Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century.

"Hiking" is the preferred term in Canada and the United States; the term "walking" is used in these regions for shorter, particularly urban walks. In the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the word "walking" describes all forms of walking, whether it is a walk in the park or backpacking in the Alps. The word hiking is also often used in the UK, along with rambling (a slightly old-fashioned term), hillwalking, and fell walking (a term mostly used for hillwalking in northern England). The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia, having been adopted by the Sydney Bush Walkers club in 1927. In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping. It is a popular activity with numerous hiking organizations worldwide, and studies suggest that all forms of walking have health benefits.

If your going up a mountain, when does a hike become a climb? Are all mountains climbed? or are you only climbing when, you are using your hands, and feet (scrambling)? Or is it climbing only when your using a rope ( class 4, or 5), What about glacier travel?

Key Difference: Hiking is basically walking in nature on any path or on a specific trail. Hiking only requires the person to walk at a normal to a brisk pace in order to reduce weight as well as get the fresh air from nature. Mountain Climbing is a sport or hobby in which a person hikes or climbs a mountain. It is also known as mountaineering or alpinism.

From the amazing scenery of the Rockies, to the snowy peaks that are the highest in the country, there are some wonderful mountain hikes to enjoy, whether you are looking to bag a peak or just want to hike around the high mountains. Before you go and book that long haul flight to distant mountains, here are some mountain hikes you really should try in the United States.

1.Ridge Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Virginia

Within the boundaries of the Shenandoah National Park, this beautiful trail involves some scrambling as you get over some of the granite boulders on the way up. The path is a loop trail of just under nine miles, and one of the great highlights is passing through a natural cave, where the trail passes through a space in between the rocks. There is also some great rock climbing on several crags around the mountain.

2. Cascade Mountain, New York

This is a great option for novice and intermediate hikers, as it offers a lot of scenery for not too much effort, while in the winter it is a great spot for those looking to learn more about hiking on snow. There are two beautiful lakes near the trailhead, while further up there is a lovely set of waterfalls before you reach the peak, which has some wonderful views.

3. Highline Trail, Montana

Traversing through some of the finest mountain scenery in Glacier National Park, this stunning trail is well maintained meaning it is suitable for older children, while the route traverses the valley sides. You will often spot wild goats, marmots and other wildlife along the route, while the views of Mount Gould and the Logan Pass are wonderful.