I know next to nothing of hiking, so I’d be interested in hearing of your trips and tips and whatever else!
My limited knowledge roughly amounts to go with someone (genuinely) experienced, have more water (and probably food) than you’ll think you need, good footwear, be wary of the mystery berry, and don’t try to pet/touch all the wildlife (no matter how cute they may seem).
Start with small hikes and work up to longer ones. If you have never hiked or walked a long distance, don’t do a 12 mile hike because it will probably kick your ass for a couple days after. That carries more weight the older you get. Make sure to take breaks, hiking 4 hours straight is a lot harder than hiking 6 with a few breaks.
I know I can hike 8 hours in 80 degrees with easy terrain carrying only 2l of water and a light meal, but I also know I can’t hike half that if I am going up a steep mountain trail. The only reason I know that is because I have gone past that and risked having an emergency situation. Being an experienced hiker means you know your limit and stay within it with a fair margin of safety. More importantly, an experienced hiker knows when to turn back instead of pushing further for worthless reasons. You may have to turn back and not see the top of the mountain, but you will live to try again; pushing further may mean Mr. Ballen knows who you are. No hiker wants Mr. Ballen to know who they are.
Learn the signs of heat stroke for yourself and others. Learn what dangerous animals are in the area and what to do. Learn first aid, it can save you or a stranger having a bad day.
Don’t go anywhere near the staircase in the woods. Nobody was calling your name. Mountain lions screaming sound a lot like a woman being murdered, so don’t investigate. If you see the guy dancing in a suit, just leave. If you feel uneasy, like you should be afraid, just leave and be on your guard. No animals are friendly, if they seem that way they are probably sick or a skin walker. Always walk away from chanting in the woods, if you hear the chanting in your head, gg. Wendigo can be kept at bay with fire, killing one means a silver blade to the heart.
If you are not going on an established trail or one that may be outside of cell service, carry two maps(one you use and another you keep safe on your person.) and download an offline map to your phone. Learn how to find north without a compass and memorize what direction roads or towns are. Wandering off-trail can be tons of fun, but it can end in a bad day if you don’t know what you are doing.
A light and packable poncho(even a cheap plastic one) can save the day. Wool socks are a hiker’s best friend. Wear sunscreen, especially if you are going up a mountain. Check for ticks thoroughly.