Trip Planning

“Don't know whether this will help those who want to go into an area to hike but don't know where to go, but I'll try.
I first buy the guidebook that covers the area or the section of AT. I browse through it and find areas that have something that maybe appeals to me. Then I read in detail. If it's still interesting, I plan to go there and check it out.
People, over the years, recommend areas to hike, but I still like to get the guidebook and check it out. That way, when I go, I have some sense of where I'm going, both navigationally and aesthetically. Basically, I like to know what kind of country I'm hiking through, some of its natural and human history, and what makes it special. Guidebooks are generally great sources for this.
Guidebooks also warn about problems, list any precautions, and generally contain up to date information about regulations governing the area.
I'd heartily recommend guidebooks as an essential first step in planning any wilderness trip or day hike.
As far as what trip is best and what might be second best, I consider all trips best. I've hiked areas that many people do not frequent and found something there as well, even if it was only solitude. A sense of exploration helps, but every place is unique and has its own things to offer.
There have been times when I've just set out down trails and county roads to cut across the forest with nothing more than a forest map, and those were some memorable trips.
In short, there is no single best hike. And there is no worst hike, except the one not taken.
Enjoy!”

“this is a really good post, Geobeet! i have the feeling that there are lots of places relatively close to me that i could go to, but i don't know where to go...YOU know. i have a habit of going to places that are just alright, for the mere reason that i know where i'm going. i'll have to do what you suggest!”

“Good stuff, Geobeet. I'll just add that I get a lot of my trip ideas browsing the topo maps (either on paper, or online at topozone.com), then looking up the places that look intriguing; and I supplement the guidebooks by searching for online trip reports (works better some places than others; there's a ton of info on the Sierra).”

“And the night before you hit the trailhead, read the local paper(s). Really gives you a flavor of life from the "locals" perspective.”

“Suggestions worth resurrecting.”

“yes heal up before you undertake a trip.


1. plan on tripping but not falling”

“I always make a checklist and follow it religiously. This did not stop me from leaving my drug bottle at home on the last trip.”

“I always thought it was a requirement to forget something necessary.”

“That sounds like a whole other thread, Geo- Good idea.”

“I foolishly took it upstairs to put more ibuprofen in it. It never made it back into my fanny pack. Fortunately for me, others were well-prepared and generous.

I used to check the checklist three times, but I've cut back to two. I guess I need to go back into anal retentive mode.”

“i find that i leave almost all of my backpacking gear in the pack
like the water filter, tent, bag etc...
i dont have room to leave things laying around.
but at the end of the hiking season I do put tent and bag in storage hanging.
it seems that this hiking season is not going to end for a while!!”

“Easy for you to say.”

“What I carry changes a lot from hike to hike, except for a few items. Plus, I like to air out and clean most of my stuff when I get home, so it all comes out of the pack usually. Since I have it scattered all over my study downstairs, it doesn't bother my wife much. I need to do something about arranging it in a more orderly fashion, but that would take time...lol”