Living in Shanghai for many years, I didn’t settle in well when I first came to Vermont, because it’s a huge contrast for me to move from an urban area to another place saturated with natural elements. It was the hiking activity to Lake Dunmore during first-year student orientation that pulls me closer to the wildlife, leading me to appreciate the beauty of nature. However, as a hiking beginner, I would like to explore more about appropriate timing, potential meaning, and preparations for the Adirondack hiking.
The Adirondack Region official website introduces that spring is the best time for hiking. For one thing, unlike frozen and snowy conditions, warmer weather makes hikes much easier and more comfortable. Moreover, exploring beautiful destinations during spring can avoid the huge crowds. After reading the guidelines to hike of Adirondacks, I couldn’t help searching up the prettiest scenery in the Adirondacks. The picture below is the summit of Wright Park, photoed by Mark Meinrenken, which explains why hiking is becoming so popular today. I imagined in my mind that I got up earlier, hiked slowly, intentionally took in the sights, sounds, and smells along the journey when I saw this picture, and I believe that will be the most relaxing moments out of heavy schoolwork.
It is hard to judge which hiking trail is the most impressive, and every hiker has their own suggestions for the most beautiful views in the Adirondack Mountains. Here is a list of Adirondack Mountain hikes worthy of a trial: https://www.adirondack.net/things-to-do/hiking-trails/
There are many hiking challenges in the Adirondacks. The most popular is The Adirondack Forty-Sixers, the challenge to finish hiking on 46 mountains of the Adirondacks, including rugged mountain adventures to family-friendly trails with scenic views of cascading waterfalls and rock formations. For those craving hiking challenges, the attraction of this type of recreation is obvious — a measurable reward from each climb in the satisfaction of checking it off a list and bragging rights.
Furthermore, people can hunt during their journey in the Adirondacks. “The Adirondacks have the finest hunting for bear, deer, and small game in the country,” as suggested by the Adirondack Region official website. One notice is that all trappers must be licensed regardless of age, and all first-time hunters must complete a 10-hour hunter safety course, but it is totally free. Also, it is necessary to make some preparations beforehand. For example, hikers should bring enough water, wear appropriate clothes, pack a flashlight with extra batteries, etc. Plus, hikers are responsible for taking out anything they bring in and enjoying wildlife and plant life, but leave them undisturbed.
Thanks to starting my university life around the Adirondacks, I can stop at every hiking spot, find unique beauty, and get attached to the nature that heals our hearts.
Work Cited:
- Caroline Dodd, “The Art of Slowing Down”, October 1st, https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/page/blog-139/news/the-art-of-slowing-down-1341.html
- The Adirondack Region Official Website, https://visitadirondacks.com/recreation/hiking