Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2

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Attend One or More Hikes, Multiple Pace and Distance Options

Veterans Hike Across Maryland

A  Series of Hikes Across Maryland on the Appalachian Trail

April 21st, May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 16th, and Series Celebration

Attend One or More Hikes, Multiple Pace and Distance Options

April 21st, May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 16th, and Series Celebration

our program

Attend One or More Hikes, Multiple Pace and Distance Options

The Veterans Hike Across Maryland, a series of 5 hikes totaling 41 miles on the Appalachian Trail, is the inaugural program of the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Veterans Hiking for Health initiative. Our purpose in leading these hikes, which are free to veterans who have registered and agreed to complete a short survey, is to introduce veterans to the physical and mental benefits of hiking in a wilderness setting. Hikes will be led by trained, volunteer hike leaders from the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group, in small groups of approximately 15 to 20 hikers per hike leader.

 

While anyone can suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues, the experiences faced by many veterans may make them more susceptible. Handling these issues is an important step for improving their wellbeing. While there are many activities that can alleviate stress, we believe that spending time outdoors in a wilderness setting can be especially therapeutic.

 

Thus, the Veterans Hiking for Health initiative is about improving the lives of veterans and providing evidence to support what we already believe to be true. To that end MAHG has partnered with Vet Arts Connect, an initiative of the Institute for Integrative Health to participate in their pilot research study which seeks to gather data concerning the impact these activities have on our veterans' overall health and well-being.

 

Participants will take a short survey before, after, and six months later as part of a research study that seeks to answer the question “Does spending time in a wilderness setting help to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, improve energy, or improve one’s sense of self-worth?” We believe the answer will be a resounding yes, and we are confident that all who join us will see their lives made greater and more fulfilling!

 

The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group exists to promote physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional wellness through connection with nature.

 

In addition to outdoor recreation, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group nurtures stewardship that protects trails for future generations and provides education, encouragement, and nature-empowerment for members of all ages, families, veterans, and under-served youth through mentorship and leadership development in the outdoors.

Our Partner - vet arts connect

Vet Arts Connect, an initiative of the Institute for Integrative Health (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization), supports veterans’ journeys toward healing and fulfillment by increasing their access to experiences in the creative arts and nature. Through Vet Arts Connect, the Institute will study the impact of participating in community arts and nature programs on veterans overall health and well-being.

 

Your commitment to Veterans Hike Across Maryland is an important one, by participating in our pilot study you will give us valuable data to help us prove the therapeutic value of art and nature programs like this one. With your help we will provide the empirical proof needed to encourage other organizations to create more programs capable of improving the lives of participating veterans.

 

Mid Atlantic Hiking Group is proud to partner with the Institute for Integrative Health to offer this exciting opportunity for those who have served our nation. This partnership is designed to provide social outdoor recreational opportunities for veterans. We hope that the experience will have a positive impact and benefit their lives.

Veterans Hike Across Maryland

A  Series of 5 Hikes Across Maryland on the Appalachian Trail

Attend One or More Hikes, Multiple Pace and Distance Options

Veterans Hike Across Maryland

A  Series of 5 Hikes Across Maryland on the Appalachian Trail

Attend One or More Hikes, Multiple Pace and Distance Options