I am really into hiking these days but am a complete novice!  DO you enjoy hiking?
Hiking is the preferred term, in Canada and the United State but can change based on where you are
Interesting!  What are some of the best places to hike?
I love walking at Big Bend park, On the other hand, in the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, the word is called just walking.
Calling it just "walking" seems boring.  What should I bring with me on hikes?
Water and maybe a GPS just in case.  The word hiking is also often used in the UK, along with rambling
Yeah, a GPS would definitely come in handy.  Rambling is a funny term, I like it.  Is hiking a popular activity around the world?
The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia, kinda neat huh?
It is!  Isn't that the same as going on a "walkabout"?
In New Zealand they call hiking tramping