Hiking can be more than a simple way to pass the time. For some, it's been an important piece of their family history. Family vacations are often where a deep-rooted love of hiking begins. Kids still in toddler boots are scaling river banks and traversing the great outdoors with their earthy parents. These early cross-country outings turn into valuable skills and priceless memories that can last a lifetime.



Many hikers develop their love of the sport much later in life, sometimes well into the senior years. Older kids in scout troops embark on weekend journeys. Teenagers traipse through the woods to find a secluded spot to hang out with their friends. Stressed-out executives can't wait until five o'clock, so they can kick off their wingtips and strap on a pair of hiking boots.

A newfound love of hiking can happen at any age and for any reason. The one thing that's constant is that hiking is the perfect way to shake off modern worries and enjoy all of nature's wondrous gifts.

Hiking for beginners can be tricky, and you can always spot a first time hiker. Rookies hobbling under fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. A backcountry pack overflowing with a ten pound tent, a dozen bagels, two spare pairs of shoes and loads of whatcha-macallits carefully packed "just in case".

Seasoned hikers can snicker at the rookies, but let's face it; every one of us has painted this same picture at one time. Newbies take heart: it won't take long for you to shake the excess pounds from your back, and clock enough miles on your boots to have you traveling lean. As time goes, you'll find yourself learning the ropes and fine-tuning your art along the way, until your pack decreases in size as quickly as your appetite for bagels.

While you're honing your craft, here are some helpful tips that can help to clear the trail:

Prepare Before You Pack

Hiking is fun and makes you feel free as a bird. Remember, though, that there are basic safety rules that you've got to follow. This is the outdoors, and anything can happen. Failing to prepare for your anything-goes journey can be the cause of backcountry disasters and near misses. Inadequate clothing, bad judgment calls and the inability to read a map have all led to life-threatening hiking situations. The first step in hiking for beginners is to know what you need to bring, understand what you need to do, and then follow through. Know the conditions. Check the weather forecast, dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket -- just in case. Be aware of the trail and surroundings. If you're hiking in a national park or conservation area, check with park management for advice on local conditions and permitting procedures. Check your bookstore or look online for hiking guides and maps. Use them.

Understand Your Equipment

Forget the coordinating hiking outfit. No one cares what you look like on the trail, so leave your ego at home. It's more important to be safe and comfortable than to simply look good. Temperatures can plummet after the sun sets, so pack accordingly with warm clothing and an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sport that requires proper equipment, and nature is a force that must be respected. Buy and bring equipment that will help you to stay safe on the trail. No one will care if you seem like a "newbie" on the trail, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Get Ready to Have Fun

In the end, hiking is all about having fun. Otherwise, no one would do it. To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness is a luxury vacation. Mosquito bites and scratches are five-star amenities. If you're hardcore about your love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom.

Remember, there's no stress in hiking. Take your time and enjoy your journey. Watch the clouds drift by. Breathe in the fresh air and drink in the sunshine. Catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Hiking for beginners isn't difficult -- it's the start of a beautiful friendship.