Local or Long Distance?

You know you want to hike, but you have not yet decided where to go. That is when you should make the critical decision of distance. Do you want to stay in your local area? The same state? The same region? Or maybe you want to go cross-country for a completely new adventure.

My Area

One-day hikes can often be accomplished in your local area. Check with the local parks system to see if there are marked trails that you can go on. Your local area should have that information readily available so that you can make an informed decision. The maps and information provided should give you a good idea of the layout of the land, distance, and any features that could hinder your hike. This may be a preferable situation if you just want a quick weekend or one-day getaway without a lot of travel.

The State Is Wide

If you are interested in expanding your local search, you can travel within your own state. The state parks system will offer more variety in trails systems and can give you a change of scenery without a lot of travel. These trips can give you the ability to travel a shorter distance and spend less money than a cross-country adventure. Plus, you get to see the beauty of your state that you may not have known about previously.

All In

So you have decided to chuck it all in and go for broke. You live on the East Coast, but you want to see the West. With a little bit of planning, you can do just fine. First, coordinate how you will be getting there. Will you be hiking all along or going straight to your destination and back? Do you want to buy supplies there to cut down on packing or do your pack at home and take it with you? Make sure you have detailed maps of the area and plan ahead for any side trips that you want to make. Budget in enough time to go fishing or climbing if that is your passion. Above all, have fun.