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Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort have been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national parks systems. In honor of their efforts, let’s break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails.

Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.

1. Know the area you will be going into. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it’s a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.

2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren’t prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won’t feel good in the morning.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about hike? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:

- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet. – Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm. – The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don’t underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks. Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.

4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics: – Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes. – Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools. – Suntan lotion. – A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance). – Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications. – Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread. – A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies. It is recommended that you pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.

These tips should ensure a comfortable, short hiking adventure.

With over 2.2 million acres in wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s leading nature locations. Much of the park is managed as a wilderness and backcountry, with over 1,100 miles of hiking trails maintained. On the other hand, hiking Yellowstone National Park does present certain dangers. These include unpredictable weather, wild animals, turbulent streams, and loose mountain rock. Visiting the park means experiencing the area on its terms. If you do choose to hike the park, you need to be prepared for all situations, and know that there is no guarantee for your safety. Most of all enjoy the scenery and research all of the regulations and precautions.   Hiking Yellowstone National Park during the spring is a great way to see and enjoy all of the attractions of the park. This time of the season allows visitors to enjoy the roads without the intrusion of motorized vehicles. All hiking, jogging, roller skis and blades, as well as bicycling are allowed between the Mammoth Hot Springs and the West Entrance. This is only if the conditions are favorable from March through the third Thursday in April. The reason for the area restriction is because of the fact that the East Entrance all of the way to the east end of Sylvan Pass has limited access during this time of year.   The best option when you arrive at the park is to visit the ranger station or the visitor center before starting your hike. This is so that you can get any information involving which trails are closed and which areas are the best for hiking Yellowstone National Park. This is due to the fact that trail conditions change suddenly, especially with rain, bear activity or sudden fires. Be prepared by bringing a raincoat, plenty of water, a warm hat, first aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It is also recommended that you not hike alone. Having another person with you will ensure your safety, and the company is pleasing on a hike. Contrary to fishing, there is no permit required to take a day hike in the park.   It is important to remember that you should not drink the water from any of the streams or lakes in the park. There are intestinal infections associated with drinking untreated water, and the cases are becoming very common. The reason being that many of the waters might be polluted by human wastes or animal wastes. Always bring a large supply of bottled water so that you can protect yourself from the harmful infections, and to also stay hydrated. If you do have to drink the water from the lakes or streams, be sure that you boil the water for an appropriate time or use a water filter.   If you are hiking on a trail that is far away from a visitor center or ranger station and a lightening storm occurs, you need to immediately get away from any water, ridges, isolated trees, or exposed places.  It is common for a sunny day to immediately become fierce with storms, wind, sleet, rain, and even snow.  This is one of the main reasons that you should pack enough supplies in the event of any sudden weather changes.  You can use the map at the bottom of this article for reference when you take your trip hiking Yellowstone National Park.    For more information go to http://www.fishing-yellowstone.com

If you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas, consider Beavers Bend Resort Park in southeastern Oklahoma. It is just 3 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area (the Metroplex) by car. Beavers Bend Resort Park includes Beavers Bend State Park which offers free admission. The resort offers serious nature lovers the chance to hike along ridge tops, over creek bottoms, through tall stands of timber, and into areas so remote one can almost experience what early-day explorers must have felt upon seeing the area for the first time, at its pristine best.

McCurtain County features some of the most beautiful territory in the country. The Ouachita Mountains rise and fall dramatically along the lower reaches of the Oklahoma-Arkansas line, which is densely covered with one of the oldest short-leaf pine forests in the world, as well as heavy populations of hickory and oak. Unlike most American mountain ranges, the mountains run east and west, not north and south. Cursing through those rugged ranges are several lakes and rivers, the Little, Mountain Fork, Upper Kiamichi, Poteau and Broken Bow.

The area was named by LIFE magazine as one of the “100 Places To Visit in Your Lifetime” and Dallas Observers voted McCurtain County the “Best Getaway from Dallas.”

You can pick up trail maps at the park’s nature center. There are seven trails you have to choose from, one for every skill level – from serious stroller to avid trekker.

Trail #1: Take-it-easy route. The South Park trail. 1 mile. For those who want to stay on level ground. Watch eagles fly overhead and wildlife scatter as you stroll by.

Trail #2: The Easy-Does-It Hike. The Junction with South Park. 1 mile. Also a good choice for those who want a less intensive hike and want to get “back to nature” but just a little while.

