# An integrative review of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic benefits of outdoor hiking

## TL;DR

Outdoor hiking improves physical and mental health and boosts the economy, but better policies and planning are needed to maximize its benefits.

## Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic benefits of outdoor hiking and suggests policy and planning improvements.

## Key findings

- Outdoor hiking improves cardiovascular function and reduces chronic disease risk.
- Hiking alleviates stress, improves mood, and reduces depression symptoms.
- Hiking promotes social interaction and stimulates tourism and related industries.

## Abstract

In recent years, outdoor hiking has garnered global attention as an effective health promotion activity. This review synthesizes relevant literature from various databases up to October 2025, assessing the physiological, psychological, and socio-economic impacts of outdoor hiking on individuals. The findings indicate that outdoor hiking significantly improves cardiovascular function, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances immune function. Additionally, it alleviates stress, improves mood, and helps reduce symptoms of depression. Furthermore, hiking contributes to increased social interaction and community cohesion, while also stimulating tourism and related industries. Existing policies and management measures still have limitations. This paper suggests incorporating trail development into national infrastructure planning, promoting “green social prescribing,” and establishing a standardized framework for benefit assessment to support evidence-based decision-making. In conclusion, outdoor hiking not only enhances individual physical and mental health but also has a positive impact on economic and social development, necessitating policy support and interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable health promotion.