If you’re a nature lover, you’re probably always looking for something new to do outdoors. Even if you aren’t typically an outdoorsy person, now is a great time to give some new activities a chance and explore as close by as your neighborhood or as far away as a country you’ve never been to before. Given that indoor activities have been restricted in many areas due to the ongoing global pandemic, you might find yourself wanting to explore the outdoors for the first time. Whether you like athletics, scenic views, or helping to improve your local environment, there are plenty of nature-centric activities for you to check out whenever you feel like you want to get outside. Keep reading to learn about three activities perfect for nature lovers.
1. Try thru-hiking.
Hiking is just one of many favorite activities for nature lovers, and thru-hiking offers a bit more of a challenge and a longer experience for those who love to be outdoors. Thru-hiking is defined by enthusiasts as completing an end-to-end trail with continuous footsteps in one direction. Several popular trails for thru-hikers include the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
Thru-hiking is more difficult and demanding than shorter alternatives. It often requires more endurance and training, and additional survival skills that aren’t required for only completing a section of a trail rather than the entire thing. It’s a good idea to take smaller trips and work your way up to longer excursions. Learning how to find potable water, prepare food, and set up your own camp is also typically required for long trips.
2. Visit a national park.
America’s national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the country. Not only that, they’re affordable to visit and great for family vacations. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Arches National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are just a few of the more famous options for anyone looking to go on a national park trip. Because of the sheer number of parks to visit, there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to see hot springs, untamed wilderness, canyons, or lakes, you can find a park that has something that appeals to you.
3. Volunteer at a nature or wildlife charity.
Volunteering is a great way to work towards improving your community, and there are a number of nature-related charities that will enable you to make a difference while doing something you love. Not only will your effort benefit whatever cause you choose to support, there are also mental health benefits to doing charitable work. Volunteering can also help you meet other nature lovers in your community, develop social connections, and create opportunities for you to deepen your involvement in the future. If you’re considering a career involving nature, volunteering can also help you refine your interests.
Being a nature lover means taking advantage of all of the opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors as you can. Outdoor activities are a great idea right now especially, due to the restrictions and safety hazards caused by the continuing spread of COVID-19. If you don’t want to travel far or want to find a special place to visit on a budget, America’s national parks and public lands make perfect destinations. No matter what type of environment you prefer, you can find a variety of areas in the continental U.S. that are easy to get to and offer incredible opportunities for activities like thru-hiking, volunteering, and more. There are infinite ways you can explore the beauty of nature, you just have to choose to take advantage of them.
