Most national forests and parks designate and mark hiking trails for the public to enjoy a few hours out in nature. These day hikes are generally a moderate hike for the average hiker. For the active hiker; however, they may be considered an easy hike. Most hiking trails are classified either easy, moderate, or difficult based on an average hiker's ability.

Day hikes are a great way to spend time with friends, enjoy nature, or get in a good outdoor workout. Most hikes don't usually demand an overwhelming amount of hiking gear. It's smart to take along water and energy bars or some other kind of snack, lip balm, sunscreen, and sunglasses depending on how long you will be hiking. For the occasional hiker tennis shoes are fine, but you may prefer to have a good pair of hiking boots.

A more strenuous and longer, expedition-based hike would include camping. Backpacking is a common way to refer to this type of hiking. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, or parts of it, is one of the most desired expedition-based hikes in America. On these type of hikes, it is common for other people to meet hikers at checkpoints offering them food or medical supplies. Sometimes, hikers may find food and supplies left in trash bags hanging from trees to keep bears and other forest animals from them. These bear bags, or food bags, are also used by the hikers themselves during their trek.