How to pick a hiking trail

As a federal taxpayer, you own some extraordinary land, so consider a visit if you live near a national park, national forest, national landscape, national heritage area, national wildlife refuge or a national wild and scenic river. And you've done a good job over the years as a state taxpayer, too, preserving some extraordinary state parks, so don't forget to check with your state's wildlife conservation, parks and historic preservation departments for ideas. Of course, your local tax dollars have helped counties, cities and towns preserve some significant parcels, so don't forget them, either.

Talk to Others. There will always be gems hidden from view.  Books devoted to trails and history of the region can help you identify them. Outdoor writers for local publications may be able to help. Hiking clubs and their members are usually more than willing to share expertise. One good way to discover a new trail is to start with what you know: You're bound to run into someone out there who's been somewhere you haven't!

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.

Choose a route that is right for the time you have. 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 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. If the trail is not a loop, figure 1.5 to 2 miles, since you will need to backtrack to the trailhead. Any more than that would be pushing it. If you want you can just go by hours.   If you only have 3 hours.  Start hiking 1.5 hours in.  Then stop and hike back 1.5 hours out.

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. This may seem obvious, but for the happiness of all people (or animals) in your group, choose trails that are fun for everybody. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm  or Join a group www.welove2hike.com    http://www.meetup.com/www-welove2hike-com/   http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Love-2-Hike/239053089460710?ref=hl  Happy Hiking!!!