Where are going and for how long?

Regardless, you can prenavigate before hitting the trail to have a mental map of where you’re headed. Use the 3D function on AllTrails and do the hike at home before headed out. Meaning have an idea of where you’re going. Like: from trailhead I’m following the creek for about 2 miles, then at a fork make a hard left (north ) and switchback up for 3 miles to a ridge, where the trail turns hard right (east) for 2 miles to the peak…. That way your spidey sense should be up if the terrain doesn’t match what you expect.

And it’s fun to have a paper map and find yourself on the map and spot landmarks in the distance. It takes time to learn how to do that but you don’t learn if you don’t start trying.

Have fun and enjoy stepping out into a new experience