Planning Your Perfect Hike

Best practices and tips to help you pick your hiking trail for Trail Blazers

Updated February 2025

You’re signed up for Trail Blazers and ready to hit the trail for Camp Casco! Before you lace up your boots, let’s talk about picking the perfect hike. Choosing the right trail is key to making sure your experience is fun, safe, and just the right level of challenge. Here are some things to consider when planning your perfect Trail Blazers hike so you will have a fun and safe experience:

Distance, Difficulty & Destination 

It’s tempting to pick a long, challenging hike to prove you can complete the distance, especially when you’re supporting a charity. But distance isn’t everything! It’s more important to choose a distance that’s appropriate for your skill level than showing off.

When determining the distance of a hike, don’t forget to count the round-trip mileage and double-check if a hike is a loop (one big circle) or an out-and-back (hike in and out on the same path). If you’re a beginner, hike pros suggest choosing a hike that is 2-3 miles long. You’ll get a good workout, see a beautiful trail, and won’t overcommit. When you are comfortable with that distance, you can work your way up to longer hikes.

Not all hikes are created equal! A short but steep climb can be tougher than a long, flat stroll. Before you go, check out the trail length and elevation gain. The National Park Service has a difficulty rating system that can help:

• Easy: Score under 50

• Moderate: 50-100

• Strenuous: 100-200+

A short, steep hike can be more difficult than a flat, long one. Understand the trail and the elevation before you go! To figure out a hike’s rating, use an elevation calculator to input mileage and elevation gain to choose your hike accordingly. If you’re new to hiking, start with a shorter, flatter trail and work your way up!

The beauty of Trail Blazers is: that your hike can be anywhere. Treat yourself to a vacation or a special day trip and hike a one-of-a-kind trail. Make it a group event, and grab some friends to come along! Also, consider picking a trail with a picture-perfect view at the end. You’ll get gorgeous scenery, a hike to check off your bucket list, and a great photo to use to share your accomplishments! #InstagramWorthy

Terrain & Gear

Not all terrains are created equal. What kind of path will you be walking on? Smooth and paved, or rocky and rugged? Knowing this will help you plan what footwear to bring:

• Paved or well-groomed trails: Sturdy sneakers will do the trick.

• Rocky or uneven paths: Hiking boots with ankle support are your best bet.

• Muddy or wet conditions: Waterproof footwear can be a lifesaver!

You can check out local hiking blogs and social media accounts to get the 411 for hikes in your area. It’s also a good idea to check out what’s along the trail—wildflowers, waterfalls, or scenic overlooks make for an extra special experience! On the flip side, be aware of potential hazards like poison oak, ticks, and snakes (especially if you’re bringing kids or pups along).

Once you pick your path and know what footwear to bring, it’s time to plan the rest of your gear: clothes (like waterproof clothing, just in case!), fuel, and hydration. Being properly prepared is crucial for a successful and safe experience.

Crowds & Safety

A packed trail can feel overwhelming, while a completely empty one may not be the safest choice. Strike a balance by checking blogs or local hiking forums for insights on crowd levels.

For beginners, a lightly trafficked trail can be helpful if you have questions or need assistance. And don’t forget to say hi to people you pass on the trail! A friendly “hello” to fellow hikers goes a long way in keeping the outdoor community welcoming and fun.

If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to pick a trail that is more popular in case you have questions, get lost, or (hopefully not!) have an emergency. It’s also wise to go hiking with a friend so you’re not alone. If you don’t have a hiking buddy—and even if you do—send the details of your hike to a trusted friend who will be in range of cell service. Include the location of your hike, a map of the trail, the approximate start time, and how long you anticipate the hike to take. This way, if anything goes awry, your friend will have ample information to help organize a search and make sure you are safe.

Have Fun!

The best hikes are the ones that bring joy, whether that’s reaching a beautiful summit, spotting wildlife, or just enjoying fresh air with good company. Take your time, snap some photos, and embrace the adventure!

We hope these tips helped and give you an idea of what to look for when choosing a hike for Trail Blazers! Still have questions or need advice? Email us here.

See you on the trail!