First of all, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment to hike with. One of the most important items is a good pair of hiking shoes, according to the CrossRhodes web site. Many people who don't hike often think that a good pair of sneakers will suffice when hiking the trails. But wearing sneakers can be dangerous on some trails. A woman who was hiking with sneakers up steep waterfalls at Ricketts Glen fell off the waterfall and broke her leg.
Point taken, it's best to invest in a good pair of hiking boots.
When shopping for hiking boots, make sure that the boots are comfortable, lightweight, waterproof and have good traction. Decent hiking boots are available at stores that sell hiking and camping supplies and some shoe stores. The staff at the stores can help you pick out boots that will suit your hiking needs. Also, when buying shoes, it's a good idea to buy a few pairs of thick wool hiking socks to go with them. When packing clothing for a hiking trip, make sure to bring clothes that will be comfortable and a rain poncho.