{Travel Log} Urban Hiking | Midwest Outdoor Travel

I recently came across an article that talked about Urban Hiking. My kneejeak reaction to that was "Can hiking and urban really go together? What does that mean?"

After some digging around on the Internet, I found some interesting articles and scores of people who enjoy urban hiking. Here is the official definition of Urban Hiking from Wise Geek

          Urban hiking is a form of hiking that takes place in an urban environment, rather than in nature.

To an avid hiker and camper like me, that raised red flags! :)...How can you hike without nature? Is that still called hiking? Wouldn't it be the same as walking?
I found that Urban Hiking can take many different forms. To most folks, it is simply a way to walk around a new city, explore new neighbourhoods and downtowns, or even local city recreation areas. It is a great way to "see" a new town in your own city.

But many people don't to go too far from where they live to try urban hiking. Just gather up the kids or a goup of friends and explore your own neighbourhood. Slow down to really observe and notice the various alleys, shops and resturants around your area. If you live in a residential neighbourhood, walk around and look at all the pretty houses and landscaping. You might get ideas for your own yard now that Spring is here :) You might be really suprised at some of the neighbourhood hidden gems that you might have missed in your normal day to day.

Another plus point for Urban hiking is that minimal prep work is needed. All you need is a local map (if you want it) and a good pair of walking shoes :) - and away you go!

The MJ family urban hiked into a local forest preserve. I know some of you might think this is cheating since a forest preserve does have nature. But considering that this was smack dab, in the middle of residential suburbia, I classify this as urban hiking. As soon as I entered the preserve, I knew what my interpretation of "Urban Hiking" would be.

The preserve is full of interesting architectural elements as well as trees and picnic areas. The old windmill in the picture is a National historic landmark and is open for public tours!

An old station, Japanese gardens and a historic museum are eye candy to a history buff!

There is also a river that flows through divding the preserve into two parts. One part would fit the bill of urban while the other is wooded and there was some hiking involved :). There were so many people walking around, running, jogging or just sitting down by the river and bird watching!

We also took scooters and bikes so that the kids could hike on two wheels - something that you cannot do in a traditional hiking situation!

All in all - it was a fun experience and definitely something to try out in other neighbourhoods!