{"id":31117,"date":"2023-06-01T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=31117"},"modified":"2023-11-29T19:07:32","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T22:07:32","slug":"best-cities-for-hiking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-cities-for-hiking\/","title":{"rendered":"2023\u2019s Best Hiking Cities in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When someone tells you to take a hike, where are the best places to go?<\/p>    <p>To mark National Trails Day on June 3, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> ranked 2023\u2019s Best Hiking Cities in the U.S.<\/p>    <p>We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on five categories. We factored in hiking trail access and quality, climate, and safety, among 15 key indicators of hiker-friendliness.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Walk through the results of our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City Rankings + Infographic<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 Close Up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the Experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Methodology<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts: Get Outside<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"rankings\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Rankings&nbsp;+ Infographic<\/h2>    <p>See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"1f539b2a-7411-4bc3-8c05-dea3059fc465\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing the Best Cities for Hiking, a ranking based on hiking trail access and quality, climate, safety, and more\" class=\"wp-image-93077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1-133x300.png 133w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1-646x1462.png 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1-66x150.png 66w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1-768x1738.png 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2023s-Best-Hiking-Cities-in-the-U.S.-Infographic1-1-679x1536.png 679w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>For presentation purposes, not all ties may be displayed for some metrics above.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"34831fd0-52b1-41b1-9daa-4342c9105a8f\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"top-5\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Close Up<\/h2>    <p>Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top five cities.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_10665e3b-4042-4b85-b950-4fc99da6b058\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Portland-Oregon.jpg\" alt=\"A shot of Portland, Oregon\u2019s skyline at night from the opposite side of the Columbia River\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Portland, Oregon | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>59.18<br><br><strong>Hiking Access: <\/strong>4<br><strong>Hiking Quality: <\/strong>11<br><strong>Supplies Access: <\/strong>5<br><strong>Climate: <\/strong>37<br><strong>Safety: <\/strong>119<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Discover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregonhikers.org\/field_guide\/Multnomah_Falls_Hike\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">waterfalls<\/a>, widely acclaimed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregonhikers.org\/field_guide\/International_Rose_Test_Garden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gardens<\/a>, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregonhikers.org\/field_guide\/Pittock_Mansion_Hike\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">historic mansion<\/a> along the city\u2019s numerous trails. Make sure to watch out for bobcats, porcupines, and elk while hiking through <a href=\"https:\/\/forestparkconservancy.org\/forest-park\/#:~:text=America's%20Premier%20Urban%20Forest,forests%20in%20the%20United%20States.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest Park<\/a>, one of the country\u2019s largest urban forests.<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-AZ-1.jpg\" alt=\"A view of buildings in Phoenix shot from the Encanto Park lagoon\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Phoenix | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>57.93<br><br><strong>Hiking Access: <\/strong>1<br><strong>Hiking Quality: <\/strong>1<br><strong>Supplies Access: 1<\/strong>5<br><strong>Climate: <\/strong>117<br><strong>Safety: <\/strong>187<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Choose from three mountain ranges to hike at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\/trails\/locations\/south-mountain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Mountain Park<\/a>, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/rdPjVoX4Bvw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jeremy Alford<\/a> \/ Unsplash \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Los-Angeles1.jpg\" alt=\"A shot of the Los Angeles skyline with the Griffith Observatory in the forground from a hill surrounded by plants\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Los Angeles | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>57.66<br><br><strong>Hiking Access: <\/strong>11<br><strong>Hiking Quality: <\/strong>5<br><strong>Supplies Access: <\/strong>4<br><strong>Climate: <\/strong>33<br><strong>Safety: <\/strong>83<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Explore over 4,000 acres of land at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laparks.org\/griffithpark\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Griffith Park<\/a>, where you can find caves, the historic Griffith Observatory, and the famous \u201cHollywood\u201d sign.\u00a0<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Honolulu-HI-1.jpg\" alt=\"A view of the Honolulu skyline with palm trees in the foreground\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Honolulu | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>57.03<br><br><strong>Hiking Access: <\/strong>25<br><strong>Hiking Quality: <\/strong>8<br><strong>Supplies Access: <\/strong>17<br><strong>Climate: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Safety: <\/strong>36<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Hikers have their choice among nearly 100 scenic trails throughout Honolulu. Dozens are easy enough for kids and beginner adults. The most challenging hike starts at <a href=\"http:\/\/kokonutkoalition.org\/index.php\/about-koko-crater\/history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Koko Crater Tramway<\/a> and ends at Koko Head Scenic Lookout.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/modern-buildings-on-the-coast-in-honolulu-hawaii-5232467\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jess Loiterton<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\">Pexe<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">l<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\">s License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tucson-AZ-1.jpg\" alt=\"Downtown Tucson in the evening, shot from a balcony, with views of buildings and a light rail train\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Tucson, Arizona | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>56.94<br><br><strong>Hiking Access: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Hiking Quality: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Supplies Access: <\/strong>29<br><strong>Climate: <\/strong>40<br><strong>Safety: <\/strong>157<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Hike Bear Canyon and count not one but <em>seven<\/em> waterfalls along the way on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.arizonahikersguide.com\/all-hikes\/hike-seven-falls-tucson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seven Falls Trail<\/a>, one of the city\u2019s most iconic hikes.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/bs17N-YQXVg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrew Ling<\/a> \/ Unsplash \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"key-insights\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Insights<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Gist<\/h3>    <p>The <strong>West<\/strong> is clearly a <strong>hiker\u2019s paradise<\/strong>. The region makes up our entire top five, such as <strong>Portland, Oregon<\/strong> (No. 1), <strong>Honolulu<\/strong> (No. 4), and <strong>Tucson, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 5). That\u2019s also true of our entire top 20 if you count Colorado Springs, Colorado (No. 9) as part of the West.