Hiking the Mississippi River for National “Take a Hike” Day!

On November 17th, adults and children around the nation will hit the trails to participate in "Take a Hike" Day! National Hiking Day, as it is also called, is a rewarding and often overlooked national holiday. In a world that is increasingly dominated by screens and electronics, hiking trails offer people an invaluable reprieve. Children have a lot to gain by simply spending more time outside.

Hiking at a young age can lead children to form a better understanding of the importance of land stewardship. It's usually formative experiences that help residents develop a healthy lifelong relationship with the great Mississippi River.

Children have a lot to gain from hikes and other hands-on outdoor learning experiences. In a recent study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, researchers concluded that people who had close contact with nature as children had better mental health in adulthood. Hiking trails also present children with a welcome change of scenery. Fresh air and a wild backdrop can help reinvigorate the senses, making it easier for children to get through the week.

Hiking is also a great equalizer, as many trails are free to use. Children who are afforded the natural landscape at a playground tend to have similar experiences regardless of their socioeconomic upbringings.

Of course, hiking also presents children with plenty of health benefits. It turns out that lunging over boulders, fallen logs, and roots are great for motor development. Children need a physical fitness outlet with toned-down rules and no winners. A vigorous hike is a great way to get the heart pumping and muscles flexing.

Mississippi Park Connection works hard to ensure that people of all ages have appreciation and access to the natural world around them. The 72-mile stretch of land that borders the Mississippi River between Dayton/Ramsey and the area just south of Hastings is an excellent place for exploring. This 54,000-acre protected corridor is home to many prominent attractions, public parks, and trail systems.

Hiking is an entertaining and rewarding activity available to children that live along the Mississippi River. In fact, here are 43 amazing benefits for kids:

Check out our blog for updates and insights into this precious national park system.