If you have a pair of boots that rise above your ankle, provide a lot of support, are somewhat flexible, fit well, and still have decent tread on them, I'd suggest wearing those with a good pair of moisture-wicking socks. Otherwise, good sneakers and socks.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow you to breathe and move around easily. Light colors are good because it's easier to see ticks on light-colored cloth. Wear layers in case the weather changes quickly, you're out longer than you thought you'd be, or you gain/lose a lot of altitude (a water-resistant outer shell is great to have if you're caught in a storm). Wear a hat. Wear sunscreen. Don't wear anything scented, because that will attract insects.
Take a trail map. Take water and a snack. If you take pre-packaged food or food that will leave you with rinds, skins, or seeds, take a little bag to pack your waste out in. Take sunscreen and sunglasses. Take a fully-charged cellphone. Take a camera
. If you're wearing shoes that are new or you don't wear often, or if you will be walking much more than you usually do, check out this site for preventing and treating chafing and blisters:
http://www.thewalkingsite.com/blisters.html.
Stay hydrated.
Make sure somebody knows where you will be going and when you should be back.
Depending on where you'll be and how well the trail you'll be using is maintained you may need to keep an eye out for roots and rocks on the trail that could trip you up. If you're hiking in a park there will probably be information on-site about the weather and the flora and fauna in the area. If you're hiking somewhere else (or using an infrequently accessed trailhead) look up information on expected weather conditions as well as plants and animals you might encounter and how to deal with any animals that might threaten you. Don't freak out if you see a snake, but do give it a wide berth. Try to avoid poisonous plants.
Check everywhere on yourself for ticks after you get back, including your head and behind your ears, and in all the places your skin creases or folds. Check your clothes for ticks too. If you don't know how to remove ticks or treat tickbites you can look it up on the Internet.
Have fun.
Hiking