<\/p>    <p>On the other <s>hand<\/s> foot, <strong>Southern cities<\/strong>, such as <strong>Pasadena, Texas<\/strong> (No. 199), <strong>Mobile, Alabama<\/strong> (No. 196), and <strong>New Orleans<\/strong> (No. 193), finished at the bottom of our ranking. These cities were tripped up by lack of access to already <strong>low-rated trails<\/strong> and <strong>sweltering, humid climes<\/strong>. <strong>Jersey City, New Jersey<\/strong>, is the <strong>least hiker-friendly<\/strong>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Standout Stats<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Trodding on the Competition: <\/strong>For the second year in a row, <strong>Portland, Oregon<\/strong> is our <strong>top hiking destination<\/strong>. No other city is more synonymous with the great outdoors. Stumptown earned its way to the top with <strong>high scores<\/strong> across <strong>four out of five categories<\/strong>, including top five rankings in Hiking Access and Supplies Access.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>East vs. West: <\/strong>When it comes to <strong>Hiking Access<\/strong>, <strong>Greater Phoenix<\/strong> is unmatched. Three cities from this metro area claimed <strong>top 25<\/strong> spots in the category, including <strong>Phoenix<\/strong> (No. 2) in <strong>first place<\/strong> and much of the <strong>East Valley<\/strong> region \u2014 except Chandler (No. 180). By contrast, <strong>no West Valley city cracked the top 50%<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pleasant Paths: <\/strong>Besides offering impressive Hiking Access, <strong>Arizona <\/strong>cities elevate the hiking experience. <strong>Phoenix<\/strong> (No. 2), <strong>Tucson<\/strong> (No. 5), and <strong>Scottsdale<\/strong> (No. 28) \u2014 in that order \u2014 make up the <strong>top three<\/strong> of our <strong>Hiking Quality<\/strong> category. Two other Grand Canyon State cities \u2014 <strong>Glendale<\/strong> (No. 113) and <strong>Mesa<\/strong> (No. 65) \u2014 earned <strong>top 25<\/strong> scores, as well.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>America\u2019s Top 40: <\/strong>Of the <strong>40 cities<\/strong> with the <strong>most hiker-friendly Climate<\/strong>, <strong>35<\/strong> are <strong>in California<\/strong>, including Santa Rosa (No. 14) in first place. <strong>Honolulu <\/strong>(No. 4)<strong> <\/strong>took the <strong>No. 2<\/strong> spot. <strong>Lubbock, Texas <\/strong>(No. 152), <strong>Portland, Oregon <\/strong>(No. 1), <strong>Vancouver, Washington<\/strong> (No. 106), and <strong>Tucson, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 5) round out the <strong>five outliers<\/strong>.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Tough Treks: <\/strong>Serious hikers will find the <strong>most challenging trails<\/strong> in <strong>Greater Los Angeles<\/strong>. <strong>Eight of the 10 cities<\/strong> with the <strong>highest percentages of \u201cmoderately difficult\u201d and \u201chard\u201d hiking trails<\/strong> are located in this metro area. They include cities like <strong>Oxnard<\/strong> (No. 24), <strong>Corona<\/strong> (No. 43), and <strong>Palmdale<\/strong> (No. 37). Ironically, Los Angeles (No. 3) itself is not among them.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Campground Zero: <\/strong>Among the 10 cities with the <strong>most campgrounds within 50 miles<\/strong>, only <strong>Springfield, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 81), represents a U.S. region other than the West. In fact, the aptly nicknamed City of Firsts came in <strong>first<\/strong> in campground access. <strong>Laredo, Texas <\/strong>(No. 128), finished last in this metric, with access to <strong>only one campground<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>High Praise: <\/strong>Out of the 200 cities we ranked, only <strong>Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong> (No. 28), earned <strong>top 10 scores across all consumer satisfaction metrics<\/strong>. It boasts the <strong>7th-highest<\/strong> average <strong>consumer rating<\/strong> for hiking trails, the <strong>8th-highest<\/strong> number of <strong>top-rated trails<\/strong>, and the <strong>10th-highest<\/strong> average <strong>number of reviews<\/strong> per trail.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Deadly Walks: Sin City<\/strong> can be lethal for trekkers who aren\u2019t careful. The <strong>Las Vegas metro area<\/strong> \u2014 Henderson (No. 112), Las Vegas (No. 16), and North Las Vegas (No. 194) \u2014 registered the <strong>highest natural and environmental death rate<\/strong> in our ranking. Extreme heat, rattlesnakes, and slippery rocks are some of the most common hiking hazards in the area.<\/li> <\/ul>     <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><\/a><\/p>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask The Experts<\/h2>    <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While anyone can set out on a trail, hiking can be more complicated than you might expect. Our panel of outdoor experts can help boost your confidence. Read their thoughts and tips below.<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Considering the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/subjects\/trails\/benefits-of-hiking.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">health and social benefits of hiking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/span><\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('christopher-p-morley-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Christopher-Morley.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Christopher Morley\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Christopher P. Morley, Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Chair, Department of Public Health &amp; Preventive Medicine, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, Professor of  Public Health, Family Medicine,&amp; Psychiatry<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Merry-Lynn-Moiseichik.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Merry Lynn Moiseichik\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Merry Moiseichik, Re.D, J.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dale-larsen', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dale-Larsen.png?wsr\" alt=\"Dale Larsen\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dale Larsen <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor of Practice &amp; Honors Faculty, Director of Community Relations &amp; Engagement, College of Public Service and Community Solutions, School of Community Resources and Development<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('mitch-hoffman', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mitch-Hoffman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Mitch Hoffman\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Mitch Hoffman <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Director of Outdoor Programs, University Recreation and Wellness<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('rick-gage-phd-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Rick-Gage.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rick Gage\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Rick Gage, Ph.D.  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('brian-forist-phd-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Brian-Forist-1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Brian Forist\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Brian Forist, Ph.D.  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Lecturer and Program Coordinator: Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('aaron-edgley-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Aaron-Edgley-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Aaron Edgley\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Aaron Edgley  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Adjunct Instructor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('jerome-gabriel-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Jerome-Gabriel.