Hiking a Wooden Bridge in a Scenic Gorge

With the right foot forward, a solitary figure steps onto a weathered wooden bridge. This isn't your typical afternoon stroll. They're trekking across the narrow strip while carrying a backpack, and the steep, rocky contours of a gorge descend to their sides. The deep, vivid turquoise water rushes beneath the bridge. A solo walk isn't some scenic afterthought, or a privilege reserved for hiking buffs. This brisk morning-mixed-with-earthy-cool day is a gorge hike.

Gorge Hiking

There's no single path to a gorge hike — no two gorges are identical. The trail often switches back and forth several times to climb to a higher direction. Gorges are best known for the narrow valleys that descend over time. These trails often lead to exposed rock formations and carve out valleys through layers of sedimentary rock. The rocky walls of a gorge can vary in height from one hundred feet to a thousand feet or more. Hiking trails often follow their edges, with the river below the gorge coming to life as the season changes. The natural beauty of a gorge is often matched by the challenging climbed trails that make hikes more memorable and rewarding.

The Narrow Focus

Ever heard the phrase, "The goods are in the oven mid-air"? If you've been to the mountains, you’ve probably experienced a gorge hike. It turns out, the streaks of a gorge are an increasingly popular destination. The gorge itself is only the reward, the trail is a passageway to get there. According to the US Forest Service, designated wilderness which involves hiking trails like these can be over a million acres. Trails often aren't prepared for all. These trails often have major elevation gain, adjacent to cliffs, and less to no shade, especially difficult ones.

Gorge Hiking: Equipment

A gorge hike is a good way to burn off calories. Hiking through a gorge requires a nimble-footed hikers. Hiking equipment for gorge hiking can vary depending on whether the hiker wants to carry water. The basic equipment includes: Where water is scarce, especially in the summer, a terrain high on chemical or biological activity, then it is important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the hike, especially if the hike is a longer one.

Clothing and Luggage

Eager hikers tend to dress lightly and pack smaller bags. When you're gripping your straps and trying to hold on, the backpack straps are all you have to keep you connected to the ground, and you're using your elbows to steady yourself. Wearing hiking boots is better and a good backpack is important for a gorge hike, especially keeping the backs of your thighs slightly bent while hiking.

The Trail

A gorge hike is probably the most alluring of the different types of hiking. Hiking through a gorge is almost like falling down a river. The trail leads you through a gorge. The gorge is high up in the lower left side of the backdrop. The sides of the gorge are rocky with vegetation to either side. The gorge is narrow, and the turquoise river flows beneath the bridge.

What to Bring

If you are hiking in the summer or fall, then you should be fine with just a bottle of water and energy-rich snacks. If you will be hiking in the winter, then you may want to bring some extra gear. Always bring enough water and some snacks.

• Food: It's essential to bring at least a few snacks that you can munch on along the way.
• Rain Gear: Bring a light rain jacket in case the weather changes.
• First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit.
• Compass or GPS: In case you lose your way, a compass or GPS can help guide you back.
• Plenty of Water: Keep yourself hydrated during the hike.