1. Never Hike Alone
This is probably not critical if you're just going on a leisurely hike inside local park but if you are likely to venture into the actual forest, a canyon or another trickier area, you shouldn't travel alone.
Hiking using a partner can offer several advantages. People in pairs are more unlikely to become overly anxious when up against a problem or perhaps setback, and they will offer assistance to one another for getting upwards steep inclines, across streams or another trouble spot.
If a physical injury does occur, the partner can hike back to the trailhead to obtain assistance. And if it is needed, it's much easier for two people to preserve their body warm than for a single person to do consequently.
2. Plan In advance
Make sure you are familiar with the area you happen to be hiking into. Whether or not you've never hiked generally there before, you will use maps and guidebooks to "survey" areas before setting out there.
It also allows you talk to other hikers who have been there to determine if there are generally any tricky spots that you can know of in advance. The internet is a good place to do some investigation on an place, especially if it isn't really close to where you live.
Make sure anyone take appropriate walking gear. This includes basics such as a map, compass and water but its also wise to plan ahead through first aid materials, some basic conditions and proper equipment if you were to become stuck overnight.
It's always easier to prepare for the actual worst case and never need it than plan for top level and find out you're wrong.
3. Exercise Commonsense
Hiking is good exercise but make certain your common sense gets a workout too. Aren't getting over-confident when for the trail and do stuff that are risky or perhaps foolish.
Make sure you tell somebody else where you're going and when you expect to get back. If nobody appreciates you're gone or what your location is, they won't manage to help you should you not return when anyone expected.