For many, finding time to enjoy the outdoors can be difficult. Between work, school, chores and having a social life, getting out can be tough at best and near impossible at worst. But not all activities in nature have to last for weeks on end.
In 2014, British writer Alastair Humphreys published his book “Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes,” which coined and popularized the term. In it, he defines microadventures as “an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding.”
This idea has been refined among outdoor circles in the decade since its inception to become all-encompassing, with no hard and fast rule as to how long, short or strenuous something has to be to be considered a microadventure. This means it is up to the individual to determine what kind of mini activity works best for them.
Because of this, anything done outdoors or outside of a daily routine for a short amount of time can be considered a microadventure. This could include going a different route than usual for a walk, taking time to observe nature that would otherwise go overlooked or even a night under the stars.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, even a minimum of 20 minutes outdoors per day can lead to improved mental health, with the 20-90 minute range being the most beneficial. Add in physical benefits such as fresh air and exercise, and the benefits of spending time outdoors, especially on a regular basis, become clear.
Athens especially is uniquely positioned for microadventures and outdoor recreation. Within an hour drive, it is possible to get to four state parks (Strouds Run, Hocking Hills, Burr Oak and Lake Hope), two state forests (Vinton Furnace and Tar Hollow) and the Wayne National Forest. A two hour drive opens up the majority of state parks in southern Ohio as well as spots in West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
Aside from these parks, mini adventures can be found within Athens or on OU’s campus. Aside from its haunted past, The Ridges is also known for its miles of hiking trails that includes Radar Hill, offering views overlooking town. For more of a challenge, Sells Park, just north of East State Street has steep climbs and notable rock formations, with trails connecting into Strouds Run.
Even something as simple as Emeriti Park can be the source of a microadventure. There is a vast array of plant life in the park that would otherwise go unnoticed in a daily routine. Even setting up a hammock to birdwatch can be a microadventure.
On his website, Humphreys repeats a simple mantra “adventure is only a state of mind.” Although completing a long-term expedition such as a thru-hike is gratifying, it is infeasible for most people. By opening up the idea of adventure beyond the traditional notions of being strenuous and long, microadventures allow for anyone to experience nature in ways that best suit them and fits into an increasingly hectic life.
Ethan Herx is a sophomore studying photojournalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Ethan know by emailing or tweeting them at eh481422@ohio.edu or @ethanherx.