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerome Gabriel\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Jerome Gabriel  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor, Recreation and Sport Management<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('kelly-goonan', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Kelly-Goonan.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Kelly Goonan\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Kelly Goonan <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Andrew-Bobilya.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Andrew Bobilya\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Andrew J. 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D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor and Program Director of Experiential and Outdoor Education (M.S.), Professor of Parks and Recreation Management (B.S.)<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('shawn-ladda-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Shawn-Ladda.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Shawn Ladda\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Shawn Ladda  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-christopher-p-morley-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'christopher-p-morley-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('christopher-p-morley-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'christopher-p-morley-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('christopher-p-morley-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Christopher-Morley.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Christopher Morley\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Christopher P. Morley, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Chair, Department of Public Health &amp; Preventive Medicine, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, Professor of  Public Health, Family Medicine,&amp; Psychiatry<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">SUNY Upstate Medical University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'christopher-p-morley-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('christopher-p-morley-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'christopher-p-morley-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('christopher-p-morley-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Christopher-Morley.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Christopher Morley\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Christopher P. Morley, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Chair, Department of Public Health &amp; Preventive Medicine, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, Professor of  Public Health, Family Medicine,&amp; Psychiatry<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">SUNY Upstate Medical University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Almost by definition, as population density goes up, the amount of green space goes down, so it makes sense that many people live in areas with little access to green space.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the\u00a0<\/b><b>health and social benefits of hiking<\/b><b>, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local governments would be well advised to stress outdoor activities for their residents and actively promote opportunities to hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a semi-novice hiker myself, the first thing I recommend is to find decent shoes, and secondly, make sure you stretch! Hiking is more than walking \u2013 \u00a0rougher terrain, inclines and declines, and loose soil or gravel all introduce new challenges beyond simply walking through the neighborhood. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additionally, consider any health issues you have, and check with your primary care physician if you have any condition that might impact your ability to engage in hiking or other physical activities.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, start slowly, and find someplace that is a) easier to traverse for a beginner, and b) aesthetically beautiful. Exposure to green space is not only a safer way to interact during the pandemic; there is a growing body of literature that exposure to green space and \u201cforest bathing\u201d are measurably beneficial for the relief of stress. (See our paper, &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0169204617301901\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The relationship between self-reported exposure to greenspace and human stress in Baltimore, MD&#8221;<\/a>.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-merry-moiseichik-red-jd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Merry-Lynn-Moiseichik.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Merry Lynn Moiseichik\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Merry Moiseichik, Re.D, J.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Arkansas <\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('merry-moiseichik-red-jd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'merry-moiseichik-red-jd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('merry-moiseichik-red-jd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Merry-Lynn-Moiseichik.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Merry Lynn Moiseichik\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Merry Moiseichik, Re.D, J.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Arkansas <\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cost of land and the lack of foresight by city governments to put in some sort of ordinance that requires developers to put aside a section of parkland.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Market the trails and provide on-line maps of the various trails in the area.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Get some good hiking shoes.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Find a comfortable way to carry water.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Use a hiking stick. It really helps for going up and down steep areas.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dale-larsen\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dale-larsen', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dale-larsen'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dale-larsen', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dale-larsen', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dale-larsen'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dale-larsen', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dale-Larsen.png?wsr\" alt=\"Dale Larsen\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dale-larsen'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dale Larsen <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dale-larsen'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Practice &amp; Honors Faculty, Director of Community Relations &amp; Engagement, College of Public Service and Community Solutions, School of Community Resources and Development<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dale-larsen'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Arizona State University <\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dale-larsen'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dale-larsen', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dale-larsen'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dale-larsen')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Dale-Larsen.png?wsr\" alt=\"Dale Larsen\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dale Larsen <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Practice &amp; Honors Faculty, Director of Community Relations &amp; Engagement, College of Public Service and Community Solutions, School of Community Resources and Development<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Arizona State University <\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Phoenix, Arizona, Maricopa County specifically, and Arizona in general are blessed with hundreds of miles of accessible public hiking and park-friendly walking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Phoenix alone has over 40,000 acres of public parks, mountain parks, and trails \u2014 most within walking, biking, or a short driving distance of neighborhoods. