College years are fun. But they are also challenging for your physical and mental well-being. Studying too hard can cause burnout and literal physical fatigue.

Week after week, the routine is killing you. Every day brings new issues. Monday – health concerns. Tuesday – study problems. Wednesday – lack of motivation. Thursday – fatigue. Friday – the unwillingness to accept that you only have two days off to rest.

There are tons of tips on how to fight sadness and avoid burnout. These are the simple things you wouldn’t think could help, but they will. If you’re struggling:

1. Call a friend;
2. Consume fun and lighthearted content;
3. Do something nice for other people;
4. Use a paper writing service like WritePaper.com for your homework;
5. Do some exercises or just go for a walk;
6. Plan something you have wanted to do for a long time.

Now, our suggestion against exhaustion, both physical and mental, is hiking! Don’t be afraid; anyone with any level of physical preparation can go hiking. To put it simply, if you can walk on an uneven surface, you’ll manage.

Now, check how many psychological goals hiking crosses.

1. You call friends to take them with you;
2. You have a fun trip spending time with people you like;
3. You organize a retreat for somebody who probably never would go hiking;
4. You make an effort to finish all of the work you had before leaving;
5. It’s simple: you go for a walk;
6. You plan for some future fun by researching a new place.

Wait a minute… Does that mean that hiking is a perfect solution? It is. On top of everything, it will also give you a strong inner motivation to work or study when you come back. So let us find out where the best trails for beginners are.

Hiking Trails for Beginners in the US

1.   River Trail, Great Falls Park. Virginia

If you live not far from Washington DC, it would be a crime if you do not choose this park. Most beginner hikers choose a level trail along the cliffs of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River. The views are spectacular and even dramatic. This trail is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

2.   Lands End Trail, San Francisco, California

Locals head to this place when they get tired of hustling to work and standing in long lines for trendy coffee. It is a 3.4-mile loop with tons of Instagrammable spots. They include Lands End Labyrinth, Golden Gate Bridge, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. In terms of the weather, the best months are September and October.

3.   Baring Falls Trail, Montana

Glacier National Park has a breathtaking 2.4 miles trail. If you are anxious that your fitness level is not advanced enough, this is the option to choose. Even kids can walk this route. Go in the summer. Do not miss the chance to dip your feet into the refreshing water of Saint Mary Lake.

4.   Mossy Cave Trail, Utah

You can combine hiking with visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. If you like the views of falling water surrounded by geologic formations, you will waterfall in love with this place. Should you go in the winter, you can see frozen icicles in the Mossy Cave. Summer or winter, visit this place at dawn or during sunset to avoid crowds of tourists.

5.   Twin Falls Trail, North Bend, Washington

Not only the gorgeous waterfall itself makes this place stunningly beautiful. With its bright green river and mossy green trees, it is a place of power. If you get tired of taking pictures, you can sit down on a bench halfway through the hike and just enjoy watching the beauty around you. The best time to go is… all year round!

6.   Perkins Central Garden Trail, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods is a perfect place for those in search of breathtaking scenery and easy hiking. Colorful sandstone formations are jaw-dropping. The Garden of the Gods has the title of a National Natural Landmark. Despite being so highly appreciated, this place offers free entrance!

7.   Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Trail, Naples, Florida

Spend a day in the largest old-growth Bald Cypress forest. It is a subtropical area with rich fauna:

• songbirds;
• wading birds (herons and egrets);
• turtles;
• deer;
• alligators.

Nature is also green and lush, especially in hotter seasons with higher humidity. In terms of traveling tips, put on good walking boots and remember to take insect repellent with you.

More Traveling Tips for Hikers

To continue the list of advice, here are some useful hints for beginners:

●     Pack Everything Necessary for a Day’s Hike  

Apart from the above-mentioned gear, take a camera, sunscreen, water, light snacks, and binoculars (if you’re interested in bird watching). If you are traveling with your friends, plan who takes what to not overload your backpacks. It is one of the unbreakable rules for student group vacations.

●     Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Check the trail conditions, and make sure they work for beginners. Also, investigate the climate peculiarities and weather conditions. Do not underestimate how important it is to dress accordingly.

●     Be Ready for Everything

Depending on your destination, there might be a cold wind or a lake nearby. So, take a swimming suit, a raincoat, and a scarf. You can never be too prepared.

Hiking is the Best Remedy

Let’s have a look at a routine week you had. Study and health issues., lack of motivation, fatigue. How hiking could have changed that? A more active lifestyle will give you bursts of energy, ensure health and wellness, and give you a feeling of determination.

Hiking has the following benefits for your health:

• reduction of blood pressure;
• balance enhancement;
• core strengthening;
• improvement of mood and mental state as a whole;
• lots of fresh air and vitamin D from the sun.

Besides, hiking is a great social activity. You will enjoy spending time with your friends and can even meet new people. Or turtles. Most importantly, this activity has many advantages and no cons at all!