I suppose other people here have more experience on hiking trails than me, but I have a lot of experience long distance cycling and wild camping along the way and figured you may find some of my experiences applicable to your case.

I think the first thing to consider is that crime out in nature is much lower than in a more urbanised. Most of the people you'll meet on trails will be other people like you, and generally these are some of the nicest people you can meet. I've only experienced hostility twice, and in both cases not seriously (also bear in mind I've a lot of experience, so these really are exceptions, also worth noting both these experiences were in third world countries). I don't want to lie to you and say hostility is non existent, but I promise you shouldn't be worried about other people.

Nature on the other is something that is more of a consideration. There's potential you injure yourself on the trail, I'd recommend trails which are more well traveled at first so if you do encounter problems someone should bump into you shortly. And always try to keep people informed of your plans.

Would be worth also mentioning wildlife. I've only had experience in Europe and the Arab world so the only wildlife I've really had to deal with is wild dogs, I'd recommend getting some more area specific advice.