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urban planners need to be acutely aware of the need for accessible (able-bodied as well as disabled populations) public park and nature-driven trails: hiking, biking, and walking. Hiking replaced golf as the most popular outdoor recreational pursuit.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the\u00a0<\/b><b>health and social benefits of hiking<\/b><b>, how can local governments encourage more of their<\/b> <b>residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local park and recreation agencies need to be up to date with websites and social media outlets in order to provide positive messaging to users. Locally elected and appointed officials can be engaged to help promote safe and healthy lifestyles in parks and trails.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is important. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Remind and enforce new hikers to \u201cstay on marked trails\u201d and not venture into fragile natural areas. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. \u201cLeave no trace\u201d practices must be practiced. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Dogs must be kept on a leash so as to maximize the safety of other hikers, wildlife, and fauna. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Respect and be courteous to other hikers, bikers, and walkers to ensure a quality and healthy experience. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. Nature does not close!<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-mitch-hoffman\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'mitch-hoffman', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'mitch-hoffman'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('mitch-hoffman', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'mitch-hoffman', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'mitch-hoffman'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('mitch-hoffman', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mitch-Hoffman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Mitch Hoffman\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'mitch-hoffman'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Mitch Hoffman <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'mitch-hoffman'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Director of Outdoor Programs, University Recreation and Wellness<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'mitch-hoffman'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Minnesota<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'mitch-hoffman'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('mitch-hoffman', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'mitch-hoffman'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('mitch-hoffman')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mitch-Hoffman.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Mitch Hoffman\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Mitch Hoffman <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Director of Outdoor Programs, University Recreation and Wellness<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Minnesota<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0It&#8217;s well documented that there is a gap in the access to outdoor recreation in general that falls strongly along both socioeconomic lines.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not only is the physical access to spaces limiting equal access, but also many other factors. These same groups often see limited financial resources to purchase the equipment required for so many outdoor recreation activities.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We also know there is a gap in the free time that different groups have to participate in outdoor recreation. There is a ton of discussion and work being done by the greater outdoor industry to better diversify the outdoors and to make the outdoors for everyone. Getting the benefits of being outside doesn&#8217;t require a backpack or a mountain bike or a national park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We need to better define the &#8220;the outdoors.&#8221; In many ways, the pandemic has done that for many \u2014 possibly without them knowing it.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As I said, it doesn&#8217;t have to be a week-long backpacking trip. People are walking around their neighborhoods and gathering in their yards around a fire. There are a lot of green spaces in our communities that we have just driven by all these years. Grab a water bottle, and go see what you can find.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can also hike under the moon, put on a headlamp, walk in the rain, walk in the snow. Try something different. Communities can also provide education on the spaces they have available but also ideas of how residents can use those spaces. Geocaching, hiking, picnic shelters, bike\/walking paths \u2014 they all get people outside.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for<\/b> <b>novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Learn to turn it off and simplify, even if for only 20 minutes. Put your phone away, take off your headphones, and let your mind relax and wander.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Absorb the little sensory experiences happening all around you, even in your neighborhood.\u00a0 Smell wood burning from a home, or hear a child playing in the yard, the leaves under your feet, birds in the trees.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you go out to a state park, try to do all of this for a few hours. So few of us put our normal life on the shelf for a few hours and just unwind.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Explore a small park near your home. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Walk to the store instead of driving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. While on a hike, don&#8217;t let it be about the speed or the distance or any metric at all. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It&#8217;s not about checking the box \u2014 it&#8217;s about being outside. Stop and sit by a stream or even take a nap on the ground. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6. Lose track of time if you can. If you can get there, you are truly reaping the benefits of the outdoors.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-rick-gage-phd-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'rick-gage-phd-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'rick-gage-phd-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('rick-gage-phd-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'rick-gage-phd-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'rick-gage-phd-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('rick-gage-phd-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Rick-Gage.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rick Gage\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rick-gage-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Rick Gage, Ph.D.  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rick-gage-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rick-gage-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Marshall University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'rick-gage-phd-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('rick-gage-phd-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'rick-gage-phd-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('rick-gage-phd-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Rick-Gage.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rick Gage\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Rick Gage, Ph.D.  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor, Natural Resources and the Environment<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Marshall University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a really complex problem with a lot of contributing factors, but I think one major issue is the lack of funding and support for public parks and recreation. For decades, budgets have been cut for these services while demand and usage levels have continued to rise.