Going hiking is a topic that many ESL students enjoy talking about. Themes of nature, adventure, travel, outdoor recreation, and seasons come up in this discussion.

Get your students to talk about hiking trails in their country and their experiences. This is also a good chance to practice vocabulary that has to do with nature and the wilderness.

When beginning, get your students to talk about the images and have them describe them. Ask them which is their favorite. Which would they like to go on a hike to? Are any similar to places they have been?

The conversation questions are:

1. Have you ever been hiking before? If so, where did you go?

2. What do you enjoy most about hiking?

3. What equipment do you need to bring on a hiking trip?

4. How do you prepare for a hiking trip?

5. What kind of trails do you prefer: easy, moderate, or difficult? Why?

6. What is the longest hike you have ever been on?

7. Do you prefer hiking alone or with a group? Why?

8. What are some safety tips to follow while hiking?

9. What is your favorite season for hiking? Why?

10. Have you ever gotten lost while hiking? What did you do?

11. What kind of wildlife have you seen while hiking?

12. How do you stay hydrated during a hike?

13. What is the most beautiful place you have hiked?

14. How do you navigate trails? Do you use maps, a GPS, or follow signs?

15. What are the health benefits of hiking?

16. What is the most challenging hike you have ever done?

17. Do you camp overnight when you go on long hikes?

18. What kind of food do you bring on a hiking trip?

19. How do you handle trash and waste while hiking?

20. Have you ever hiked in another country? Where?

21. What kind of clothing is best for hiking?

22. What do you do if the weather changes suddenly while you are hiking?

23. How do you take care of your feet while hiking?

24. What are some popular hiking destinations in your country?

25. Why do you think hiking has become a popular activity worldwide?

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The images were taken in Washington state (top right), Badlands South Dakota (top middle), central Ukraine (top right), Olympic National Park in Washington, (bottom right and bottom center), Morocco (bottom right).