 Man has always used walking as a means of relaxation throughout the years. Going for a stroll is a wonderful way to meditate on possible dilemmas or to get away from things and clear your mind.
General hiking tips:
1. Be sure that you drink enough water. Also be sure that you bring enough water with you or you can find water supply during the hike. Dehydration is especially dangerous in hot weather.
2. Pack carefully. The most significant rule of hiking is smart about what you pack. A novice generally becomes exhausted carrying a sack full of trail munchies, games, a portable CD player, three sweaters, and a video camera. Consider carrying a disposable camera for a more enjoyable hike, although pictures are nice.
3. You must think before you step. Always consider the path before bounding forward, keep an eye on the trail well in front of where you are walking.
4. Bring your own medicines.
5. Never hike alone. Under any circumstances do not venture into the woods by yourself. Of course, outdoor adventures are fun for the family, but hiking is only a group sport. When you are alone, the chances of becoming lost, sustaining injury, or losing supplies are much higher, and it makes the travel extremely dangerous.
6. Don't don and doff layers continually.
It is good to dress in layers, but select which layers, and stick with them for a time. If you don’t do it, you will exhaust yourself and try the patience of the group you are with. In general, it is better to be a little cool than too hot, but don't change unless you are really getting uncomfortable.
7. Put the slowest hiker in front and pace the group to that person.
This is a good rule for a group of differing ages! If the fast hikers are in the front, they will spread out too much. Then someone small at the back gets exhausted running to keep up. If there are faster and slower groups, the one ahead should never get too far ahead and should stop and let the others catch up on a regular basis.
8. Take regular breaks.
9. Avoid sunburn.
10. Encourage kids not to exhaust themselves early in a hike. Often little ones run at the beginning, run out of energy and have to be carried.
11. Always carry out what you carry in.
The golden rule of interacting with the environment is: Leave it as you found it. This rule can be applied to the trees, the earth, the animals, the campsite, and even the flowers.
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