I'm definitely an on-trail hiker, but I am still young (27). The more I see the same places, the more of an urge I have to pull off the trail and see what what I haven't. As it is, I only hike in uncrowded or moderately busy areas, and the busy trails on weekedays or in the off-season.

I like to think about everything, including what's in front of me, along the trial, and in the northwest it takes a little bit of work when hiking off-trail. Well, more than, say, the CA Sierras where it's very open for miles.

At least for me, I'm constantly reading the map instead of just walking. Still enjoyable, but I like to have most of my days just walking, with only one or two or a 4-5 day trip off trail.