Tara, a.k.a. Dragonfly, hiker since around 2018... or since the 1980's, depending on what you call a hiker. 😉
Born & bred in rural/small town NH, I grew up bushwhacking around the local woods, and of course went up our famous Mt. Major several times throughout my life, as well as a few other local trails. But it wasn't until approximately 2018 that I officially took up hiking as a hobby, much as I was drawn to it before.
This was when I finally met someone to hike with. That someone happened to be my partner, Hawk, who taught and outfitted me for more serious hiking. We did the Belknaps & Ossipees together, and hit a few 52WAVs and random trails. While it later became clear that our ability levels and preferences were not entirely compatible - I look the part, but my body is far more broken than it appears! - he did set me down a path that I'd always wanted to take, and then some.
Eventually, Hawk also gave me the trail name Dragonfly, which seemed an obvious choice due to my affinity to the creatures. Trail names are common in the hiking community, typically among serious backpackers. (e.g. Not me!) Apparently the practice of giving these nicknames originated on the Appalachian Trail. But there are no hard & fast rules saying "regular" day hikers can't take on these fun nicknames too. And so, after I'd accomplished "enough" hiking milestones of my own, Hawk dubbed me Dragonfly.
Serendipitously, as I started chasing my own hiking goals, I reconnected with my cousin, Hummingbird, who was also into hiking and many of the same patch programs. We teamed up and found that we're pretty ideal hiking partners, with well matched abilities and likes on trail. Together we've achieved various local & worldwide hiking challenge patches, and are working on more.
How about NO!
Let's just nix that one right off the bat. Listen, I hike to enjoy the experience, to de-stress, and to make my body feel good. Yes, there is an element of challenge with some hikes, but I don't need it to be so difficult that I completely hate it or it physically breaks me. Life has enough pain and frustration without voluntarily adding to it. The trail should be a sanctuary.
The definition of hiking can be vastly different things to different people. Some feel it has to be a certain difficulty level, a certain elevation gain, a certain length, even a certain speed, to be considered a real hike. They would never qualify a flat nature trail as a hike. Meanwhile, that sort of thing, as well as "urban hikes" or footpaths, is a totally valid hike to other people. Obviously fitness and skill level play a part in how most people perceive hiking, but we don't need to judge. Sometimes it also comes down to preference.
The way I see it, hiking can encompass all of those terrains. Obviously big mountains are real hikes, but so are smaller elevations. Here we have Avery Hill, which is barely 1 mile round trip, but that trail is steep! If that's not a legitimate hike because it's not a "mountain," then nothing is. Likewise, gently rolling hills or relatively flat trails are equally valid hikes too. I love peaks with grand views, but also find much enjoyment just hiking an easy woodland path or rail trail. As Hummingbird says, if you have the mindset that you're doing a hike, then it's a hike! As for urban settings? I'll tell you what, 4 miles is well within my ability on trail, but when we walk that far in town Portland, I feel it! No matter how good your footwear, any distance on pavement is hard on the body. You can't tell me I can't count those miles! LOL
The first point of hiking is just to get outside and get active. Whether you push for tougher terrain, or take a peaceful stroll along a nature path, or even walk a set distance around your neighborhood, what you call a hike is up to you.
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