Get on Track: 6 Tips for Choosing the Best Hiking Trails

Here are some considerations...

1. Choose one that is right for your ability.

That means if you haven't exercised for a while, start light and gradually work your way up to more strenuous hikes.

A great place to start is a hiking trail without any big changes in elevation, like a flat trail around a pond or along a shoreline.

You don't want to get caught halfway out to your destination at dusk (unless you're planning to camp).

If you're not sure, figure about a mile (1.6 km) for every hour on average. Hiking takes longer than walking on flat pavement, plus the views inspire you to stop more frequently.

If you have from eight in the morning until noon, then check your trail map and figure about three to four miles (4.8 - 6.4 km).

If the trail is not a loop, figure 1.5 to 2 miles (2.4 - 3.2 km), since you will need to backtrack to the trailhead. Any more than that would be pushing it.

3. Explore your own backyard. You may be surprised by what hiking spots are available within a few miles of your home. Local hiking trails are a great option, even if they aren't world-famous treks.

Why? For one, they give you a way to hike on a regular basis.

Wouldn't it be great to hike every day after work and de-stress a little, or at least every weekend? I relish the days when I can sneak in a lunch-hour hike in the middle of my work day!

Another good reason to hike locally is that you will become more connected to your home and the local ecosystem. Whether it is your intention or not, you start to feel more grounded, attached, and appreciative of the place you call home.

4. Mix it up. I'm not sure if I am comforted or overwhelmed when I think that this great world of ours has more spots to hike than we can probably experience in a lifetime. Let's hope it stays that way.

In any case, why not experience as much as possible? There are parks I would be happy to venture out into every week. And then there is that long "to do list" of hiking trails and backpacking trips. Try making a few day trips a month and explore new places. Your soul will thank you for it.

5. Think of your hiking companions, too.

This may seem obvious, but for the happiness of all people (or animals) in your group, choose trails that are fun for everybody.

6. Do a little research before you try a new trail. It can't hurt, and it might save you some discomfort.

Is the trail a real butt-kicker that you might not be ready for? Then again, is it mostly flat terrain and not challenging enough for you? Is there a hidden waterfall halfway into the loop? Does it get super hot during the day, with no shade? Are the mosquitoes rampant during April?

In an effort to bring you some of these insider tips on hiking trails, we have compiled a list of popular hikes, information about parks, how to get maps, and most importantly, how to get to the trailheads. (Check back often, since our list is always growing!)

Also visit and participate in the Your Hikes posts and join in a growing personal database of real hikes from real hikers like you and me.

There's nothing better than tips about a trail from a fellow hiker who knows it well.

Back to Homepage from Hiking Trails

Find Out More about Great Trails...

Read Topographic Maps Like a ProTrying to make sense of all those squiggly lines on a Topographic Map? Here’s how to read topo maps like an expert and get the most out of them…

California Hiking Has It All Looking for the all-inclusive spot for great treks? California hiking may be the answer. Mountains, deserts, snow, endless beaches, and redwoods are just the beginning…

Hiking Half Dome: How to Make it Up without a HitchMy story hiking Half Dome, a truly once in a lifetime adventure that I will never forget. Here are some MUSTS for taking the trip, including how to beat the crowds...

Kauai Hiking: Trek in Hawaii’s Oldest and Most Dramatic TerrainKauai hiking offers breathtaking beauty and tropical tranquility in one green outdoor playground. Butt-kicking hikes and dramatic terrain are just the beginning...

San Diego Hiking: Our Top 3 SpotsSan Diego Hiking offers the colorful beauty of the California desert, lots of sun, and endless mountains to explore. Come see why San Diego is a unique trekking experience...

Grand Canyon Hiking, Our Guide to the Trek of a LifetimeGrand Canyon hiking would make the world’s top ten list of great treks. See why this is on many a hiker’s to do list and how to cross it off yours…

Easy Grand Canyon Hikes These easy Grand Canyon Hikes are light on the knees but offer just as many awesome sights as the harder trails. Here’s where to find them.

US National Parks, Your Travel Guide To Paradise Interested in hiking the U.S. National parks? This is a great site that includes information on all the national parks, as well as national park photos, hiking trails, deals on travel and more...

Muir Woods Hiking Guide Muir Woods hiking is like returning to a primeval forest of giant trees and ominous mists. This is The place to experience California’s coastal redwood forests.

Mount Diablo Hiking: Guide to the Best Trails and Views California’s Mount Diablo is second in the world for offering the farthest views in all directions. Mount Diablo hiking is just as rewarding.

Featured Hikes:

Crafton Hills Hiking: Awesome Inland Empire ViewsA mound of foothills below the immense San Gorgonio Mountain, the Crafton Hills are overlooked by non-locals. But Crafton Hills hiking offers many treasures…

San Bruno Mountain Hiking: Rise Above the Urban SprawlSan Bruno Mountain hiking offers delights for the senses: a rainbow of spring wildflowers and sweeping vistas. Despite the sprawl climbing up to its feet, you feel far from it…

Havasu Falls Hiking Guide: Trek in an Ancient Paradise Havasu Falls hiking makes your visit to the Grand Canyon complete. Find out how to experience this lush paradise of cascading waterfalls...

New! Comments