Hiking in your own backyard

October 19, 10:11 AMBay Area Hiking ExaminerSusan Alcorn

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Bay Area Hiking Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

My grandmother's former house in Portland -- a very walkable city.

c Susan Alcorn

If you are an independent traveler, as I am, one of the first things you probably do when you reach a new city is start exploring the area around your hotel on foot. Just as when visiting the countryside, walking in an urban setting provides a more intimate connection with your surroundings.

Why not start walking in your own (or a nearby) neighborhood — with a new twist? Instead of walking along the same route that you normally take when you walk close to your home, start exploring new ones.

Many years back a friend of mine who lived in Los Angeles decided to start hiking every block of every street of a huge swath of L.A. up to Mulholland Drive. After she completed that goal, she decided to cover every block of Santa Monica. She has since moved to southern Oregon — and has now walked every block of Medford, 22 sq. miles, and is working on Klamath Falls.

A few years back I decided to walk every block of Piedmont, CA. At 1.69 square miles, it wasn't an enormous undertaking, but it provided an added incentive to my exercise program. It was fun! Piedmont is an oasis with beautiful, stately homes, and lots of street trees, and so I enjoyed every day I hiked there.

Each time I would start out with my small notebook in which to record the date, my starting and ending points, and the route I followed. I also carried a city map and a yellow marker, but I generally didn't color in the streets I had walked until I returned home.

The expenses of starting on this new exercise program are minimal — a water bottle, sunscreen, clothing appropriate for the weather, and sturdy walking shoes will cover most of it. I carry one of my hiking poles just in case I encounter an unruly dog. Of course you should use your own good judgement as to where to walk and what time of day to do it. Having a hiking partner will increase your hiking safety.

Above all, enjoy your hiking in your new urban setting!

Did you know that you can subscribe to examiner.com columnists? Just click "subscribe" at the top of this screen and you'll receive an email each time a new article is posted by one your favorite writers.

Backpack 45's related articles:

Hints for hiking safely 

What are some good urban hikes in the East Bay?