In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on the “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States”. The advisory called attention to the negative impacts of loneliness and isolation on our health- mental, physical, and societal. The advisory also highlighted the fact that loneliness and lack of connection increased the risk of mental health challenges and the risk for premature death increases to a level comparable to daily smoking. (https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html)

The McCreary Co Extension ANR and FCS agents conducted a monthly adult hiking program March- November of 2023. The program’s objective was to promote connection among the participants, increase familiarity with hiking trails in the county, increase physical activity, improve mental health, and increase knowledge of the local flora/fauna.

The McCreary County Adult Hiking Group hiked 6 times from March to November 2023 as a group. They covered a total distance of 18.2 miles and had a total of 54 participants throughout the six hikes. The group visited various places including the Buzzard Rock, Crack in Rock, Buffalo Arch, Princess Arch, Split Bow Arch and Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower. The hiking group was able to experience the benefits of hiking, both mentally and physically. They explored new areas in the county, which many had not seen before, and gained new knowledge of local plants and animals. The group consisted of both new and experienced hikers, including visitors from England and Germany. Participants in the program stated that their favorite parts of the program were getting to explore parts of their community that they hadn’t been to before and getting to socialize with the others in the group. Participants state that they increased their knowledge of local plants. Participants also stated that they believed participating in the hikes had a positive impact on their mental and physical health.