Trail #3: Beyond Beginner. Beaver Creek Crossing. 1. 5 miles. A bit more challenging. Several steep climbs.

Trail #4: Beyond beginner but not intermediate. Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff. About 2 miles. Some climbs, but not extremely steep.

Trail #5: Walk on the wild side. Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail. 6 miles. Lots of steep grades. Designed for the more serious hiker.

Trail #6: Born to hike. Skyline. 6 miles. Steep terrain. Experienced hikers only. If you don’t have time to take the longest route (see below), the Skyline is the next best option. More challenging to some than the Cedar Bluff, nevertheless, you’ll need to be able to withstand elevation hiking. But the views you’ll see will be well worth the climb.

Trail #7: The extreme challenge. The David Boren Hiking Trail, named after the U.S. senator and former governor of Oklahoma. The David Boren Trail offers 16 miles of hiking Trails with 4 miles of multi-purpose ( mountain bike) trails that wander along ridge tops and over creek bottoms. The 12 mile Boren hiking trail runs from south to north. Starts at the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend and then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, full of steep grades. The trail is well defined and is a narrow, one-person trail – which means no bicyclists to watch out for.

Where do you stay if you travel to the Beavers Bend Resort Park? Glad you asked! The park is home to the forty-room Lakeview Lodge, and there are forty-seven different Beavers Bend cabins. Is camping more your style? The park also offers RV and tent camping. In McCurtain County, your weekend hiking getaway can include almost any kind of lodging – from a rustic cottage to elegantly-appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines to a unique bed & breakfasts, modern motels and luxury resorts.

So, if you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas – either for yourself or to accompany your family or that special someone – the Beavers Bend Resort Park is a great option. With many trails to choose for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers, this is a great option that is only 3 hours away from the Metroplex by car.

Hiking can be one of the most wonderful activities you can pursue; physical activity in beautiful surroundings; exploring new places; breathing in fresh air. Unfortunately it can also be one of best places to experience a myriad of injuries. Because of the nature of the activity – traveling, sometimes solo, in a secluded setting – it is absolutely imperative to carry a first aid kit for hiking.

A first aid kit for hiking includes a number of important things and should be carried with you at all times. Make sure the container is lightweight and easily transportable as you will more than likely carry it with your other supplies in your backpack.

Some inclusions in your first aid kit for hiking should be bandages of all sizes including gauze and tape, alcohol or other antiseptic for cleaning wounds, antibiotic cream, pain relievers, a small pair of scissors, bug repellant, and sanitary wipes.

If you take any medications on a daily basis, be sure to bring them with you just in case. Keep extra medications in your first aid kit for hiking so that you’re always prepared.

First and foremost, in addition to your comprehensive first aid kit for hiking, anyone hiking should always carry a cell phone on them at all times; especially when traveling alone. Alert friends and family about where you’ll be and what time you’ll be back; that way someone will know where to find you if you’ve been gone an excessive amount of time.

A first aid kit for hiking is one of the most important things you can bring with you to ensure an enjoyable, successful hike. Preparedness will save you time, inconvenience, and possibly even your life.

Take the steps necessary to assemble a first aid kit for hiking by visiting some outdoor sporting stores. Many will sell a pre-assembled first aid kit for hiking in a lightweight container easily stored in a backpack. Shopping online will also yield you a number of first aid kits of appropriate size.

Or if you wish to assemble one yourself then just look for the appropriate container and begin purchasing the necessary items specific to you.

Either way, a first aid kit for hiking should be considered part of your hiking equipment. Never leave home without it and you’ll never be caught off guard.

Any hiker will tell you that the trail makes the experience. Hiking along the most beautiful and challenging trails are the hiking hobbyist’s dream. One of the benefits of hiking is that there are many countries, states, and islands that cater to the hiker through beautifully unique trails. Where do you want to go for your next hiking trip? This guide lists the top five places for hiking that will challenge even the most experienced hiker. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these hiking trails can bring an appreciation towards nature’s beauty.

Breakneck Ridge Trail

Breakneck Ridge is located in New York along the Hudson River. The mountain trail is part of the Appalachian Mountains, so it’s filled with lush, green forests and rivers. The mountain has several peeks and plateaus to choose for your hiking destination. The highest summit for experienced hikers is 1,260 feet. To begin, most hikers choose the white route up the western side of the mountain. The steep, rocky climb to the summit gives a challenging hike with breathtaking views of the forest and rivers below it.

