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Nowadays, having GPS is a common thing but compass is still often cheaper and it's a good idea for hikers to be familiar with how to use it. Good compass has a very detailed and accurate set of degree lines. Most will have the North-pointing tip painted red to make it easy to distinguish from the South-pointing tip. Very few will point to true geographic north. The difference is called the magnetic declination.

For most areas, the differences are minor and you care mostly about which way you are heading, not the absolute direction. So, you can adjust visually by just tilting the map a little bit and not paying too much attention to true north.

Amateur hikers will often reason that they can stick to well-travelled trails and forego the hard work needed to learn how to use maps. But, you really can get seriously lost, even near clearly marked trails. Even stepping a few yards off a trail into heavy forest has confused more than one beginner. In the absence of sun, stars or geographical markers it's easy to get turned around. You can wind up walking even farther from the trail.  A good map will help you easily get back to your starting point. First, have current map covering the area you intend to hike and study it at home. Almost all will have a legend. Get familiar with the symbols. Don't forget, though, that distance is only part of the story. One mile on level ground is one thing. But if 3/4 of that distance takes you from near sea level to 2,000 feet high by a steep, winding incline, that's quite another.

 

People who live in urban environments sometimes seem to forget why they came to a wilderness area to hike: peace and quiet, and great scenery. To enjoy those themselves, and to allow others to, hikers generally adopt a few common sense guidelines. Part of the deep pleasure of hiking is enjoying the peace and quiet scenery. There are many exciting things to do in the city that involve making loud noises. Hiking trails are not made for that purpose. Respect others and keep your voice down and ride motorcycles elsewhere.