Pro Tips

International Distress Call: Three blasts of a whistle is the signal for help.
Always yield to hikers going uphill. They have the right-of-way.
Not all public park bathrooms have running water. Have supplies ready and plan accordingly.
Your phone might not have service, don't rely on it to help you navigate.
Always have a physical map of the trails. If not possible, take a picture of the trail map, so you have at least something for reference.
Take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you.
I would rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Know what you are going to do before you get there, have backups just in case.
The Bear Riddle:

If its black, fight back (American Black bear)

If its brown, lay down (Grizzly Bears)

If its white, goodnight (Polar Bears)

The Oktas Scale: A scale from 0-8 that describes the amount of cloud cover at any given location

0/8 – Clear

1/8 – Mostly Clear

2/8 – Mostly Sunny

3/8 – Partly Cloudy

4/8 – Partly Sunny

5/8 – Mostly Cloudy

6/8 – Mostly Cloudy

7/8 – Considerably Cloudy

8/8 - Cloudy

Hotels rewards/memberships can help you save money. Every brand name has one, and is usually free to signup for basic/entry level rewards/discounts using a points and tiered system;

The Day Hiker's Excursion