Everyone has their own preference for brands of handhelds. I personally prefer Garmin. Currently I own an Etrex Vista HCx. It has done me well. It is rugged and easy to use. The Vista was a little more expensive (around $300 when I got it) but you will find that there are cheaper versions out there such as the Legend. The original yellow Etrex does well, but not for what you would need it for. You could probably pick up the Legend for around $180.
Another option is the Garmin 60CSx. AFAIK, they aren't making them any more, but many stores such as REI still have them on sale and you could probably pick up one of those for about $200. They are pretty much the same as the Etrex but have a little bigger screen and an external antenna. The Etrex is still my personal favorite though.
Most come with one set of pre-loaded maps, usually topos. Some do have street maps so make sure the one you are buying has the type of map you are looking for. If you want both sets, the other will run you about $100 extra if you buy it in the store. There are maps available here, created by our very own Boyd that are AWESOME for exploring the pines.
Get yourself a unit and feel free to ask any questions once you do....
), that's a good place to learn more. Watch the Black Friday thread over there to see if you can find a sale: 
