The Maps Were A Good Representation Of The Best Route Layouts
Some of the more adventurous trails in the local parks will offer hikers a way to advance their own skills in the woods. While the tendency is to have the proper gear at all times, this is often overlooked by the anticipation of a big hike, yet it still needs to be addressed before embarking on any long journey.
Having said that, some of the best scenery in the country can be found simply hiking to some popular destinations. Is getting there a problem? Not really because there are countless maps that provide an adequate source for the key points along the route. However because there are so many possible routes to take in most parks, a good GPS geocaching unit is quite handy in addition to the maps. Sure this is more complicated to use but it can offer more features than standard maps. If you do not plan to spend some time learning how to use a GPS unit though, you may be better served sticking with your trusty maps.
If you do choose to go the more technical route though you will want to program your chosen route ahead of time. By doing this you will be able to correlate some of the more densely wooded areas along the way. This often lets hikers find wildlife and other wonderful sights that may not be so easy to locate otherwise.