New England Hiking

New England Hiking Trails:

  1. Connecticut
  2. Maine
  3. Massachusetts
  4. New Hampshire
  5. Rhode Island
  6. Vermont

Top Hiking Trails in New England:

  • Appalachian Trail
  • Acadia Carriage Trails
  • Mount Monadnock
  • Franconia Notch
  • Mount Washington
  • Long Trail - Green Mountains

Hiking Tips for Beginners

Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, while at the same time working toward a healthier lifestyle. However, before you hit the trail, there are some important concepts to keep in mind, especially if it is a new experience. Here are several hiking tips for beginners.

Find a Group to Hike With

One of the best ways to get started with hiking is to find like-minded individuals or groups. After all, when you are just learning the basics, being able to access knowledge from someone who has been on previous hiking trips, can be worth its weight in gold.

If you are thinking of hitting the trail for the first time, ask family and friends if anyone would like to go with you. If that is not an option, then check into one of the many "meet-up" style sites online to find partners.

Hike a Local Park

Sometimes the best way to familiarize yourself with the basics of hiking is by taking a day trip to the local park. The nice thing about going to a local park to practice your hiking skills is that it will give you a chance to work out any issues without the worry of being stranded in unfamiliar territory. You may be surprised at how well hiking in a local park can prepare you for the real thing.

Learn Hydration Techniques

Becoming dehydrated on the trail can make for a miserable experience, and it could lead to a dangerous situation. It is because of this that you need to take hydration seriously by learning the proper hydration techniques.

There are a variety of ways to get water when hiking, such as by bringing your own with hydration packs or using a portable water filter, and you should be familiar with each method before you set out on your excursion.

Get Comfortable Hiking Shoes and Socks

One of the most important things while out on the trail is to ensure that your feet do not hurt. Unfortunately, many hikers do not put much thought into the type of shoes they wear, especially on short trips, and this leads to all sorts of foot issues, such as soreness and blistering.

Always make sure that you invest in a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots before setting out. If you are unsure as to the footwear that is right for your trip, be sure to speak with an outdoor equipment specialist. Spend on a good wool hiking socks as well as this will keep your feet comfortable and blister free throughout your hike.

Learn Map Reading Basics and Compass

In the technologically driven world in which we live, it is common to rely on gadgets for navigation, but on the trail, this is often not possible. While there may be times that you will be able to get a cell phone or GPS signal when you are hiking, eventually the batteries will die or you will lose the connection.

Therefore, it is a necessity that you learn the basic map reading skills and compass so that you do not get lost. Even if the area where you are hiking is relatively small, there is still a chance that you could lose your direction. Not only do you need to learn how to read a map, but also do not forget to include it with the rest of your equipment.

Time to Hit the Trail!

There is little doubt that hiking is a great way to experience nature, while at the same time living a healthier lifestyle. But before you put your pack on and head out the door, there are some tips that you should keep in mind.

If you are new to hiking, then it can be wise to find a group of like-minded individuals that can help show you the ropes. In addition, it is well worth investing in a nice pair of hiking boots, so that foot pain does not become an issue on the trail.

Furthermore, you need to make sure that you know the various techniques on staying hydrated and also how to read a map. By taking into consideration these hiking tips for beginners, you will help to ensure a wonderful experience.

What's your favorite New England Hiking Trail?