Choosing Suitable Hiking Trails

If you're interested in taking up hiking there are many things you need to consider before you get started. For example, do you have the right boots for the terrain you'll be crossing? If you're staying out overnight, is your tent of sufficient quality to withstand a night of potentially torrid weather? Is there adequate room in your rucksack for all of your provisions?

However, before you can answer any of these questions you have to be able to choose a hiking trail.  In order to do so, you will first have to truthfully assess your hiking expertise; if you're a beginner (i.e. if you've been hiking fewer than five times in the past couple of years or so) then there are more restrictions on the kinds of trail you can use when compared with an experienced hiker who goes trekking on a regular basis.

Of course, your physical fitness is also a major contributing factor, as well as whether or not you're hiking with other people of a less robust nature than yourself (children, the elderly etc.).

Regardless of where in the world you are, hiking trails will generally always be divided into three difficulty ratings: beginner, intermediate and expert, with the odd few trails falling outside these ratings. You should always choose a trail based on your experience rather than the perceived level of natural beauty available at a certain location.

Beginner trails are for beginners (obviously), but also people with heart/back/weight problems, the elderly and children. These hiking trails are often short, on the lower levels with only gentle climbs.

Intermediate trails are for those with a good grasp of navigation techniques and hiking safety considerations, and possibly for beginners who are accompanied by intermediate hikers. The beginners who are on these types of trails can then be looked after and avoid running into any difficulty.

Expert trails should only ever be attempted by the very experienced hikers, as they are likely to include sections where the going is very difficult, the inclines very steep and the ground treacherous.

Selecting a trail of the appropriate difficulty is the most important consideration to make. Once this is done, you are free to make the more enjoyable choices for your trip.

If you're a lover of wildlife, then consult members of the local populace to find out where your best bird watching opportunities will be. On the other hand, you may prefer the scenery itself, if that is the case check the maps to see which trails offer the best elevation and thus the best views. And if you're taking the family along, my advice is to use a trail with plenty of potential toilet stops along the way!