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agencies are constantly being asked to do more with less, which has put a strain on local, state, and federal management agencies as well as non-profit organizations that manage land for outdoor recreation. This has led to enormous maintenance backlogs, reductions in staff and programs, fewer new projects, and even park closings and\/or privatizations.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Often, these things disproportionately impact people at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum who are most in need of these services. Agencies are forced to focus their limited resources in areas where they are likely to have the biggest impact (i.e. redirecting funding from outdoor spaces to a high-traffic community center, focusing more on sports facilities and playgrounds that serve a wide audience rather than hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas that attract a smaller crowd).\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I think a lot of this stems from how we tend to view outdoor recreation and parks. When compared to other public services like police departments, schools, roads, and public health, recreation is not viewed as an essential service. However, studies have consistently shown that well-managed parks and outdoor spaces contribute positively to physical and mental health in the community, enhance the local economy, reduce crime and delinquent behavior, promote sustainability and responsible living, and a wide range of other benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local parks and recreation agencies need to provide opportunities for a wide range of recreational experiences and to inform the public about what is available.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think there\u2019s a misconception that hiking is for a particular type of person. However, agencies often have facilities that provide a range of options for all sorts of different users. Here in Huntington, West Virginia, for example, Ritter Park has a fantastic jogging\/biking path that is well maintained and accessible to people of all ability levels. It\u2019s very popular among fitness enthusiasts (running, jogging, biking, etc.) but also attracts casual walkers, wildlife viewers, dog walkers, and many other users. This is a great resource, but it is very much a front-country trail.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, there are also lots of more rugged trails through the forests and hills behind the more developed part of the park. I\u2019m always shocked at how few people know about these other trails that are available. Huntington residents looking for more of a backcountry experience may think that they have to leave town to find it, but we have a great resource right in our own backyard.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think the local parks department could do a better job of informing people about the whole range of opportunities available. There\u2019s something for everyone if you just know where to look.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. If you\u2019re new to hiking, start slow, and don\u2019t be intimidated. There\u2019s no way to do it wrong. It\u2019s an activity that just about anyone can do and enjoy.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Many cities even have specially designed trails for people with limited mobility or other disabilities. In Huntington, there is an accessible nature trail behind the Huntington Museum of Art and miles of ADA-compliant walking paths throughout the city.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Prepare for your trip ahead of time, and make sure that you bring everything you\u2019ll need for the trip (water, snacks, rain protection, etc.). <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. If your first experience is not positive, try something else. Don\u2019t give up. Not all trails are the same. Look for something you\u2019ll enjoy.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. If you want to see wildlife, consider hiking in an area where there are fewer people. If you\u2019re uncomfortable being alone in the woods, look for a trail through a more developed park or neighborhood. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6. Be sure to pay attention to trail difficulty before setting out. If you are not prepared mentally or physically for a difficult hike, you\u2019re likely to have a bad experience. Begin with something you know you can handle and work up from there.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">7. Finally, hiking can be a great social activity. It\u2019s an excellent way to bond with friends or family members while getting some exercise and fresh air.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-brian-forist-phd-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'brian-forist-phd-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'brian-forist-phd-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('brian-forist-phd-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'brian-forist-phd-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'brian-forist-phd-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('brian-forist-phd-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Brian-Forist-1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Brian Forist\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'brian-forist-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Brian Forist, Ph.D.  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'brian-forist-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Lecturer and Program Coordinator: Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'brian-forist-phd-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Department of Health &amp; Wellness Design<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'brian-forist-phd-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('brian-forist-phd-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'brian-forist-phd-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('brian-forist-phd-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Brian-Forist-1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Brian Forist\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Brian Forist, Ph.D.  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Lecturer and Program Coordinator: Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Department of Health &amp; Wellness Design<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a challenging question with many answers, none of them particularly easy to discern. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, it essentially comes down to systemic inequities in the United States. Many of the \u201c1 in 4\u201d who do not live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation site are people of color and\/or those in lower-income categories. This is likely a result of systemic racism in the United States, whether it is overt as was common in the past or a result of poor or insufficient infrastructure and an inadequate tax base to support the establishment of parks and outdoor recreation sites in those disenfranchised communities. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even if there are parks that are accessible, people of color and those in lower-income categories are less prone to visit parks than those in the dominant group (white, well-educated, higher income). Barriers include costs of an overall visit, perceptions regarding safety, and an expressed sense of not feeling welcome. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These inequities must be addressed through partnership, cultural competence, and literally changing the face of park professionals. Representation matters.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local governments need to understand that the health and social benefits of hiking, spending time outdoors is part of their long-term public health strategy. Therefore, they need to abandon concerns of short-term gain afforded by less desirable activities. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Creating parks and providing equitable access to them is an investment in a healthy future for community residents and guests. This cannot be done alone. Local governments need to work in close and open partnership with local medical facilities and organizations, local outdoor industries, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, communities of faith, neighborhood organizations, citizen activists, and others to ensure equitable creation of and access to parks. