American Hiking Society

Hiking Makes You Happier: Let Your 2017 Trail Adventures Begin!

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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Winter weather may appear frightful, but a hike with good friends is nothing short of delightful. Hiking is good for you too and offers more than the sights, sounds and scents of nature. It’s an easy and effective cardio workout that lowers blood pressure, blood sugar levels, reduces risk of heart disease, strengthens muscles, helps control weight and boosts your mood. It’s also a great way to make new friends. “Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety,” says Gregory A. Miller, PhD, former president of the American Hiking Society, “Being in nature is ingrained in our DNA, and we sometimes forget that.” Perhaps 2017 is the year to remember that we humans were born to hike. Continue reading →

October Gold: Secrets of the Kensington Nature Center Trails

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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“Every child should have mud pies, grasshoppers, waterbugs, tadpoles, frogs & turtles, elderberries, wild strawberries, acorns, hickory nuts, trees to climb, animals to pet, hayfields, pine cones, rocks to roll, sand, snakes, huckleberries and hornets – and any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of his education.” – Luther Burbank, 1849 – 1926

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Go Hike! Celebrate National Trails Day

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

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There is something soothing about hiking purely for pleasure. Saturday, June 4th, is the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®, the country’s largest celebration of trails. National Trails Day events take place across the nation, on trails of all sorts, including water trails.

The American Hiking Society states that in addition standard hiking, the day celebrates biking and horseback rides, paddling trips, bird watching, geocaching, gear demonstrations, and stewardship projects.

Michigan has thousands of miles of trails, with hundreds of miles of trails in Oakland County. Many Oakland County trails are family friendly and suitable for all ages. Continue reading →