When you enter St. Joseph Institute’s treatment program to recover from a substance use disorder (SUD), you’re called to make radical changes that prioritize your well-being. One of the ways you might begin to care for yourself is by taking walks throughout our beautiful campus and the hiking trails that surround it.
In fact, hiking is a wonderful, affordable way to improve your quality of life and enjoy outdoor beauty at the same time. Hiking is also proven to reduce stress, helping you put your problems into perspective and find clarity.
And because so much of recovery is about gaining confidence in your ability to take care of yourself, an activity like hiking can train your brain to believe that you can set and achieve goals.
A sustained hiking habit can boost your confidence, improve your self-image, increase endurance, and decrease anxiety, all of which help prevent relapse.
Check out these other impressive hiking perks for the mind, body, and spirit:
- Improved muscle mass, balance, heart health, and immune function
- Better moods, fewer depression symptoms, and better nervous system regulation
- Deepened social bonds and community engagement when hiking in groups
Overall, hiking is an excellent way to augment a robust recovery program like ours that includes tailored counseling, relapse prevention, and access to our virtual telehealth program.
The Most Beautiful Hiking Spots in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has dozens of beautiful places to hike, but the trails most consistently rated in the top five are in the Delaware Water Gap, Ricketts Glen State Park, the Hamburg Reservoir, Wissahickon Valley Park, and Valley Forge National Historical Park. Each hike is moderate in intensity and has the power to leave you relaxed and uplifted by nature’s beauty.
- Hiking Mount Minsi on the Appalachian Trail
Nearly a 5-mile loop, this year-round trail provides beautiful views in fall, winter, spring, and summer. It’s an ideal route for dog walking, hunting, and birding. The trail’s small waterfalls, clearings, and tranquility make picnics that much more beautiful.
- Experience Ricketts Glen State Park on Loop
A bit longer than the Mount Minsi trail, this approximately 6-mile loop is located near Sweet Valley, PA, and takes around 3 hours to complete. It’s a popular spot, so you’re bound to bump into other hikers, runners, and families. This trail is also pet-friendly as long as you’ve packed a leash!
- See All That the Hamburg Reservoir Offers From Pulpit Rock
It takes almost four hours to complete this approximately 9-mile trail. You can catch gorgeous views of Lehigh Valley with your family and leashed pets. Try to squeeze this trail in between March and November.
- Get Swept Off Your Feet By Wissahickon Park
The Wissahickon Gorge North Loop is a swift 5.2-mile loop that takes about 2 hours to complete. It’s filled with bird watchers, hikers, and horseback riders. It’s a year-round trail, so visit at your leisure!
- Forge Happiness on the Mount Joy Trail
The Mount Joy Trail in Valley Forge Park leads you to the Mount Misery Trail Loop—but thankfully there’s no misery involved. You can cover the almost 4 miles of trail in under 2 hours between March and October.
Hiking To Health, Happiness, and Sobriety in Pennsylvania With St. Joseph Institute
We’re a holistic addiction and mental health rehabilitation center in Port Matilda, and we are huge proponents of hiking, as it supports the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of healing that are so crucial to sobriety. Contact us today to find your way to a sober, fit lifestyle.
