping destinations, that really get the blood flowing and showcase the serenity of this magnificent state.

As it turns out, hiking is actually a favorite leisurely activity of many campers. According to Coleman’s 2014 American Camper Report, the majority of campers, 76 percent to be exact, find hiking to be their most enjoyable camping activity. For those who already hike regularly, this article is a simple reminder about health benefits of hiking, gear, and safety. But for those just starting out or expanding their horizons, this will provide some useful information before you hit the trails.

Why Hiking?

To begin, let’s take a hike through the countless health benefits this family-friendly activity has to offer:

First and foremost, hiking is tremendous for your physical health. It not only improves cardio-respiratory fitness, but it can also burn up to 370 calories an hour (in camping terms, that’s almost two s’mores). Additionally, according to goodhiker.com it is proven that hiking can lower a person’s risk of high blood pressure; stroke; and reduce the risk of colon, breast, lung, and endometrial cancer.

Hiking is also great for building muscle tone! It strengthens hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and core, vital muscles for living an active lifestyle – and a long life.

A stroll through the woods can also help a person maintain a clear and healthy mind. In a research study conducted in 2007, 71 percent of research participants reported experiencing reduced levels of depression after a hike. Additional research has found that hiking can also have a positive impact on reducing the symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Gear for the Trails

So with the health benefits fresh in mind, now’s the time to gather your gear. What you’ll need:

  • Supportive hiking boots to keep your feet dry, protected, and comfortable.
  • Quality socks that will keep your feet from blistering and sweating.
  • Climate appropriate clothing, something lightweight that dries quickly, breaths well, and keeps you comfortable.
  • A hat and sunscreen are essential to protect you from the sun.
  • A compass, map, and lighter are also key to keep you on the right path and can come in handy if you do find yourself questioning your route.

Safe Hiking Tips

A good hiker is a safe hiker. Ensure that you and your family experience the joy of the trails by following these important safety tips:

  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you should be returning. No matter the distance you plan to trek, it is always safer to plan ahead. If something does occur, you get lost or injured along the way, someone will know where you are and will know when to go out and look for you if you don’t return on time. If there isn’t anyone to tell, then leave a message within or outside your RV with details.
  • Wear bright colors. If you do get lost, it will be much easier to be found if you’re in bright colors rather than camouflage.
  • Don’t rely on your cell phone. As unfortunate as it is, technology can fail us. Whether your batteries die or you don’t have service, it is always smart to have a back up plan.
  • Always bring a bottle of water and a snack. Even if you’re just doing a short trip you never want to be caught without food or water.
  • It’s never a bad idea to have an emergency kit in your pack. Band-Aids, a whistle, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a trash bag that can double as a poncho in case of rain are always advisable to have along.

Where to Hike

And now that you’re both mentally and physically ready for the trails, it’s time to determine where you’ll be going!

A great resource is www.michigantrailmaps.com. Here you can locate the nearest hiking path based on county, city, or activity. So if you’ll be camping near Traverse City and you’re looking for a dog-friendly hiking trail, for example, this site can help you find it.

Another resource you’ll want to explore is: www.alltrails.com/us/michigan. This site provides a ranking of the best places to hike in the state along with photos, previous hikers’ comments of the trails, and maps of the journey. Additionally, they provide a key for trail features and activities, level of difficulty, and distance for each hike.

Michigan is jammed-pack with amazing hiking spots – many of which are located near a MARVAC member campground! Our members can offer recommendations about the best places to go and see nearest them, so make sure to ask. Also be sure to visit our site,www.marvac.org , to find the perfect campground for your next trip!