Glacier Gorge

Glacier Gorge is filled with multiple hiking trails for beginners and experts. Its location in the Rocky Mountains National Park makes it perfect for all kinds of scenery including rivers, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and animals. Choose from hiking trails from all directions around the scenic gorge. Beginner trails are available at low levels that are relatively short. The trails are perfect for family and small children. If you consider yourself up for the challenge of a more expert level, Glacier Gorge offers demanding hiking trails that require excellent physical fitness and acclimation to high levels.

Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle

Located in Humberg, Pennsylvania, The Pinnacle trail is also a part of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail gives views of scenic mountains and rivers along the way. Not far from the Pinnacle Trail is the Hamburg Dam for a breathtaking view of mother nature and technology tied into one. Weather can be mostly rainy and humid, which allows a more advanced hike for those who like the challenge of fighting the elements.

Mount Whitney

Hiking the trails at Mount Whitney will bring you to the highest peak in the United States. Located in California, Mount Whitney leaves the hiker with an accomplishment that few are able to make. Great physical condition and the ability to acclimate to high altitudes of approximately 15,000 feet are a must for this trail. The trail is well worth the challenge. Scenic Rocky Mountain views and a visit to Consultation Lake give the hiker an enjoyable and memorable trip.

Conundrum Hot Springs

Nestled in Colorado’s most underdeveloped wilderness, Conundrum Hot Springs is the place for hikers and other visitors to view mother nature’s most unique watery springs. The pools are scattered around the trail and their temperatures vary with the hottest being 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The trail is perfect for photos and awe inspiring memories. The unique hot pools surrounded by winter snow gives the sight seer an impressive view of nature’s characteristic style.

For more information, visit http://www.onhiking.tv.

If you’re going hiking, having backpack is the most essential item that you need to carry with you, even for the most casual of hikers. Whether you choose to walk on a well used trail that is known for hikers, on a planned trip with a group or a guide, or are taking a more serious hike for many miles, a good hiking backpack is an absolute must have. All backpacks are different as you have a multitude of choices that face you when you go into a store. Salespeople are very good at making things sound tempting or even confusing, so it may not sound so easy to choose a backpack. By doing some research and with some preparation as to what you are looking for, you should have a fair idea when you shop as to what you need. Focus on what you really need and what would be handier and easier for you for your trip.

There are many styles of backpacks available which come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the type of hike you are going on, will determine what would be the most useful backpack to have. By doing your research, you will have considered what things you need before deciding to buy a hiking backpack. If you are planning to just walk during the daylight hours, your bag will just need to be big enough to carry some food and drink for the walking trail; for those unexpected accidents a small first aid kit comes in handy; for warm weather some sunscreen and insecticide, and other neccessities that you may need. For hiking overnight, you will need to bring extra items with you, so a different type of backpack will be needed altogether.

What is most important when choosing a backpack, is one that is comfortable to carry and easy enough for you to carry. You want to avoid aching shoulders and a sore back, straps that will rub and cause blisters, which will make you feel uneasy, anything too heavy, or a bag will not fit all your neccessities. Having to leave something behind which you might find useful later would not be good.

The cost of hiking backpacks vary from as little as $20 to as much as $400, which is dramatic. If you are a beginner at hiking then as a casual hiker, a backpack that is not so expensive would be more ideal. It is early days for you to know whether you will become a regular hiker or not – as some people find that it doesn’t suit them after all. Once you become more of an enthusiast, you can think of investing in a backpack that will accommodate all your essentials for a longer hike.

When hiking, you will be doing a lot of climbing so you need to consider something that is lightweight for you to manage those steeper climbs. Having lots of different compartments for all the little items is handy and you will find backpacks to suit both genders. Men and women are different so we all like to carry different items that we consider are needed. The construction of backpacks are usually designed for the varying builds of men and women as their centre of gravity differs. They need to be good to keep a hiker balanced. Women need shoulder straps that are more curved and comfortable, a shorter torso and a hip belt that is more contoured for their figure.

The ideal size for a backpack to accommodate gear should be approximately 4,000 cubic inches which should be ample enough. By choosing the ideal model that is also light and versatile, it should suit any hiker regardless of gender and size; and for hikes of varying durations and the degree of difficulty. By doing your research and planning ahead, it should be easier to make a decision when you walk into a store and see all the arrays of backpacks, the various sizes and styles, and understand what the sales people are trying to sell you. Make the right choice for yourself.

