If you’re going to be using the trails for any type of recreation, it is important to understand and respect the unwritten (and written) rules that govern the trail. By learning and practicing these policies, like trail etiquette, you’re not only being a responsible trail user but also respectful to those around you.
Points of Trail Etiquette
Hike Quiet
There are few things worse than wanting to spend some time connecting with nature and encountering that one person on the trail who is blaring their music or talking on their phone. Allow others to enjoy the experience of nature. Keep your voice low and if you want to listen to music, use headphones.
Need a Break? Step Aside.
If you need to rest or want to stop to look at something, step to the side of the trail. Don’t force others to stop or go around you.
Leave No Trace
Follow the principles of Leave No Trace. This includes trash and pet waste. Pick up after your pets. Make sure wrappers in your pockets are secure to avoid accident littering.
Don’t Pet the Wildlife
Animals live here and you are a visitor. Leave wildlife alone and don’t feed them. This can create a dangerous human-wildlife interaction in the future and can eventually cause the death of the animal.
Bathroom Breaks
Unfortunately, I have had experience with this issue too frequently. If you need to use the bathroom while hiking, remember to bring a trowel and stay 200 feet off the trail and away from any water sources. It is not okay to use the trail or just off the trail as a bathroom.
Announce Your Approach & Be Friendly
If you are passing from behind, be sure to announce your approach and which side you are going to pass on. If someone is coming up behind you, don’t hog the trail and let them pass.
Say hello to hikers you encounter. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the trail but I also believe it is a good safety precaution in the rare case of emergency. By bringing attention to yourself, those you encounter are more likely to remember you and vise versa.
Trail Conditions
Be mindful of trail conditions. If the trail is very soft and muddy, stay off the trail. Especially on a bike. Using muddy trails can require more trail maintenance and damage the ecosystems that surround the trail.
Who Yields to Who?
Mountain bikers yield to hikers. At least they are supposed to. From personal experience, I have rarely seen this occur.
All traffic yields to horses. Be sure to stay calm and give them as much space as possible. No abrupt movements as they pass and talk calmly when they approach.
Hikers/Runners going downhill yield to those going uphill. Yield to the person who is working harder.
When in doubt, be respectful. We are all out there to enjoy the outdoors