>>2275350Start small OP. NJ has some decent trail systems that are relatively free of danger to get used to things like the weight of packs, the weight of boots, and the realistic pacing across non paved surfaces.
Get a few 5-10 flat hikes under your belt, then start adding elevation. East to central PA can be a good starting point for that and not be too long a drive. (gotta remember that you have to drive back after this hike.)
When you're ready for a decent challenge suggest Pinnacle loop in Hamburg, PA. It's about a 1500' gain and loss in a 9-10 mile loop and has some decent views.
After that and your gear is sorted, start looking for mountain peaks near by, you've the Appalachian range nearby, find a peak and walk up to it. Repeat until you're comfortable doing larger elevation swings.
When you've got a bunch of those peaks under your belt, come out west, visit the Rockies and do the same thing. Pick a peak hike it.
Somewhere along the line you'll figure out what gear you need, and don't, what gear works, and what doesn't. You might start doing overnight backpacking between peaks, and working out rationing of energy for longer 20-30+ mile hikes over a weekend.
The most important thing OP, is to start. And do so reasonably.
