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- How do I research local hiking trails before a trip

Sure! Here are four different ways you can research local hiking trails before your trip:

**Use Hiking Apps**: Download apps like AllTrails or Hiking Project. They have tons of user-generated content, including trail maps, reviews, and photos. You can filter trails by difficulty, length, and even see what other hikers are saying about them.

**Check Social Media**: Browse through Instagram or Facebook groups dedicated to hiking in the area. You can find some great trail recommendations and see recent photos to get a feel for what to expect. Plus, you can ask locals for tips!

**Visit Local Outdoor Stores**: Swing by a local outdoor or sporting goods store. The staff usually knows the best trails and can hook you up with maps or even guidebooks. They might even have bulletin boards with local hiking events or meetups.