The first thing you should do when it comes to hiking is decide how much you can handle. You need to take into account your general health, physical fitness level, and your skill level. Only then can you begin to look at locations and possible terrains. Then you can select a location and start working on your preparations.

Preparing for a hike involves getting your equipment together, selecting a hiking trail and packing all of your equipment, food and clothing. If you plan on camping while hiking, check all of your equipment before you head off to make sure there are no holes or rips in the tent and that the stove and lights are functioning properly. The guide at How to Choose and Prepare for Hiking, Walking and Trekking Trips covers everything an adventure enthusiast needs to know about getting ready for one of these trips. Others will appreciate the information covered at Preparing for a Long Distance Hike, which covers trips longer than 100 miles.

How to Survive Lost in the Woods covers the basic essentials of staying safe. The most important thing to remember is to stay in one place and don’t wander around.

Eastern Waterfall Guide lists a variety of ways to capture those special moments, while still staying safe. If you can handle the additional weight, try carrying a tripod and taking stationary pictures when you get the chance. This reduces the chances of taking a blurry picture caused by shaking heads or uneven ground.

Hiking and Backpacking Tips. They cover everything from picking the right equipment to setting up a tent. The Hiking Dude is another great source that offers information on planning the trip, picking out equipment and how to stay safe. The ABC of Hiking is also great because they cover literally every topic and convey information for advanced hikers as well as beginners. There’s also the Hiking and Backpacking Guide, which lists popular places to hike, a gear guide, how-tos and answers from expert hikers.