Trail Etiquette

When you decide to go out into mother nature, there are a few things you must remember. One, you are not the only person who enjoys being out in nature and will likely run into others using a trail. And two, you are being invited by nature to come into it's home, be respectful and don't leave a mess.

There are some "rules" to follow when you hit the trail that will ultimately make your experience better.

Leave no trace: You have most likely heard this phrase before and it is rather intuitive. Pick up after yourself! Don't move anything! You want to leave the outdoors a place that everyone can appreciate. If you are taking a break to eat some lunch, for example, make sure all wrappers and remnants of food are properly disposed of. If there is no trash can near by, do take your own trash with you.

Stay on the trail: You must avoid stepping off the trail unless you are yielding to others passing by. If you go off the trail, you may damage or kill a plant or an animal which will in turn hurt the ecosystem.

Make yourself known: In order to maintain a friendly and comfortable hiking environment, offer a "hello" or a nod to those you encounter while you are hiking. If you are coming from behind on foot or bike, you don't want to startle anyone, or worse, bump into someone. You can simply say "on your left" or "on your right" to allow them to know you are coming up on them.

Do not disturb wildlife: Respect the fact that you are in their home. Distance yourself from wildlife to protect yourself and give them their space.

Know your right of way: Because others will inevitably be sharing the outdoors and trail with you, you must be aware of how to share the space. You may run into other hikers, bikers or horses. In general, the guidelines are as follows:

Hikers coming uphill have the right of way
Bicyclist must yield to hikers and horses
Hikers must yield to horses. Be calm if approaching a horse in order to ensure you do not frighten them.

You can read more about knowing your right away on REI's website: https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/trail-etiquette-who-has-the-right-of-way

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to trail conditions and what surrounds the trail to ensure your own safety and that of others. Hike within your limits and turn around if you encounter a trail you are not comfortable with.

Casey SchreinerCasey Schreiner is the founder and editor of Modern Hiker, Schreiner, C., Casey Schreiner is the founder and editor of Modern Hiker, Name*, Y., 31, A. P. M., & 3, A. P. O. (2018, November 12). Trail etiquette: Who has the right of way? Uncommon Path – An REI Co-op Publication. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/trail-etiquette-who-has-the-right-of-way

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2018, March 16). Hiking etiquette (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://www.nps.gov/articles/hikingetiquette.htm