Not only do you see the great outdoors in a totally different light while hiking, it also offers different challenges from summer camping. A tent offers you protection from the elements as well as from the residents of the forest or the mountains that you are camping in.
There are places to hike in every state and it is pretty easy to find info on-line these days. If you carry your backpack for long periods of time, It can eventually affect your entire body, particularly your back. To awaken to birds chirping and the sun rising over a misty horizon is incredible.
With hiking, comfort really isn t a luxury. Not only because you hiked to the top, but once there you are usually rewarded with a view that isn't possible anywhere else. Prepare the fire with tiers of kindling and a few pieces of larger wood.
Hiking and climbing are fairly inexpensive sports, so get out there. You might want to ditch that old tent your father passed along to you, and upgrade to a contemporary one.