Hiking Guides: Trails, Gear, and Getting Started - Yenra

A navy daypack, folded map and glass compass overlook a conceptual wooded mountain trail. — Explore trail planning, practical equipment choices and thoughtful ways to spend time outdoors.

Start with a manageable day hike, then build the skills and knowledge for longer outings. Explore trail-planning guides, compare ways to protect and carry your gear, and find practical questions to ask when choosing outdoor activities for your family.

Get started

A navy daypack, folded map, compass, water bottle and headlamp beside a miniature wooded hill.

Plan Your First Day Hike

Choose a route, prepare your essentials and leave a clear return plan.

Explore the trails

A miniature wooded ridge with a teal path, glass panels and a folded map on an ivory base.

Plan a Catoctin Trail Hike

Find maps, access information and local rules for a manageable section of the trail.

A long miniature Appalachian ridge with route markers beside a navy map and compass.

Appalachian Trail Day and Section Hikes

Select a section and check maps, access, transport and current trail updates.

Packs and comfort

A navy backpack, teal roll-top dry bag and ivory liner beside a glass panel with rain droplets.

Keep Your Pack Contents Dry

Compare waterproof packs, covers and liners for the conditions you expect.

A small school backpack with padded straps, two books and a water bottle on an ivory bench.

Kids' Backpack Fit and Comfort

Understand the evidence and check fit, load and carrying habits.

Related outdoor activities

An open planner and amber activity tiles in front of a miniature woodland cabin.

Choose a Summer Camp

Compare programs and prepare questions about supervision, support and communication.

A limestone cliff model with plants on ledges, a glass botanical display and a boundary marker.

Climbing and Cliff Conservation

Understand ecological impacts and how local access rules protect climbing areas.

Explore related activities in Sports.