What Is Hiking?

Listen on YouTube

CEFR Level B1-B2

What is hiking? Hiking is walking in wilderness. Hiking is different from walking in nature. Walking in nature suggests minimal to moderate effort. On a walk, the paths are wide and smooth. They may even be paved. On a hike, the trails are narrow and rough. There may be tree roots or large rocks to climb over. On a nature walk, you may hear road traffic or see signs of human activity, like buildings. On a hike, you feel far from civilization. On a hike, you are unlikely to hear traffic or to see barns or other buildings unless they are in ruins. On a nature walk, you know that if you get hurt, help is not too far away. On a hike, if you get hurt, you’ll probably have to get yourself out or wait a long time for help to come. 

A hike is also usually longer than a walk in nature. A walk tends to last for an hour or less. A hike tends to last for an hour or more. On a walk, you may not bring water, food, or first aid supplies. On a hike, you will bring these things. 

In American English, the word “hiking” suggests a greater level of physical activity than the word “walking.” “Hiking” also indicates that the activity takes place in a wilder area of nature than when we use the word “walk.”