Welcome to the forum.

First, have you looked at the articles on the main page, down the left side, especially the gear checklists? (by main page I mean backpacking.net) There is an 18 pound 3 day pack list there. It is just an example and personal preference plus the actual conditions you'll be heading out into will dictate some choices.

Second, I'm sure there are tons of websites - for your area, I'd start with lists of national and state parks. There's nps.gov for national parks and I'm sure your state has a similar website. There are also bound to be books and guides at any local bookstore, as well as on amazon.com - just googling through google books will get you sneak peeks into some of them. Libraries often have shelves of older editions of hiking guides. There are Moon and Falcon guides as well as many specific to my area at my local library. Websites and phone calls will get you the most current information, however.

Third, poke around here in the forum - there are tons of threads on various types of gear, questions from other newbies, and plenty of food for thought.

I can think of a lot of things you need - but I'd be repeating the gear checklists already referenced. Odds are good you'll not need something to cut firewood, for example, but I know people sometimes prefer to have a small saw or axe; personally I never need either. You don't list a sleeping pad, and to me that is far more important than cutting tools, since I like to be comfortable and warm at night, and a fire is not always legal to have - plus I won't be keeping it going while sleeping. Weather proof clothing and poncho sound like a duplication - unless you mean warm layers, which may be, and in which case this is dependent on your season and location how much clothing you'll need. And you'll want to take into consideration the issue of food storage, since in many popular areas, small and large animals have gotten into the habit of seeking out hiker's food. This would be partially determined by regulations of the wilderness area you'll be traveling in. You also don't necessarily need a tent, but this again will be influenced by where and what season you are going in. Weather, bugs, and your perception of what's safe will have a lot to do with it. Some are comfortable just sleeping out in fair weather, or taking a simple tarp. Many AT hikers take hammocks or just sleep in the shelters. Granny Gatewood took a shower curtain. Here in California, I either hammock or carry a tent - depends on my destination.

Lastly, I'd start small - short, local, with borrowed or rented gear. Take a few sandwiches and some trail mix, choose a local destination, pack up and go a few miles. Find a hiking group and talk to them about where they go. meetup.com and other websites similar to it have hiking groups aplenty for your consideration. I'd google "hiking groups in (your town)" to start.