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Hiking trips can be beneficial for both your mind and your body. Finding the right place to go hiking can sometimes be a chore, however, because there are so many choices. There are also people who would rather have a guide or private tour instead of just winging it. If you're looking for a great guided hiking tour near you or general information on trekking, here are some tips to get you started.

What are the benefits of guided hiking tours?

Who wants to get lost? While it might make for some hilarious stories after the fact, it can be both stressful and scary if you find yourself lost while hiking on a trail.

For many hiking locations, there are clear markers and lots of other hikers who are willing to help you along if you get lost. Having a guide allows you to go out further, however, while still enjoying the sights.

They're also handy in emergencies. Most guides are required to have at least basic first aid training. This means if there is an accident in the backcountry, they'll be there to treat you. They also know how to contact help, and will be able to give a more accurate location than if you were on your own.

A guide will also be able to explain what many of the plants are along the trail. Knowing which plants you can eat and which plants to stay away from is knowledge that might come in handy some day.

Finally, the guide can point out wildlife that you might have missed out on if you were just trailing along.

What are some things to look for before booking a guided hiking tour?

Guided hikes should take care of most of the planning. While you need to figure out your group size, where you want to go, how far you want to hike, and how long you plan to be on the trail, the guide should be responsible for the rest.

They should either rent you the equipment you need or tell you what you'll need. The guide should also explain what you'll be expecting on the trail. While it's part of the job to get you pumped up and excited about your latest adventure, it's important that the guide be upfront and tell you the not so fun parts too, like how difficult the trail will be.

While some trails are basically just a walking tour through the woods, some will require climbing and will be far more physically straining than others. Your guide needs to be honest about this. If there are extreme changes in elevation or rock walls you must clamber over, your guide needs to be honest about this.

On the flip side, you should be upfront about any previous injuries or physical illness that may flare up on the trail. This is something they need to know in case of an emergency. It will also give them a better idea of the right trails for you.

Many websites will offer details about all the available guides. This is something else you should look out for. It's definitely not a requirement, but it's always nice to know a little about your guide before you hit the high trails with them.

What are the most popular guided hiking tours for beginners?

While there are many guided tours out there, one of the top guided tours in Arkansas is 37 North Expeditions. This guided tour will take you out into the Ozarks. There are tons of options like a simple day trip to camping under the stars for a few nights.

What are the best online resources for finding guided hiking tours near me?

The Internet is a treasure trove of information that will make finding guided hikes much easier. Some of the best places to start your search is on your local government site, like Arkansas.gov. Another site to check out is Arkansas State Parks.

TripAdvisor and Yelp are also great resources. Each offers up to date information, and you can read reviews from people who have actually gone on the tour.

What are the typical prices for guided hiking tours near me?

The price can vary greatly depending on whether you want to do a quick hike or stay out overnight. Some tours are free, as state parks are eager to get people outdoors and exercising. Other guided tours can cost up to $100.

The wide price range is due to how long the hike will be, if you're renting equipment, and the difficulty of the terrain. Your guide should discuss this with you up front. There should be no surprise charges when you show up to pay.

What is the best way to find guided hiking tours near me?

While the Internet is one of the quickest ways to find a guided tour, it's not the only way. According to the US National Library of Medicine, you can talk with local environmental educators or natural area managers.

Another place you can check out is local colleges. Sometimes community colleges offer hiking classes as part of their curriculum. The instructor will act as your guide during the trip. This is a more expensive route if you take the class, but you may be able to ask the instructor for some advice on local guided tours.

The instructor may also advise you about local trails that are closed. Storms may wash away trails, so this is good to know before you show up to hike.

Visitor centers are also great places to check out. They'll have brochures loaded with information like maps, trails, and the best places for guided tours.

Check out testimonials from previous trekkers about guided hikes, sightseeing while on the trails, hidden gems, and information about how to find the trailhead. Testimonials from people with hiking experience are invaluable when choosing hiking trails or guided hikes.

While it's thrilling to plan a guided hiking tour or backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, Yosemite National Park, or even as far away as Peru or New Zealand, don't forget the best hiking may be an urban hiking tour near you! Urban hiking tours or city biking tours are a perfect ways to explore your familiar surroundings or a new city.

Most larger cities offer bike tours and day hikes that follow current CDC recommendations with flexible cancellation to make planning your next trek a breeze.

What are some things you can do when you hike?

Selfies are probably the number one thing everyone enjoys about a hike, as you can share it with your friends and family on social media. While this is always fun, there are other things you can do as well.

If there is a body of water nearby, you can bring your swimming trunks and take a well deserved break by swimming in the water. As long as swimming is allowed, of course. There are some places where jumping in the water is off limits. Rafting trips are often available in combination with hiking, so make sure you check with your guide about swimming or rafting.

Something else you can do is have a picnic. There's nothing better than sitting down to a meal in the great outdoors. Especially when you're tired and hungry.

Before hitting the trails, make sure you have all the equipment you need.

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REI Adventures: https://www.rei.com/adventures/a/hiking