Wanting to return, but what type of bike?

I used to ride a few years ago and no longer have the hard tail 29er that I had. I noticed most other riders had full suspension. I suppose I could afford a sweet trail bike like a trance or trek fuel. I have a feeling I'll be suggested those would be too much, as I enjoyed trexlertown, nox, Jordan, and probably raystown if I would ever get there. Mount Penn and marsh Creek I might want to check out too. All the talk of wheel size, tire width, suspension travel, and head tube angle on the internet is a bit much. Anyone have any advice?