I'm an avid hiker and I must say, I'm quite enjoying the application of my route and path finding abilities as I try to get from point to point.

Bethesda sticking in these interesting and reasonably realistic mountains has been a great addition, imo.

I just recently made my way from Karthwasten to Bilegulch Mine (good name, btw). Climbed up to a ridge out of Karthwasten. Paused to slaughter Forsworn with Erandur at my side. Scouted for a non-cliffy descent to the river below. Followed the road east for a time and then searched for entry into the mini-range that housed the mine. It's quite fun, standing back in 1st person mode scanning for breaks in the rock or a shallow ascent path and then making my way up.

Anyone else enjoying this aspect of Skyrim?

I love just going for walks in this game. I used to stick Oblivion in for an hour and just walk one of my favorite trails and admire the scenery. I'm only about 21 hours into Skyrim so far, but so far I really enjoy the autumn forest and the pine forest north of High Rock.

does jumping off a cliff and sliding down the side count as good path finding? Good topic, it really feels like the game was built with pathfinding in mind

I love meandering around mountain paths and what not, slowly walking instead of running. This games reminds me of why I drive from Oklahoma to the Washington Peninsula and Yellowstone every other year.

I've walked almost everywhere so far. I've taken carriages twice. Last night I walked from Winterhold to Windhelm, then from Windhelm to Whiterun, then from Whiterun up to Solitude. It took me about five real-time hours. I'd never been to Solitude before, so I got really lost halfway there. I really felt as though I was lost in a real woods somewhere on a real mountain. I was so relieved to reach Solitude at last! I actually went into an Inn and slept afterward. Both my character and myself were exhausted after that, lol.