Hiking is a great way to improve your health, reduce stress, increase creativity and improve concentration. Safe for most people, exploring trails around Lake Texoma is an inexpensive and satisfying way to connect with nature. Hiking is walking after all, just walking outdoors through the wilderness.

This overview will be the first in a series of articles introducing you to the benefits of hiking, what equipment you will need to get started, and where to find the best hiking trails around Lake Texoma. Let’s start with why you might want to consider hiking.

It is good for you. Hiking is one of the least risky, most beneficial forms of exercise. Hiking allows people of all fitness levels the chance to become more active. Hiking can help you lose weight, reduce risk of heart attack, lower blood pressure, and even slow down the speed of aging. Check out the American Hiking Society fact sheet for more good news about the positive effects hiking has on overall health.

It is easy. It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. That’s it…Really. The more you hike, the more comfortable you will become on the trails. Skills improve quickly which makes hiking enjoyable and easy to stick with.

It makes you happy. Sunlight elevates your mood naturally. Being physically active relaxes us and makes us happier. Happy people smile more and more smiles make the world a little more pleasant.
Alright then, now you are convinced to take at least one walk in the woods. How should you prepare for your first hiking adventure? Starting off with short hikes on an easy trail is a good idea especially if you have been less active in recent months. Short hikes are better for beginners because learning the shoes you wore are the least comfortable is a lesson best learned closer to the car than farther away from it. Be mindful that you will be walking outdoors on uneven, rocky surfaces. I adore my versatile Vibram Five Finger Toe Shoes. I just don’t care how other people think they look. I have been wearing them for several years though and wouldn’t recommend them for the beginning hiker unless you are more comfortable in bare feet. Clothing is equally important. Dress in layers appropriate for seasonal North Texas weather. Ha, in other words be prepared for any weather conditions.

Experience truly is the best guide. Going with a local North Texas Meet Up group, the Dallas Sierra Club or other outdoor hiking and backpacking organizations might appeal to you. Park Rangers at State Parks offer invaluable information to the beginning hiker whether you choose a group or prefer to wing it on your own.

Lake Texoma offers several trails with varying levels of intensity accommodating beginning hikers starting out with a 30 minute trek, trudging through intermediate skill levels, and on up to seasoned explorers who think nothing of spending the day rambling through challenging terrain in all weather conditions.

Next week to learn more about hiking equipment, clothing options and the best trails around Lake Texoma.