Okay, so you've decided you are going for a hike. You have picked the trail, packed the gear, drove to the trail head and now you have no idea what you are doing. Don't fear! That is why this article is here..
The first thing you need to do is identify the distance that you plan to hike. Are you going a kilometer or 10? Are you going to be out until past sunset? When does the park close? Is the trail going to return you back to the trailhead or will you have to stop and turn around eventually to backtrack? Did you bring a map? Did you pack any/enough food water. Does anyone know where you are or when are you expected home? These are all questions you should really be asking before you even get in your car or on the bus in the first place.
Drawing from personal experience, the last thing you want to be is dehydrated and tired after a long hike and get into your car to find out that the park gate is already locked for the night. Next open at dawn.
What do you bring with you? Well that depends on how long and how hard you are going to hike. I typically bring a light pack with a half-liter of an electrolyte mix, a low fiber energy bar, an ultra lite med kit, lighter, cell phone, extra battery, bear spray, digital camera and aspirin. You might want to bring more or less depending.
How do you dress? This really depends on the weather you experience. Where I am based, coastal British Columbia, the weather can change dramatically very quickly. I always bring hiking shoes, light breathable pants that can convert into shorts, a t-shirt and jacket. Because the exercise can warm me up fast, I only pull out the jacket if it gets fairly cold.
Now that you have your ducks in a row, you will need to know what to do once you are on the trail.. Not all trails are alike. Some trails have clearly defined paths with fancy logs or railways ties guiding the way. Some trails are elevated on planks of wood. Some trails are mulched. Some trails don't even look like trails; they look like every other part of the forest with pine needles and fallen logs and the like. The trick is to know where your heading is.
Many of the earlier examples of trails have signage clearly stating where to go, i.e., "Joe's Viewpoint -- 2 KM." Occasionally, you will be on a trail and the only markers identifying the correct direction are pieces of neon tape or tiny metal plates nailed to trees. Different colors usually mean different trails. The markings are usually separated by many meters of distance. Typically, when standing adjacent to one marking, you should only see the very next marking in your line of sight.
I also touched on the point of different trails. Often, you will be on a trail that intersects or joins with another trail temporarily. Be cautious of not accidentally hopping trails. It won't be fun once you have been hiking for several hours only to realize you have no idea what trail you are on. Now, there is probably a lot more advice that you could receive. Most of what I learned is from experience. The advice provided is just a suggestion and cannot substitute for any professional recommendations. Please use your best judgment when out on a trail!
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