Tips to Get Started
So you are interested in getting out into nature, great! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Pick a place & a trail: Look for local hiking trails or nature preserves on Google, or try AllTrails, a website devoted to hiking trails. Pick a route where the distance and elevation are doable to ensure success. Look for a flat trail of 1-3 miles. Depending on how fast you walk, this could take 20 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Download the trail map offline.
Make sure you have directions to the site.
Understand the hours and parking availability.
Find a friend or family member to join you: It is inadvisable to go it alone. Just make sure they are enthusiastic and adventurous.
Schedule a date and time: Depending on the season or time of year, you may need more or less gear. Remember, the trails will be muddy after snow and in the spring. Of course, it's essential to start your adventure with enough time to return before sunset.
Gear: It will depend on the season and how far you are going.
Phone-fully charged, portal battery if need be. Don't count on cell service, so make sure your trail maps are downloaded offline. Also, most trails have sign postage and trail markings throughout.
Fitness Watch/Pedometer-Apple Watch, Garmin, or pedometer-Not necessary for beginners, but if you have one, you can bring it along and track your progress.
Water- Bring a reusable water bottle with enough water to get you through the hike. This will be determined by the length of the walk and the season. Remember, carry in and carry out, and don't leave any garbage behind.
Sunscreen- Seasonal
Bug Spray-Seasonal
Small backpack-not necessary if your walk is short
Clothes & Shoes: Also dependent on the season. Sometimes you will become warm during your hike; sometimes, it is a bit cooler or breezy in the woods. Plan on wearing layers of clothing. For beginning hikes, sneakers with good traction work fine.