If you want to avoid poison ivy, in addition to learning what it looks like, you should learn where it likes to grow and avoid those areas. So stick to paths, trails, etc., and avoid short cuts through the woods, which might save you some time, but will likely get you a poison ivy rash.
Keep in mind that 'wild' areas like this are very tempting spots for kids to go off playing and exploring, so do a little exploring of your own first to make sure that they are free of poison ivy or make them off limits to your kids.