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local governments need to understand that these partnerships require them to do a lot of listening rather than prescriptive action.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are many organizations currently creating safe spaces for marginalized individuals in the world of hiking and the outdoors. There is an amazing social media presence for many of these groups, particularly on Instagram. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I encourage folks interested in getting involved to find an affinity group. Some of my favorite examples are: <\/span><\/p> <ul> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlikely Hikers<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Outdoor Afro<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Latino Outdoors<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Disabled Hikers<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brown Girl Outdoor World<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">LGBT Outdoors<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-aaron-edgley-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'aaron-edgley-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'aaron-edgley-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('aaron-edgley-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'aaron-edgley-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'aaron-edgley-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('aaron-edgley-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Aaron-Edgley-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Aaron Edgley\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'aaron-edgley-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Aaron Edgley  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'aaron-edgley-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Adjunct Instructor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'aaron-edgley-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Dixie State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'aaron-edgley-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('aaron-edgley-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'aaron-edgley-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('aaron-edgley-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Aaron-Edgley-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Aaron Edgley\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Aaron Edgley  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Adjunct Instructor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Dixie State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I\u2019m not sure if I agree with this. If you are hoping to exercise, everyone is within walking distance. The City of St. George\/Washington does a great job providing schools and parks to recreate.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As an avid hiker, the government aka park services do a fantastic job providing trails, maps and education for residents to take advantage of the outdoors. Fees could be a barrier to entry, but my opinion is that the population is sufficiently motivated.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. B<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ring water and snacks.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ake your time \u2014 enjoy the path.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Don\u2019t be overly ambitious: Start with shorter hikes then progress to longer ones.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. Go with someone.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-jerome-gabriel-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'jerome-gabriel-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'jerome-gabriel-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('jerome-gabriel-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'jerome-gabriel-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'jerome-gabriel-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('jerome-gabriel-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Jerome-Gabriel.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerome Gabriel\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jerome-gabriel-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Jerome Gabriel  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jerome-gabriel-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor, Recreation and Sport Management<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jerome-gabriel-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">St. Francis College of Arts &amp; Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'jerome-gabriel-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('jerome-gabriel-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'jerome-gabriel-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('jerome-gabriel-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Jerome-Gabriel.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jerome Gabriel\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Jerome Gabriel  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor, Recreation and Sport Management<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">St. Francis College of Arts &amp; Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In general, the lack of access to parks or other outdoor recreation space is centered in the history of land development.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For a long time, parks and other recreation spaces simply weren\u2019t valued by developers and therefore were overlooked as essential to the well-being of a community. Luckily in the last few decades, public green spaces have a resurgence in importance and are now being developed in many communities that did not have them before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Community parks and recreation programs are now recognizing areas where access to places may be limited and are often doing outreach programs to these areas to try to develop relationships with the residents in order to help develop these spaces.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__http:\/w1.mssbrk.com\/prod\/88c22a9c-bba8-42b7-8a97-a0ce365f6f26\/80248041-aab8-455b-8884-60857115b10d__;!!NhN6Ch7P6w4QwA!zXAYUeX23nBHrXmPplDjZ5VUvQUMXqy7SMH_zGL3gIu6Ue6bKMDH7PHQmkxgpl0ICacz$\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>health and social benefits of hiking<\/b><\/a><b>, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The biggest way local governments can help their residents to explore the outdoors is to educate them on the opportunities that exist. <\/span>Local governments at the town or county level often manage many of the outdoor spaces available to the residents.<\/p> <p>Highlighting these spaces through social media campaigns is a great way to inform local residents about the many places that might be just around the corner from them. With the expansion of photo-based social media on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, individuals are often found taking photos of the places they are exploring and sharing them. Local land management agencies can leverage these photographers, giving them a place to showcase their work while also utilizing that work to promote and educate about these outdoor spaces.<\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For those going out to hike for the first time, there are some basic tips that will make sure your first experience hiking isn\u2019t your last.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Dress for the weather. Layers are your best friend to help you be comfortable while hiking. A few different layers with a wind- and waterproof jacket over the top will let you mix and match as you hike, to keep yourself at a comfortable temperature rather than relying on a heavy jacket to keep you warm but leaving you freezing if you feel the need to take it off.