You can also search online for hikes in your area. Chances are, you will find a bunch of websites detailing some great hikes right near your house–even if you live in the heart of a city like San Francisco. (If you actually do live in SF, go check out the Marin Headlands!)
If you have new shoes that you’ve never worn before, break them in before you set out on your hike. If you don’t, you could end up with some nasty blisters on your feet.
If you do decide to hike solo, let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Tell them you will contact them after you are done with your hike. Do not forget to actually contact them or they may call emergency services.
If you cannot find a trailhead, you may not be at the right location. Ask someone for directions. Other trails might not have a trailhead–this fact will be specified in your trail guide.
You may see small trails branching off from your trail. Do not follow these–often they are simply deer and other forest creature paths that will lead you into uncharted territory. Park rangers and trail maintenance people generally block off these sort of faux-trails by dragging fallen tree branches across the path.
You will also most likely see a sign that says do not feed wild animals. This is really good advice, as feeding wild animals can hurt both you and the animals. Do not feed wild animals–no matter how cute they look.
In particular, look out for snakes. Be careful when walking in rocky areas where snakes are known to reside–stepping on a snake is never a good thing.
