For a new hiker just starting out, there are safe, easy ways to learn about hiking. Hikers can start at the local parks in their area. Regular visits to hike at local parks help new hikers in several ways.
For instance, hikers can test out their gear. Is the backpack a good fit? Are they carrying too much heavy gear? Do their hiking boots create blisters? Hiking familiar local parks allows hikers to gain strength and skill in the woods.
When planning hikes beyond local parks, a hiker should consider several questions. Is the hiker experienced or new to hiking? Is the hiker physically strong? What is the terrain like—flat and easy to hike, or rocky and rough? Is it in the mountains?
Thinking about these kinds of questions helps a hiker decide what kind of hike to do and where to go.
FIND A HIKING CLUB
A new hiker might also want to look for any local hiking clubs or groups. For the beginning hiker, a club can be a good place to meet more experienced hikers. Hikers can make new friends and learn new skills in these groups.
There are plenty of books about hiking. The public library or a local bookstore could be a good place to find these books. A web search for “hiking” or “hiking in (your state name)” should yield lots of information, too.
Some outfitter stores offer hiking or backpacking classes. Do a web search for “hiking classes near me” to find what might be offered. These classes can be a great way to learn from more experienced hikers before heading off to the woods.
THE HIKING PROJECT
The Hiking Project is a website and a mobile app with information about hiking trails. It features maps and other information about trails across the United States and in other countries, too. Trails are listed state by state for the United States. Altogether it has information on more than 58,000 trails.
The Hiking Project helps hikers plan trips and share information about hiking. Its website—hikingproject.com—is always changing as hikers add new information.
For hikes in state or national parks, the park office can provide trail maps.
In these parks, trails are usually marked with colors called “blazes.” These blazes are painted on or attached to trees or posts to show the trail. The well-marked trails are helpful for hikers of all ages and experience levels. But for the new hiker, these marked trails are a safe and effective way to learn good hiking skills.
The place where a hiking trail begins is called the trailhead. Sometimes a signboard with maps or other helpful information will greet hikers at the trailhead.
Because it can be easy to get turned around in the woods, it is smart for a hiker to learn basic navigation skills. Hikers sometimes use a map, a compass, or a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker to help them navigate.
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