Are you looking for a good reason to hit the hiking trails during the summer months? If so, I may be able to be of some assistance. I happen to know of five excellent reasons to go hiking during the summer months. Here they are:

Easy to Start

First, hiking during the summer months doesn't require learning complicated maneuvers or dropping tons of cash on special equipment. Basically, as long as you can afford a good pair of footwear and can manage to put one foot in front of the other, you're off to a good start. Of course there is a bit more to hiking safely during the summer months than that. You'll also want to learn how to read a trail map, what to do in the event of an emergency and the 10 essentials that should be taken on every hike.

Health Rewards

Second, hiking during the summer months has long been considered a wonderful way to exercise and lose weight. Some health experts have also listed hiking as a way to help prevent osteoporosis and stave off heart disease. In my opinion, that adds up to another great reason to lace up your boots and hit the hiking trails.

Educational Rewards

Third, hiking during the summer months can also be educational. It affords hikers an opportunity to learn about seasonal flora and fauna. For example, the summer hiking trails at Storm King State Park offer hikers opportunities to catch sight of endangered Peregrine Falcons. The species' fledglings are known to be active in those areas during the summer.

Social Rewards

Fourth, hiking in groups during the summer months also affords trekkers with an opportunity to enjoy social interaction with like minded people. Think about it. You get to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and the company of friends. Some health experts have also said that social interaction is considered essential to a person's mental health. Hence, you can also chalk that up as another super reason to go hiking.

Scenic Rewards

Fifth, hiking during the summer months is also a superlative way to enjoy spectacular scenery that is otherwise unreachable once the snow flies. Take the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming for example. The 80 foot wide, culturally significant site is only reachable by foot from mid June to September. It isn't the only hiking trail best traversed during the summer months either. The Breakneck Ridge Loop located within New York's Hudson Highlands State Park is another one.