A dozen years ago I went from using hiking boots to lightweight hiking shoes. It was a part of my move from mainstream backpacking to lightweight or “ultralight backpacking.” I stopped getting blisters and have perhaps one or two in the years since.

Apart from keeping things light, another important goal of mine was to spend less money for clothing and equipment. The change to shoes fit into that plan. Here are some of the ways to keep your hiking shoes both light and cheap.

Buy Closeouts

For longer hikes and backpacking trips I like to have high-quality shoes. Generally I use good running shoes that weigh a pound or less each. If they list the weights, I buy them through catalogs or online. Otherwise I can tell by lifting the shoes in the local shoe store if they are in my weight range. If you shop in traditional stores, you could also bring a small kitchen scale to check weights.

Of course, many of the best running shoes cost $80 or even $100. I don’t like to spend that much on shoes ever, so I buy closeouts. For some reason, people apparently want the latest fashion. There is no difference in performance as far as I can see or feel, but thanks to this fashion-conscious market last years styles are hard to sell, and so are discounted steeply. I have bought $85 running shoes for as little as $25 in this way.

The Sierra Trading Post catalog is a good one to check for these deals. I won’t mention specific brands that are light or cheap because these change so frequently. Check online, get a few catalogs sent to you, and you’ll find some deals.

Buy Low Quality

My second strategy for keeping my hiking shoes light and cheap is to go to Wal-Mart or Kmart or other places which sell shoes inexpensively. The lowest cost shoes I use at the moment (2009) are $10 at Wal-Mart. They are definitely low quality, but only in terms of materials and longevity. In actual use, they grip better than any expensive shoes when I am hiking in rocky territory where I like to climb around a bit.

The key with these cheap hiking shoes is to use them only for short backpacking trips and hikes that don’t take you too far into the wilderness. I once used a $7 pair of shoes on a week-long 110-mile trip in the Rockies, and I almost regretted it. They came close to falling apart after seven days of rough terrain.

I have to say, though, that they were very comfortable, light, and required no “breaking in.” I would use such hiking shoes again, but limit them to trips of about three days or less. I might also carry some duct tape just in case repairs were needed.

So shop those closeout sales for quality running shoes (they still seem better to me than those specifically called hiking shoes). Or buy the cheapest comfortable shoes you can find for shorter hikes. And bring a scale to the store with you. That’s how you keep it light and cheap.

To make life a little simpler on your hiking trip you will want to get all the necessary accessory items. You do not want to get out there on your hiking adventure and find out you do not have all the needed items. But then on the other hand you do not want to take so much stuff that you make the hiking experience a workout rather than an enjoyable experience. When you have small children and you would like them to be able to enjoy your hiking experience with the family there are some accessory items that are a must. Small children are unable to walk for long distance so you are going to need a specialized pack or a stroller with large wheels to accommodate the rougher terrain.

The right hiking accessory items is a must

You will want to bring the best backpacking gear and that is Ultra light. You will also need a good utility knife and other gear like pot cozy, alcohol stoves and a good light like the photon light for those dark hours. A great accessory but not a must is a pair of night vision optics. You can always use a good set of binoculars or spotting scope for watching birds, deer, flowers and other beautiful sites on your hiking adventure. Two of the most important accessory items are a good flashlight, GPS system and extra batteries. With a good GPS you can hike a little easier knowing you can find your way back.

Extra Hiking Accessories on the Market

Many times when you and a friend go hiking or your family you end up camping. Many times you just can not see all you want to see in one day or you want to hike in further to your favorite fishing hole and it just can not be done in one day. A good tent, some bug dope, spray misters and drinking canteens all are additional hiking accessory items to put on your list. You probably want to have that fresh pot of coffee in the morning so try and get yourself a nice compact coffee pot.

There are so many accessory items on the market today that you can make you hiking, hunting or fishing trip into that beautiful backcountry a lot more special by bringing that accessory item. Bringing these items can let you see parts of the country you did not even know were there like a set of night vision goggles will let you see the wilderness from a totally different point of view. After all, you are out there to discover what you can not get in the city. The great outdoors is a wonderful place for you to become one with nature. Now be spirited and do not leave without the proper hiking accessory items you need.