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Bring water and snacks. Hiking, depending on where you are going, can be much more strenuous than your typical walk around the block. Bring a couple of bottles of water and some easily portable snacks such as granola bars or some trail mix with you to keep yourself hydrated and keep your energy up.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Make sure you let someone know where you are going. Having a cell phone with you is always a helpful tool, but you also want to make sure that you inform someone else where you are going just for safety. Even as someone who has been going into the outdoors regularly for almost two decades now, I never go out without telling someone where I am going to be. So far it hasn\u2019t been a backup plan I\u2019ve had to use, but I always want it to be there just in case.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-kelly-goonan\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'kelly-goonan', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'kelly-goonan'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('kelly-goonan', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'kelly-goonan', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'kelly-goonan'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('kelly-goonan', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Kelly-Goonan.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Kelly Goonan\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kelly-goonan'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Kelly Goonan <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kelly-goonan'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kelly-goonan'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Southern Utah University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'kelly-goonan'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('kelly-goonan', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'kelly-goonan'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('kelly-goonan')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Kelly-Goonan.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Kelly Goonan\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Kelly Goonan <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Southern Utah University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In urban areas, parks and green spaces may be spread out such that not all residents live within a reasonable walking distance (say, a 10-minute walk). In suburban and rural areas, while parks and recreation areas might be available communities may not be &#8220;walkable.&#8221; For example, many rural and suburban communities do not have sidewalks and walking to a park might mean walking along the side of a busy road.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common barriers to access to outdoor recreation and green space include physical barriers such as infrastructure and community planning; lack of transportation (either personal or public); limited financial resources; and social influences including lack of awareness\/education, history of exclusion from outdoor spaces, or not having experienced family or friends to introduce you to outdoor activities.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Funding recreation and leisure departments and providing facilities like parks and trails is a great way for local governments to facilitate outdoor experiences for their residents. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local governments can also partner with other community organizations like schools, non-profits, and state and federal agencies to promote outdoor recreation. Recent campaigns like &#8220;Find Your Park&#8221; and &#8220;Opt Outside&#8221; have helped people get out and explore local parks and recreation areas. The national ParkRx organization provides a blueprint for local communities to engage healthcare providers and others in promoting outdoor recreation for health.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Do your research. Know what trail you&#8217;re going to do (and have a back-up option, just in case), local conditions and regulations \u2014 like trail closures, if you need a permit, etc. \u2014 and the weather forecast. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Planning ahead and being prepared will help you stay safe and make the most of your time outside. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Commit to minimizing your impact. With so many people heading outside right now, we want to do our best to take care of our parks and recreation areas. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check out resources from the <a href=\"https:\/\/lnt.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics<\/a> for simple ways you can protect these special places while having a good time. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Start out by exploring your local parks and trails, and build up from there. Staying close to home reduces travel time, making it easier to fit outdoor time into your schedule and giving you more time on the trail to build your experience. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check out your community&#8217;s parks and recreation department website to find information about local parks, trails, and recreation areas. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Enjoy the journey. It&#8217;s easy to get caught up in thinking about the destination, but hiking is all about the experiences you have along the way. Take time to notice the little things. Unplug and engage all your senses along the trail. Hiking gives you the chance to rejuvenate your mind and body and reconnect with nature.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Andrew-Bobilya.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Andrew Bobilya\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph. D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor and Program Director of Experiential and Outdoor Education (M.S.), Professor of Parks and Recreation Management (B.S.)<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Western Carolina University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('andrew-j-bobilya-ph-d')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Andrew-Bobilya.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Andrew Bobilya\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph. D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor and Program Director of Experiential and Outdoor Education (M.S.), Professor of Parks and Recreation Management (B.S.)<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Western Carolina University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are many factors that impact geographic access to parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. The \u201curban sprawl\u201d that the United States has experienced in recent decades has resulted in greater distances between one\u2019s place of residence and outdoor recreation spaces.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Currently, the issue is not a lack of outdoor exploration and recreation but overuse in many public areas. Local governments can continue to educate residents and visitors about the variety of public outdoor recreation resources nearby, appropriate safety protocols, and minimum impact practices like those shared through the <a href=\"https:\/\/lnt.org\/research-resources\/leave-no-trace-covid-19-research\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics<\/a> and their recent COVID-19 related research project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">See the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics resources for getting outdoors during the pandemic. Also: <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Conduct basic research into the area(s) you plan to visit<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Consider local protocols for minimizing environmental and aesthetic impacts.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Be conservative in your route selection (distance and terrain).