HIKING ETIQUETTE AND COURTESY

Before setting out on a trail with your family it is a good idea to teach them the rules and etuquette of hiking. A few simple pointers can assure that everyone knows what is expected of them and how to preserve the beauty of the wilderness for others.

Pack It In, Pack It Out (in other words: make a mess, clean it up)
Hikers have the responsibility to leave the trail as beautiful as they found it. Can you imagine what a trail would look like if every hiker left just one piece of garbage on it. Nobody would want to hike on such a trail. Be careful to collect any and all trash that you bring in. Carry two or three large plastic garbage bags in your backpack and use one specifically for trash.

Hikers who need to relieve themselves while hiking should find a place at least 200 feet from camps, trails, or any water source. Where allowed, dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep. Cover the hole when finished and attempt to make it blend in with the rest of the surroundings. In some cases it is not permitted to break the soil (as where there is cryptobiotic soil or risk of erosion). In these cases you will have to pack out solid human waste in plastic bags. Toilet paper and other human hygiene waste products will always have to be packed out in plastic bags.

Stay On Established Trails
Stay on the trail unless rules specifically permit you to venture away from them. Many trails have rules that require hikers to stay on the established trails and not to venture out into new areas. Remaining on trails assures that hikers are able to go where they expect to go.

Don't create shortcuts. Heading away from trails can result in hikers becoming lost or ending up in dangerous terrain. Additionally, straying from an established trail can promote erosion by disturbing soil and destroying vegetation. Staying on the trail will preserve the trail for others and decrease the chance of hikers getting lost or injured.

Make Room for Others on the Trail
When you encounter other hikers on a trail, give them room to pass easily. Be courteous and make room by having your family walk single file as others pass. If there is not enough room on the trail for two hikers to pass, stand at the side of the trail for a moment to allow others to pass. Avoid the appearance of being a mob that others must swerve to avoid. Whether they are horse riders, mountain bikers, or hikers, simply give everyone room to pass by without difficulty.

In general hikers should yield to horses, while bikes should yeild to both horses and hikers. As a hiker, however, I get out of the way of both horses and bikes. In my opinion it is best not to stand in the way of a moving bike because some riders have no idea that they are supposed to yield. It is better to yield as a hiker than to be knocked down. Another courtesy is to yeild to hikers heading uphill as they are generally working hardest. They may end up stopping for you, but let them decide.

It is generally best to pass other people on the left. People are used to road rules so this tends to carry over onto trails. Use common sense, however, and pass on the right if others yeild that side to you.

If you are coming up behind other hikers and they don't see or hear you coming, it is courtesy to let them know you are coming and on which side you would like to pass. This most commonly happens with bike riders, but it also appropriate for hikers. Announce your presence by simply saying "On your right" or "On your left." This will give other hikers time to move away from that direction so you can pass by easily. Of course if you hear these words, make way for others to pass on the appropriate side.

Preserve the Silence of Nature
Unless you are in bear country it is best to keep voices low. This allows you and other hikers to enjoy the serenity of the trail. Use the hike as an opportunity for everyone to listen to the sounds of nature. You are most likely to be able to see wildlife from the trail if you maintain quiet while hiking. Where bears may be present, however, it is recommended that you announce your approach with regular intervals vocal calling and other noises (you don't want to sneak up on a bear).

Preserve the Ecosystem and Geological Soundness
Do not dig up, or pick plants. Leave rocks and features of the land where they are. Do not collect rocks. Never attempt to divert or block water systems such as streams or creeks.

Pets
Bringing a pet (usually a dog) on a hike can be fun for everyone if you follow a few simple rules. If you bring a pet don't leave it to nature to take care of it. While it can be assumed that you love your dog, and want it to be free to roam, you can be certain that others will not be as accepting when your dog explores them, or leaves behind something that they must clean off of their shoes.

Before the hike, make certain that the rules of your specific trail allow you to bring the pet. In some cases dogs are restricted from trails. It is better to know ahead of time whether pets are allowed.

If you bring a dog, keep it on a leash at ALL times. Additionally you should only allow your dog enough length of leash to be completely within your control. Be sure the dog does not have the freedom to explore other people on the trail.

If your dog uses the trail as a toilet, it is your responsibility to clean it up (remember pack it in, pack it out). Can you imagine what a trail would look like if every dog left just one...well you get the idea. Do the right thing and pick up after your dog by using small preferrably sealable plastic bags. When you finish the hike dispose of the bag in a solid garbage recepticle.

Here is a summary of hiking etiquette and courtesty: