
I gotta say, this boom in hiking popularity is kinda like a wedge being driven into the middle of our society - are we prioritizing leisure activities or just trying to keep up with the times?

I mean, four million Aussies hitting the trails each year is no joke. We're talking health benefits, tourism revenue, and the economy getting a boost. But what about accessibility? Can't more people join in on this fun? I'm all for it, but we gotta make sure everyone's got a pair of hiking boots that fits.
And let's talk infrastructure - how do we balance progress with preservation? Are these new trails gonna be sustainable or just another flash in the pan? We need to think about the environmental impact and whether they're gonna leave our natural beauty intact.

I guess what I'm saying is, this hiking boom is like a two-edged sword - it's got its benefits but also some not-so-great side effects we gotta consider.
On a different note, have you seen the international hikes popping up? That Transcaucasian trail is looking like a real doozy. 3,000km of stunning scenery and history?

Now that's what I call a walk worth taking!