<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Be sure you are prepared (see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountaineers.org\/blog\/the-day-hikers-ten-essentials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Day Hikers Ten Essentials<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-shawn-ladda-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'shawn-ladda-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'shawn-ladda-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('shawn-ladda-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'shawn-ladda-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'shawn-ladda-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('shawn-ladda-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Shawn-Ladda.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Shawn Ladda\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'shawn-ladda-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Shawn Ladda  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'shawn-ladda-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'shawn-ladda-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Manhattan College<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'shawn-ladda-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('shawn-ladda-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'shawn-ladda-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('shawn-ladda-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Shawn-Ladda.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Shawn Ladda\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Shawn Ladda  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Manhattan College<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>According to the American Hiking Society, \u201c1 in 4 people don\u2019t live within walking distance of a park or other outdoor recreation space.\u201d What accounts for this outsized lack of access?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I would suspect this mirrors the number of people who live in cory and rural areas. One trend that has helped access one to a recreation space is the rail trail movement-converting deserted railroad tracks to recreational paths. The High Line in New York City is a great example.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>Considering the health and social benefits of hiking, how can local governments encourage more of their residents to explore the outdoors?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local governments along with the collaborations of the private sector to develop places to hike as well as educational programs impact the sheer numbers of people taking advantage of hiking for exercise and health.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are some of your best tips for novice hikers?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. There is a lot more information that can be accessed on the internet, including descriptions of trails, the location of trail headers, and trail maps. Study your route. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Hike in small groups.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Bring your bear spray.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. Water is critical. <\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5. Make sure you are dressed in layers and prepared for many variables.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"methodology\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methodology<\/h2>    <p>First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Cities for Hiking. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into five categories: Hiking Access, Hiking Quality, Supplies Access, Climate, and Safety. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p>For each of the 200 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 200). Note: The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 200 due to ties.<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"80c9b182-2777-4d5d-afda-001b3b52a542\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> AllTrails, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NeighborhoodScout, ReserveAmerica.com, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Yelp<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts: Get Outside&nbsp;<\/h2>    <p>Fresh air, budding trees, and blooming wildflowers \u2014 getting out in the great outdoors does wonders for your body and mind. One Stanford University study found that even a 90-minute walk in a natural setting can <a href=\"https:\/\/news.stanford.edu\/2015\/06\/30\/hiking-mental-health-063015\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">decrease depression<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>So, get off your couch and get out there. For inspiration, here are more top U.S. hiking destinations to add to your bucket list:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>New Mexico<\/strong>: Reach the sky in the Land of Enchantment by hiking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.santafenewmexican.com\/sports\/outdoors-hiking-new-mexico-s-highest-peak-wheeler-peak\/article_887d32f0-7af4-5658-a99b-35b4397f6a51.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wheeler Peak<\/a>, the state\u2019s tallest summit.<\/li>    <li><strong>New York<\/strong>: Explore an actual castle in the clouds after reaching the top of <a href=\"https:\/\/whiteface.com\/todo\/hiking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Whiteface Mountain<\/a>, one of 46 peaks in the Adirondacks.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Texas<\/strong>: Stay on the lookout for black bears, mountain lions, and skunks if you climb one of four of the Lone Star State\u2019s highest peaks at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/gumo\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Virginia<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/shen\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shenandoah National Park<\/a> has more than 200 miles of woodland trails to explore in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Washington<\/strong>: Trek through rivers, forests, and meadows of wildflowers while escalating an active volcano with glaciated peaks at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/mora\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Rainier National Park<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><strong>West Virginia<\/strong>: Hike the Mountain State, and explore more than 20 miles of trails and hundreds of years of American history at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/hafe\/index.htm\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Harper\u2019s Ferry National Historic Park<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><em>Is a mountain of yard chores trailing behind you? <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\"><em>Hire a local LawnStarter pro<\/em><\/a><em> to tackle them while you enjoy a peaceful walk in nature.<\/em><em><\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"media-resources\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Media Resources<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1TxV8P8UPepnm9S7Ov9Vs30l0g2YSlHaZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution image of infographic<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1nSduTNPr3R7x_048EooxarTOgR8moqMi\/edit#gid=632433360\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2022\u2019s Best Cities for Hiking ranking results<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1ECUfvwL1EE4K6Z9-Kf1jrliVglmMhuJvzv7wbcth0Gc\/edit#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2021\u2019s Best Cities for Hiking ranking results<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Main Photo Credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/hikers-forest-couple-hiking-fall-asian-110916761\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><em>Sav Maive contributed to this article.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When someone tells you to take a hike, where are the best places to go? To mark National Trails Day [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":47324,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_110916761_1200.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Richie Bernardo","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/staff-writer\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2023\u2019s Best Hiking Cities in the U.S. - Lawnstarter Ranking<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are the top destinations for avid trail trekkers? 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