Excellent ideas and advice here! I'm not regular hiker yet, but I went on a couple of hiking dates earlier this spring and it got me interested.

I did Billygoat B this weekend on the north side of the Potomac. It was so nice :) My favorite hiking trails are the ones where you have small scrambles rather than flat terrain. I get bored with flat terrain. I was a bit rusty because I haven't done much hiking this year so it took me about a mile before I got into the swing of things. The weather is pretty hot lately though so we'll play it by ear on how much hiking we get done this summer. I'd love to go to the Andirondacks and go hiking so we may see about a weekend trip up there.

I love hiking with my dog and go when I can. Depending on the hike, I'll often wear my hiking sandals, though I wouldn't recommend that on hikes you haven't been on before. I use hiking poles, as my balance is awful, and I've noticed that they help me maintain a steady pace. Unlike most people, I HATE going back down mountains, and much prefer the lung-busting uphill climb.

Other suggestions not mentioned include bug spray and checking for ticks when you get home. I'm not sure of the tick situation where you live, but around here, you are almost guaranteed a tick or two after every hike.

Check out your state's vacation/travel guides online. They often have activities by regions which will help you find hiking areas close by that you may not be familiar with.

Good luck!

Well I hike too...(of course)

Lately my hikes have been abreviated due to an abundance of children (OK only two but sometimes it feels like I have 15). Mostly now I run but as soon as I can get my 2 year old to handle the mileage we will be out again.

In fact we just got back from Yosemite and we got a few hikes in. It is also a nice place to run. Hills are a great workout.

I also hike in sandals during the summer I like the fact that you can cross rivers and not have to take your shoes off. Also I am a bit of a heat weanie.

Keep us posted on your trails.

One thing I enjoy about hiking is that it has helped me improved my balance greatly. When I first started hiking, I had horrible balance but now I'm pretty good. Sometimes I am still unsure but it is a huge improvement. I love hikes with rugged terrain as well as hills.

I just did a 6 mile hike today and it was really nice. I may do another 6 mile hike tomorrow.

I just came back from a hike.. I live in British Columbia so I have plenty of mountains to visit.

I hiked today! It was about 45 minutes through a nature preserve with a bog and a wildflower garden. Exercise that renews the spirit, for sure!

Hiking in Oregon
 

I love hiking. :running: I try to get in a hike at least once a week, either the Columbia Gorge or Mt Hood, or any of the hundreds of trails in the Portland, Oregon area. I use hiking poles, as the terrain is quite steep rugged and rocky at times, especially the Pacific Crest Trail over Mt Hood. Always take water, even if you think you won't need it. I carry a small back pack...uh let's see, I have a pair of leather gloves, multi tool swiss army knife, some rope, granola bars, I take some fresh snacks each time, grapes and small carrots :carrot:are my favorite, a small roll of biodegradable TP, notepad and pencil for notes and sketching, extra battery for digital camera, camera lenses, small tripod, antibacterial wipes, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, first aid kit, chapstick, extra hair ties, a small brush,(I have long hair), sunglasses, bug spray, extra pair of socks, I wear a pair of Nike hiking shoes and thick Thorlo hiking socks. I wrap an extra hoodie sweat shirt around my waist, compass, and map of the area, lighter, flashlight, cell phone, small mirror for reflecting if I get lost or stranded, :?: hand warmers if it is cold. This is for day hikes, just be prepared for about anything. :drill: Overnight hiking and camping is a whole different thing.

I am leaving this weekend for a weekend of camping and hiking near Mt. Hood. Can't wait. Good for the body, good for the heart, and easy on the sole. :lol:

See you on the trails.

I can totally see the need for a flashlight and a compass, even for a short evening walk. I'm not planning any day-long expeditions just yet - I'll work up to them - but it's interesting to hear what people bring.

This time, I just brought my cell phone, water, an iPod (totally unnecessary - I forgot I wasn't walking in the city), and wore lightweight hiking boots.

I donated money to a favorite charity and they sent me a book of various hiking trails in my area, so I will be checking those out. Unfortunately, I don't have anybody who wants to hike with me! I'll only go alone on the trails I know, but I'd like to find a hiking buddy and get a little adventurous.

Hking Buddies
 

Hi phantastica Wonderful that you have a trail guide. If you have a local forum for hikers, you could post that you were looking for a hiking buddy. There are many hiking groups and local trail clubs where people post looking for hiking buddies. I like hiking and walking on trails AWAY from the city best of all, :running: and the ones I was on this weekend in Southern Oregon were full of birds and butterflies. It was awesome, peaceful, and rejuvenating. I feel rested and ready to tackle my next project.

JJ:carrot: