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Top 10 Jaw-Dropping Truths About Mountains and Hiking That Will Blow Your Mind
Things you didn’t know about the majestic mountains.
Mountains Are Still Growing
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It might seem like mountains are ancient and unchanging, but many of them are still growing! The Himalayas, for example, rise by about 5 millimeters every year due to tectonic activity. Conversely, erosion and weathering constantly reshape peaks, meaning that today’s mountains look very different from those of millions of years ago.
The Tallest Mountain Isn’t Everest
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Mount Everest holds the title for the highest peak above sea level, but if you measure from base to summit, Mauna Kea in Hawaii takes the crown. Rising over 10,000 meters from its base beneath the ocean, Mauna Kea is nearly a mile taller than Everest! This little-known fact surprises even seasoned hikers.
The Deadliest Mountain Isn’t the Tallest
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Despite Everest’s fame, it’s not the most dangerous mountain to climb. That title belongs to Annapurna, where nearly 1 in 3 climbers don’t make it back. With extreme avalanches, unpredictable weather, and treacherous ice walls, Annapurna is a true test of survival for even the most experienced mountaineers.
Your Body Changes at High Altitudes
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Hiking in high-altitude environments does more than challenge your endurance – it physically changes your body. As you ascend, your blood thickens, your breathing rate increases, and your body produces more red blood cells to compensate for lower oxygen levels. Some people even experience hallucinations due to altitude sickness!
The Longest Hiking Trail Is Over 24,000 km
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If you think hiking a few miles is tough, imagine trekking the Trans Canada Trail, also called The Great Trail. Stretching over 24,000 km, it spans forests, mountains, cities, and even waterways. Completing it would take years, making it the ultimate adventure for any hiking enthusiast.
Some Mountains Create Their Own Weather
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Mountains aren’t just shaped by the weather—they make their own. Massive peaks force warm, moist air to rise, causing rapid cloud formation, intense storms, and sudden weather shifts. That’s why a sunny morning can turn into a deadly blizzard within minutes, catching unprepared hikers completely off guard.
The Deepest Cave System Lies in the Mountains
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Hidden beneath the mountains are some of the world’s deepest caves. The Veryovkina Cave in Georgia is the deepest known, plunging over 2,200 meters into the earth. Exploring these underground labyrinths is just as extreme as climbing the highest peaks, requiring expert skill and endurance.
The Air on Mountains Is Full of Cosmic Radiation
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At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning less protection from cosmic radiation. Hikers and climbers are exposed to higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) and gamma radiation, increasing risks of sunburn and long-term health effects. That’s why mountaineers use specialized gear to shield themselves from these invisible dangers.
Some Mountains Are Home to ‘Eternal’ Snow
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Despite rising global temperatures, certain mountains hold ice and snow that never fully melt. Glaciers and permanent snowfields exist in regions where snowfall replenishes ice faster than it melts. These frozen landscapes provide crucial freshwater supplies for millions of people, making them vital to our planet’s ecosystem.
The World’s Oldest Hiking Trail Is Over 5,000 Years Old
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Hiking isn’t just a modern hobby—it’s been around for thousands of years. The Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Inca Trail in Peru date back centuries, but the oldest known hiking route is the Ötztal Alps trail, walked by a 5,300-year-old mummy known as Ötzi the Iceman.