Selecting a Beginner Friendly Destination

The primary advice here is to take it easy. Opting for a hike that's too challenging can lead to a less-than-pleasant experience, while a route that seems too easy offers extra time for exploring the surroundings near your campsite.

Follow these guidelines when selecting your first backpacking destination:

• Seek advice from seasoned backpackers
  
• Engage with hiking club members, MH staff, or consult hiking guidebooks or websites for expert recommendations.
• Opt for a location close to home: Prioritize spending more time on the trail rather than behind the wheel, ensuring sufficient daylight hours to reach your campsite before nightfall.
• Keep distances short: Plan for shorter roundtrip distances compared to your usual day hikes, considering that walking with a heavier pack slows your pace.
• Aim for modest elevation gain: Recognize that mileage alone doesn't define the hike's difficulty, so choose trails with less elevation gain than your typical day hike.
• Select well-traveled trails and established campsites: Opt for areas with nearby hikers and campers who can offer assistance if needed.
• Ensure proximity to water sources: Verify the reliability of nearby water sources, favoring lakes or large rivers over streams or springs that may dry up.
• Consider leaving pets and children behind for your first trip: Although they add enjoyment, their presence can complicate logistics. We can help with tips for backpacking with Dogs and/or Kids on future trips.
• Target summer conditions: Unless extreme heat or fire danger is a concern, aim for mid-summer to maximize daylight hours and increase the likelihood of favorable weather. Monitor forecasts and be prepared to alter plans if adverse conditions arise.
• Explore "walk-in" campgrounds: Some state and national parks offer campgrounds within a short distance of car-accessible sites, facilitating a smoother transition into backpacking.