Trailing or evergreens? Trailers tend to be on the small side over here-- maybe they like your area better. They als have a VERY distinctive flavor difference. (All 3 taste very different)

As a child I spent sooo much time wandering the woods... mostly alone. And I go hiking here alone too. :-p You live in the middle of fing nowhere! What's the big deal? (Besides the fact you might not have enough situational experience yet... although how are you gonna get it?)