Putting the Right Foot Forward: Trail Etiquette for the Summer

Now that summer seems to be crawling into view, it’s time to start thinking about which hikes have the best views, which peaks are the most rewarding summits and which trails wreak the most havoc on your knees. While it’s important to consider which trails are the most appealing, it’s also important to remember how to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone else around you. Proper trail etiquette keeps hikes fun and nature pretty. It’s simple — and I promise, people will be grateful for it. 

1. First off, if you see people climbing up the trail, make way for them. Chances are, unless it’s the beginning of the hike, but especially on a steep incline, their calves are burning and their heart is pumping. Even if they aren't showing any strain, it's a nice gesture and it gives you more time to listen to nature and look around. Flash a smile, say hello and everyone will be on their way. 

However, there are some cases where options become limited — often bikers will have a harder time stopping on the descent — so if you hear them coming, try to make way. And if you’re a biker, remember to stick within your abilities and share the trail. If at any point you see a horse or pack animal, make way and announce yourself slowly and carefully. While it’s always good for riders to test themselves, a quick bolt down a trail or into the surrounding scenery can have severe consequences.

2. If, like me, you like to enjoy nature through solo hikes, a can of bear spray and something that jingles is always a good idea. I like to bring a backpack with me no matter where I hike. Oftentimes, if I suddenly feel a clear sense of being alone in the woods, I’ll attach my car keys to my backpack just so I don’t come as a surprise. While this is smart for helping to stay off the surprise snack menu, make sure you can still hear the nature around you. Otherwise, what’s the point?

3. Try to stay on the trail. This means monitoring trail conditions and learning to suck it up. If the trail is muddy, I understand the urge to go around it. But once enough people do so continuously, even in just one day, it diminishes trail sustainability and the wildlife around it. There’s a reason we hike through forests and valleys, not parking garages or malls. Hiking means getting dirty and that’s part of the fun.

4. Don’t leave trash — this includes biodegradables. Sure, an orange peel decomposes naturally… six months later. Introducing non-native plants or fruits into the environment may not result in the major loss of habitats, but it might disrupt the ecosystem more than you’d realize. If you were able to pack it in, it is just as easy to pack it out. This also includes the obvious items such as doggy trash bags, plastic bags and bottles, or really anything you wouldn’t find naturally in the local environment. 

5. Lastly, just enjoy it. If you go on a hike recognize the beauty of the nature around you. Spend the appropriate time looking at the trees or mountains, smelling the air or listening to the birds and brooks. Allow others around you to do the same, and keep an atmosphere of hospitality and respect for the world around you. No hike is the same and every situation calls for an appropriate response. Be courteous and friendly and push yourself to take that extra step.