Trail Harmony: The Golden Rules of Hiking Etiquette
Hiking has recently become the most popular outdoor activity in the United States. Whether you are new to hiking or an avid hiker with ample experience, it’s crucial to be aware of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace so you can share the trails easily and fairly with your fellow hikers.
Introduction: Fostering Respect on the Trail
According to Backpacker, there were more than 881,000 new hikers in 2022 — and the number of people participating in hiking activities grew by more than 1.5% between 2021 and 2022. Although there is great excitement surrounding the sport of hiking, there is also a growing sense of frustration that new hikers are not always aware of the hiking etiquette that has been respected by trail users for generations.
Hiking and trail etiquette outline the expected norms and behaviors of hikers, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the trails. While hiking etiquette is largely rooted in the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, it extends beyond those concepts to encompass all interactions with fellow hikers and wildlife, too.
Navigating Shared Paths: Trail Etiquette Basics
No matter if you are traversing a paved trail toward a popular landmark or attraction or you’re heading out on rugged terrain that few other hikers have attempted, you will want to keep the following trail etiquette basics in mind.
Right of Way
Knowing right of way rules is essential to navigating a trail in a polite and respectful way. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the best way to remember right of way trail etiquette is to keep in mind that “wheels yield to heels.” Mountain bikers should yield to both hikers and equestrians on a multi-use trail, while hikers should yield to equestrians. If you are walking at a slower pace, step aside to allow faster hikers to pass you.
Passing Etiquette
Whether you are a biker approaching a pedestrian or a pedestrian hiking at a faster pace, you need to communicate clearly when you intend to pass. Generally speaking, most hikers, bikers, or equestrians will shout “On the left!” when passing.
Group Hiking
If you are hiking a trail with a larger group, be sure to form a single line if you encounter other hikers; this will ensure that you do not clog up the trail. Though it’s only natural to have conversations while hiking, do your best to keep your voices down to avoid disturbing other hikers or wildlife in the area.
Leave No Trace: 7 Principles for Trail Preservation
Designed to provide hikers with an easy, digestible framework for best practices while on the trail, the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are widely recognized among avid hikers.
According to Leave No Trace, these are the seven trace principles to keep in mind:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before you embark on a hiking adventure, study the trail that you are going to use. You should make sure the trail conditions align with your skill level and experience and also verify that weather conditions are safe and suitable for that particular trail. Pack only the gear and supplies you need, and try to avoid hiking during peak times in order to minimize impact.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Always stay on the designated trails. This will protect the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. If you are camping overnight, stay in established campsites or pitch your tent on durable surfaces, such as rock or gravel.
Dispose of Waste Properly
You should depart the trail with everything you brought with you — particularly your trash. Pack food scraps and toilet paper, and properly dispose of them in designated areas, which are usually at the beginning or end of the trail.
Leave What You Find
All natural features and cultural artifacts on the trail should be left undisturbed. Not only does this allow others to enjoy the ambiance of the trail, but it also protects the local environment.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
If you are going to make a campfire, only use established fire rings or stoves in permitted areas. Make an effort to keep your fires small so they can easily be managed. Fully extinguish the fire when you are done using it, and scatter the cool ashes to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wild animals from a distance to avoid disturbing them. If you have food with you, store it securely to prevent attracting animals. Only bring your pets along if they know how to behave on the trail.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Given that hikers are increasing in number with each passing year, it’s ever essential to be considerate of others at all times. Keep your noise levels down when on the trail, and yield to others according to the best trail etiquette practices.
Beyond Leave No Trace: Additional Trail Etiquette Tips
While the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide a solid foundation, these additional trail etiquette tips can help you and everyone on the trail enjoy a safe and memorable experience:
Dog Etiquette
Unless otherwise designated, dogs should be on a leash at all times. Promptly pick up and dispose of any waste that your dog leaves behind in a proper receptacle.
Leave No Trace Photography
Most hikers want to share their views and experiences with others, and photography is always welcome. However, you should stay on the trail when taking photos to avoid trampling delicate vegetation and to stay as safe as possible. Always respect closures and sensitive areas; after all, no picture is worth risking your own safety or the integrity of the trail.
Trail Etiquette for Runners
If you are running on the trail, announce your presence and yield to hikers who are walking. Typically, runners will pass slower hikers on the left.
Explore the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace at Unity Environmental University
At Unity Environmental University, we offer a Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation, allowing you to expand upon your knowledge of hiking etiquette and learn how to apply the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in real-world settings. This specialized graduate degree program is ideal for students who want to craft complex environmental solutions for outdoor parks and recreational spaces, all while prioritizing sustainability and environmental preservation.
Request more information about this innovative graduate degree program today to get on your path toward protecting and preserving the Earth’s precious trails.
Sources
https://unity.edu/programs/smba-in-parks-and-outdoor-recreation/
https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/hiking-is-the-most-popular-outdoor-activity-in-america-and-its-only-getting-more-popular-report-finds/
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/btnf/recreation/?cid=fseprd509212
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
