With the increasing popularity of hiking, more and more people are seeking out the best hiking guides for their trips. It’s important to find a guide that not only includes maps but also has tips for staying safe on the trail and how to train for your big adventure. So, if you’re looking for a guide that covers all that and more, check out this list!
How to Get Started Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore nature, but it can be intimidating for beginners. This guide will teach you the basics of hiking so that you can start exploring your local parks and trails without fear.
To get started, you’ll need some equipment. The most important piece of hiking gear is a sturdy pair of shoes. You’ll also need a backpack with enough storage space to carry all of your supplies, food if you’re going on a long hike, and water if you’re planning on staying out for more than an hour or two. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit in case something goes wrong while hiking.
Once you have your equipment ready, it’s time to find some trails! There are plenty of places to hike near your home or in your local park. Once you’ve found a few trails that appeal to you, start practicing walking in those shoes before making the trip outdoors. Hiking is an active sport and proper preparation will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the environment around you.
Choosing the Right Hiking Gear
Hiking can be a great way to get out in nature and enjoy the fresh air. However, if you’re not prepared, it can be very dangerous. That’s why it’s important to choose the right hiking gear before hitting the trail. Here are some tips on how to choose the right gear for your hike:
1. Choose the Right Type of Hiking Gear
There are a few different types of hiking gear that you’ll need for your trip: backpacking gear, camping gear, and trekking gear.
Backpacking gear is perfect for short hikes that will take you between one and two days to complete. It includes things like inflatable tents, sleeping bags, and cookware. Camping gear is best used for longer hikes that will take you more than two days to complete. It includes things like stoves, lanterns, and tents. Trekking gear is designed specifically for extended hikes that can last up to a week or more. It includes items like food storage containers, first-aid kits, and maps.
2. Choose the Appropriate Level of Difficulty
Before you go out hiking, it’s important to decide which level of difficulty you want to walk on: easy, moderate, or hard. Easy trails are perfect for people who haven’t experienced hikers but want an enjoyable walk through nature. Moderate trails are perfect for experienced hikers who are looking for something challenging but still manageable. Hard trails are meant for those who are looking for
One-Day Hikes and Two-Day Hikes
Looking for a short hike to get your blood pumping or a longer backpack trek to see some of the best sights in your state? The following hikes are perfect for someone just starting out, as well as more experienced hikers.
One-Day Hikes:
• Blue Ridge Parkway – This 276-mile National Park offers a variety of trails, from easy strolls to strenuous ascents. Depending on your destination, you can hike anywhere from 1.5 miles to 22 miles roundtrip.
• Mount Katahdin – The tallest mountain in Maine and the most traveled peak in New England, Mount Katahdin boasts over 12 miles of trails that take you through forests, meadows and valleys. The summit can be reached in under five hours roundtrip, so this is an ideal hike for beginners.
Two-Day Hikes:
• White Mountains – One of the most popular hiking areas in New England, the White Mountains offer a whopping 142 trails ranging from short 2-mile loops to long day hikes that can take up to 10 days to complete. With peaks reaching over 6,000 feet high, this is an area that is sure to please even the most hardcore hikers.
Day Trips and Weekend Trips
If you’re looking for day trips or weekend trips that will take you to some amazing spots in nature, look no further. Here are some of the best hiking guides for every nature lover.
1. Hiking Oregon’s Coast: This guide covers hikes along Oregon’s stunning coastline from the snowy slopes of Mt. Hood to the sandy beaches of Cannon Beach. The hikes vary in difficulty and length, so there’s something for everyone.
2. Hiking New Hampshire’s the White Mountains: If you’re aiming to explore some of New England’s most beautiful peaks, this guide is perfect for you. It covers hikes up Mount Washington, the highest peak in New Hampshire, as well as hikes around Mt. Kearsarge and other famous sights in the area.
3. Hiking Colorado’s Front Range: If you’re looking to experience some of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes, this guide is a great place to start. It walks hikers through trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and other sites like Mesa Verde National Park and Arapaho National Forest.
4. Hiking Georgia’s Appalachian Trail: If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, this guide is perfect for you! It tracks hikers step-by-step on their journey from Springer Mountain all the way to Maine—a journey that takes anywhere from five to ten months!
Tips for Hiking with Animals or Kids
If you’re looking for a hiking trail that’s ideal for both nature lovers and families, try one of the hikes listed in our best hiking guides for every nature lover article. With paths that are wheelchair accessible, and short enough to be done in a day or even half days, these trails will have everyone in your group happy and enjoying the outdoors.
Another great way to enjoy nature while hiking with kids is by taking them on an animal-based hike. These hikes can be found all over North America and often take visitors through habitats close to where they live or find animals living naturally. This gives kids a hands-on learning experience and teaches them about the importance of conservation.
No matter what kind of hiking you’re looking to do, our list of best hiking guides will have something perfect for you and your friends or family!