First off, let me tell you a little about myself and what I am looking for. I live in New Orleans (which you may all know is predominately urban and flat in landscape). However, within a couple of hours away (northern Louisiana and Mississippi) offers some quality bike trails. I am looking for an entry level mountain bike that I can take out on these beginner to moderate level trails that will not tear up. I will also be looking to ride the bike some around the town and some of the small, dirt trails in some of the city parks. When I ride the bike in the town, I will most likely not be riding two hours max.

Now, I'm going to try and answer the FAQ posted on the website to better help you facilitate in helping me.

1. What kind of riding do you want to do and where? Strictly on pavement? Smooth dirt paths and pavement? Rugged mountain trails?
Smooth dirt paths (occasionally littered with tree roots, rocks, and stumps) with a few rolling hills.
2. What kind of seating position do you think you’d prefer? Racing handlebar leaned-over, leaning slightly, upright?
Leaned over
3. How far per ride? Recreational short trips under 10 miles? More frequent rides of 10 - 20 miles? Many longer rides?
I plan on riding 2 to 3 times a week (more longer, trail riding on the weekends as I will most likely have to take the bike an hour or two out of town with me)
4. Do you have a bike now? What would you like to change about it?
No
5. How rough are you (or your child) going to be?
How rugged a bike do you need?
I'm not an experienced rider and I'm sure I will take my fair share of tumbles. I would prefer to have a more durable bike.
6. Will you ride alone or with someone else?
Both, but mainly alone on the trails outside of New Orleans on the weekends (as the majority of my friends have road bikes, cruisers, or hybrids).
What style(s) of bikes do your friends ride, and where?
7. Due to rider’s age, will the bike be outgrown size-wise or use-wise?
No. I also am unsure of what size bicycle to get. I am 6'0 and about 165 lbs.
8. How much do you want to spend (after investigating your choices)?
I'd like to keep it at $400 or below if possible.

Thank you for all for your help and suggestions.

If there is an REI close to you I would check in there for an entry level Novara or Scott. They are very user friendly and have free classes on maintenance. They should also know about local riding groups.

$400 will also pick up a good Craigslist bike if you have someone who can help you look over a used bike.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up with.

The REI suggestion above is a good one. Alternately, almost any major brand sold by and independent bike shop should meet your needs. I like Specialized and Giant, but that's a personal thing. Try to spend as much as you can on your first bike and check out any store advertising a sale. You'll advance quickly and when you're buying a new bike, that's the time you can upgrade for the least amount of money by moving up to a better model.
Just stay away from big box stores and their heavy dual suspension bikes.