Spring Break Destinations for Hiking

In creating this guide, geographic diversity was definitely taken into consideration. With students' budgets ranging from low to excitingly high, the following five destinations give quite a range of options:

1. Mt. Tamalpais State Park, California, USA

As someone who's lived in the Bay Area for a couple of years, I have heard and read people rave about Mt. Tamalpais. Considered by many as one of the most romantic hiking destinations in the Bay Area (or in the West Coast, if I may say so) and described by most as breathtaking and definitely worth the hike, Mt. Tamalpais is very accessible to the public and proves to be a good destination for the budget-conscious. For students who also want some culture on their spring break in addition to the hiking, Mt. Tamalpais is conveniently located near the culturally-rich and diverse San Francisco. Mt. Tamalpais State Park's web site offers hiking tips and schedules. Definitely worth checking out!

2. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA

A very light hike, the Crater Lake National Park offers winter programs where students can enjoy guided snowshoe walks. The scenery in Crater Lake is heavenly, as a former coworker who returned to it every year describes it. This site also offers a contrast to the typical spring break destination (the beach!), something that might prove to be refreshing and relaxing. Be sure to call their Steel Visitor Center to see if there are scheduled tours during your visit.

3. The Appalachian Trail, USA

From the West Coast back to the East Coast, we arrive at the renowned Appalachian Trail. This destination almost does not need a description as there are multitudes of accounts written about it out there. Need I mention Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods? The Appalachian Trail web site has all the tips you need to plan your hike.

4. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

For those who can afford to travel outside the US, Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia is a top destination to consider. My dad used to live in Malaysia and he attests to the grandeur of Mount Kinabalu, which is made of solid rock. The highest peak in Borneo, Mount Kinabalu is believed to be climber-friendly, so why not explore and go on a Southeast Asian hiking adventure! Variouswebsites offer helpful tips.

5. Sagada, The Philippines

Last but definitely not the least, the Mountain Province in the Philippines offers Sagada, a town located in the midst of the Cordillera Ranges of the Philippines. Having visited and hiked in Sagada myself, I can attest to the abundance of biodiversity and culture all throughout the hike. You can hike down into the caves of Sagada or hike up and marvel at the hanging coffins, the way of burial of the people of Sagada up to the present time. Tour guides are readily available and are usually flexible in terms of scheduling your hike. This web site has some very helpful information for your visit. Two things you need to remember: register at the visitor center (this is where you'll get your tour guide as well) and be back at your hotel or inn before the 9 p.m. curfew. Other than that, Sagada is a wonderful place to enjoy the tropics in a cooler and breezier way.

Be sure to come back and share your spring break hiking experiences here!