The crunch and snap of dead leaves and twigs, an occasional chirping bird or the roar of a bullfrog. These will be the sounds you hear as you venture into the woods. This is no longer a leisurely afternoon walk; it has become an adventurous treasure hunt! Every rock becomes the lid of a treasure chest, just waiting to be turned over. Your heart races when you think of what you might find. Precious gems, an ancient arrowhead, or perhaps a salamander, whose vibrant markings turn you into an amateur biologist. Regardless of what you may find, you have begun to bond with nature, and appreciate the world just beyond your front door.
Taking a nature hike can also be a great form of exercise, for example: long distance walking, hiking up-hill, climbing a tree, or if your lucky enough to find a river or a swimming hole, well then you have hours of fun! However, before you begin your trek there are a few things to consider, in fact, it would be wise to make yourself a checklist. First off, make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes, or hiking boots. Always dress accordingly for the time of year, (I recommend fall and spring) and always bring at least two bottles of water to prevent dehydration. It's wise to take into consideration your area's terrain, as regions of the country tend to differ drastically.
For instance, if you live in the deep south, it's probably best that you stay away from murky creeks and swampland, due to the presence of poisonous snakes and alligators. If you live in New England, you should wear pants and try to stay away from tall grass, due to the large deer tick population. It's all a matter of common sense in the end. Also, before you hit the trail, it would be a good idea to check out local trail guides at you town library. Most of these guides are excellent sources for the terrain you will encounter, as well as native plant and animal life in your area. I especially enjoy trying to identify certain animal tracks that I come across, as well as searching for edible wild berries. In Central Africa it's called a "safari", in the Land Down Under, it's known as "going bush"; but whatever you decide to call it, I'm sure you'll love spending some time in the great out doors!
