Greg Miller, president of the American Hiking Society, agrees with Berger on the benefits of hiking with a partner. "You tend to interact in a constructive and positive way," Miller says. "That's an exciting element of hiking."

How to Get Started
You might think hiking is only for those who live in the mountains or backwoods, but almost everyone has a hiking trail near their home. The Appalachian Trail, for example, runs about 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine and is within a one- or two-hour drive from any city on the East Coast outside Florida. Even New York City has a number of groups that organize hiking trips every weekend.

Check local hiking clubs in your area or local chapters of the Sierra Club or the Appalachian Mountain Club in the Northeast. Local outfitters such as REI or Eastern Mountain Sports are always a good source of information. Most people who work there are outdoor enthusiasts themselves and usually know of or lead hiking trips.

The American Hiking Society offers a wealth of information on its Website, including trail safety tips, state-by-state hiking club listings and a list of top trails in the country. The Long Path just outside New York City, for example, is a top trail that runs 350 miles from Fort Lee, NJ, to Middleburgh, NY.

What to Bring
You most likely have everything you need to get started in your closet, except maybe a good pair of hiking shoes. Hiking shoes or boots should be comfortable, sturdy, waterproof and, most importantly, broken in before you take them on the trail. If you're going for a short hike, you don't have to worry about water, layers or rain protection. But if you're going for an hour or longer, always bring the following:

• Rain gear
• An extra layer in case the temperature dips
• Hat for sun protection and, when necessary, warmth
• Day pack
• Water
• Snack(s)
• Sunscreen

Other important items, depending on the length and area of your hike, include:

• Trash bags to use as shelter or ground cover in case of rain
• Pocket knife
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Insect repellent

Berger is a fan of walking sticks, especially for the descent. "I strongly recommend them for hilly terrain and winter hiking," she says. "In the winter they help you with balance and to find non-slippery ground. When you're going downhill, they can take a lot of stress off your knees, especially for people who are a few pounds overweight."