I would really love to start hiking. I have done walks outdoors and I know that they are not the same thing but I know I need to hike. I am a total newbie can I get some guidance from shoes e.t.c to hiking clubs any pointers?
SAM
FIrst hike ever!
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#2
Make sure your shoes are waterproof…I found out the hard way. Do a section hike or some local hikes before you tackle anything over 30 miles. Make sure your pack is light and that you are for sure that you’ll have plenty of safe water. Other than that the AT will put you in shape whether you want to or not…best times of my life are spent on the AT…go for it.
Doc Holiday
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#3
SAM, first suggestion. Don’t believe everything that you read on Trail Forums. What works for some may not work for you. Not sure where you live but there should be some type of trail with in a few hours drive. Go for day hikes, read as much as you can and start looking at equipment and supplies. Unless you are finacially set, you will need to buy basic equipment in stages not all at once. Shoes, pack, sleeping gear, tent, cooking gear, etc. You may be able to borrow stuff from friends. Go for an overnight, see if you like the life style. With that said, some people have never spent one night in a tent nor stepped foot on a dirt trail and hiked the entire AT their first attempt.
What works for some doesn’t work for everyone. You can do a tremendous amount of research on Trail Journals, click on Trail Forums on the Home page Top Banner, then click on Search the Forum. You can then type in any words like, shoes(waterproof), hiking clubs, filtering water or not filtering, dogs on the trail, dogs off the trail, etc. You will read about all sorts of topics. Keep in mind, what works for some doesn’t mean it will work for you.
You will find a tremendous amount of support from fellow hikers. Attach alittle more information about your self and I’m sure that there is someone that lives around you that is willing to help you out. Good luck.
Bilko
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#4
Bilko, you just told him not to believe anything on trail forums. Does that mean not to believe you. Actually I thought your advice was pretty good, as was Doc Holiday’s.
Moon Man
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#5
Check around your area and see if there are any hiking clubs or groups, etc. That’s how I got started. Usually people are pretty nice to newbies, at least they are around here. 
Lady Di
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#6
Believe everything she says. And mind you manners.
Sam; stop and smell the Roses. Long distance hiking is as easy as riding a bike. Watch and ask. No one is a newbie. Just rusty in the outdoor ways. A mentor is helpful but it helps to discover your own groove thang. Try stuff, see if it works, then modify. We’ll be happy to try and answer questions.
Bushwhack
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#8
It’s just hiking…walking. You have been doing it since a young age, I am sure. Just do it in the woods! Sorry, was that cynical? It is just that I am a little bitter not being on the trail right now :girl
Caboose
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#9
SAM, send me $600 in unmarked bills and I will give you the guidance that you will need as soon as I get back from vacation. And whatever you do, don’t listen to Moon Man. :cheers
Bilko
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#10
Just start easy, try a few little hikes around town or in state parks. Dont jump straight to the AT with a full pack. Good luck.
Super Scout
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#11
Try running or intense cycle training to gain endurance and strength. Less weight on the bod means more you may be able to cary in that pack. Oh, and make sure you got enough wampum. Nothing stops a hike faster than lack of funds.
pizza the hut
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#12
A. Put your money on your feet- Buy good, properly fit shoes/boots to hike in. If your feet hurt, the rest of you will be miserable. Hint- cost doesn’t guarantee quality. B. Leave the testosterone at home- hiking is not a contest. If your partners want to go faster, farther, climb higher, etc than you enjoy, get new partners. C. Carry a few creature comforts to start with ( camp stool, softer sleeping pad, extra clothing, fancier food, etc), then go hard-core as you progress. D. Visit memorable places ( A waterfall, panoramic view, or wildlife sighting will stick in your memory stronger than temporary pain and exhaustion). E. Don’t wait. Go. Now!!!
Carlgoose