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Before you go into the woods...

Here are some terms you should know:

Wilderness/backcountry: more than an hour into the woods, specifically, an hour away from help, a phone, or artificial shelter.

Short hike: three hours or less, requiring only a light pack.

Day hike: a more ambitious all-day excursion, though still requiring only a light pack.

Backpacking: advanced camping, requiring a heavy pack on your back as you venture into the isolated backcountry. Backpacking should be undertaken only by those who've had experience hiking mountain or forest trails.

Remember: Even the most casual afternoon stroll can turn into an extended trip if you get lost, injured, or encounter bad weather... So do your planning -- it's worth it.

Some rules of the trail:

Always bring at least one friend

Plan on hiking only in daylight

Choose your route ahead of time

Use outdoor trail guides and forest or park maps

Give yourself more time than you think necessary; having too tight a schedule often leads to rushing and unsafe situations.

Figure out driving time and hiking time (two miles per hour is the average hiker's pace), and allow yourself a few hours for rest stops, food breaks, picture-taking, and other amusements.

Get local weather information. If there's a chance of heavy rain or thunderstorms, snow or other adverse conditions, postpone your hike.

Always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back.