I have many Credit cards, but I've always paid them off or am paying on them. But my question is will I hurt my credit if I close the ones I do not use. I've been told many things...

It sounds as though you have established a solid credit history. This will not hurt your credit rating by closing accounts. When you close an account the creditor must notify the credit bureaus. The credit bureaus will report the account closed at the customer's request. As long as you have a few active cards you will be in good shape.