Benefits of Hiking: Improve Mood with a Two-Mile Hike

I have been in a funk for the past few days.

Clearing the cobwebs was urgently needed. I forced myself out of the bed early this morning with a plan to get outside and walk. My walk turned into a two-mile hike through the Carolina North Forest.

This forest is 750 acres of woodlands owned and maintained by the University of North Carolina. There is a complex network of trails throughout the forest. The best part is the Carolina North Forest is a five-minute drive from our apartment.

I walked the Pumpkin Loop trail. It is mostly flat with a few hills. I carried a map and my cell phone in case I forgot where I was supposed to be. Picture-perfect fall weather enhanced the beauty of the trees.

I succeeded in clearing the cobwebs in my mind. Although, I can barely walk. I will be recovering in bed, with my blanket, and with at least one cat beside me.

Here are a few photos I took along my adventure.