Hiking can be a lot of fun as long as there is some level of etiquette. People can’t go lawless just because they are on the trails in the woods. But, following these simple rules can make any person an A + hiker.
Leave no trace
Every hiker knows about the leave no trace rule. Not only is leaving your trash behind make an unpleasant hiking experience for others as it ruins the beauty of nature, but it also is bad for the environment. Animals can get tied up in the trash and strangle or choke on it. Garbage can also be toxic to animals of the forest. More of the effects of trash on animals can be found in the article about Wild Mountain Birds. It’s a local bird rescue out of the Hudson Valley in New York.
Trash can also hurt the plants and trees too. Many products don’t break down when left in the environment and some liquids can seep into the soil causing problems too. So have some hiking etiquette and don’t leave your garbage behind.
Poop a true lack of etiquette …
Dog poop can be harmful to other dogs, the environment and on occasion people. Worms in a few variety’s is a big one and can be transferred from animal to animal and from animal to human. Little children love to put stuff in their mouths. Touch the soil and more. Learn more about diseases spread at the CDC. Doggy doo can also seep into the soil and water supplies causing all sorts of issues as well. So curb that dog. Not to mention, there is nothing worse than stepping in dog poop. Although, an old superstition says that stepping in poop is good luck. All I know is it’s a pain to get off the boots and even worse if you drag into the car or house.
Don’t take gear and other items
Sometimes a hiker accidentally leaves a piece of gear behind. However, the correct thing to do is to leave it alone or put it up against the trailhead. A lot of times the hiker or hikers will come back for what they left behind.
Recently, Abby went to Cabela’s and was really excited to get her first real hiking pole to be just like her mom. The first time on a hike with it, we got sidetracked and left it behind. About four hours later, we drove an hour back to the trail. Another mom from our local homeschool group who lives close to trail went out too. Sadly, someone had taken it. The pole was even down as low as it could like a child had been using it. My daughter was sobbing.
I got in my car and by the grace of God and the fact that I have a messy car, the tag for the pole was lying on the passenger seat. I found a phone number and called. The woman on the other line went above and beyond. She said this is no lesson for a four-year-old to learn and wanted to restore Abby’s faith in humanity. The kind woman sent her a brand new pole! Same model and everything. This situation could have been avoided if someone hadn’t taken her pole and just left it at the trailhead.
The Environment
Also, many places have a don’t take from nature rule. That flower might look like a beautiful keepsake, however, it also can be someone’s food. That rock, a part of the delicate environment. So read the posted rules before the hike. But as a general rule, don’t take from mother nature!
Where’s that hiker?
If it’s a whole pack or looks like something someone wouldn’t simply “drop” or “leave behind” on a break, then evaluate the situations. Don’t touch the pack or belongings in the chance it becomes a crime scene. If you have cell service, call the park rangers or local police for advice and have a good description of the whereabouts. If in the backcountry, wait until a ranger or ridge runner or another hiker comes in contact with you. Otherwise, depending on the situation, get to a ranger station as soon as possible. Remember, someone’s life could be in danger. Have some manners people.
Don’t deface
It doesn’t matter how good of an artist a person is. Trail graffiti just ruins the whole vibe of the wilderness. Besides, do we really care if you “wuz here?”
Some places are also under a environmental rehabilitation and stomping in those areas can cause environmental damage. So stay on the trail Godzilla. It’s there for a reason. Not only can you get hurt or lost, you can also cause irreversable damage.
Help others and be kind
I can’t help but think of Daniel Tiger. Oh yes, I went there. “You can choose to be kind.” But, what’s the other option? The world doesn’t need jerks. On the trail, everyone needs to be respectful. Move over if someone is going by you. Share a simple smile. Offer help if it looks like someone needs it. We experienced a lot of kindness on a mountain a couple of years ago. The experience is still with me.
lookout for yourself and all in your party
When hiking a person needs to look out for everyone. If a person hikes solo, knowing the body’s limitations is very important. Knowing when it’s time to say enough is enough.
When hiking in a group, realize different people’s abilities. If need be, split the group into levels and make hike leaders. We were supposed to meet a group once at a trailhead. I was texting and texting to let them know we were coming. However, everyone else had driven to the trailhead. We were coming from over a mountain from further down the trail. We were about ten minutes late when we got to where the group was supposed to be and they hiked on without us! The worst part is, it was a family outdoor group.
Abby and I hike mainly just the two of us. When we did try to hike with family groups, we just moved too fast. Abby never really did “toddler paced” hikes. It was always super hard to hold her back. So when we hike together, we constantly ask if the other one is alright. We hold hands-on steep sections or pass gear so we both climb safely. Encourage each other. Check-in to make sure both are staying hydrated. Basically, it’s important to look out for not only yourself but everyone around you. Remember, it’s not always about the goal but the experience.
AND-
never leave a hiker behind! This is the worst thing a person can do. I used to hike with someone that would always leave me behind. I broke my foot in the backcountry and my hiking partner had hiked on. Luckily, I was also a strong hiker and was able to crawl and make a crutch. But, it was a long, lonely and very painful hike to camp. What if it had been worse? What if I didn’t have a higher level of outdoor knowledge? The whole time, I fought my way out of the woods, I saw no one. For a beginner, it could have turned into a dier situation. Never leave a hiker behind.
Final Thoughts-
Hiking etiquette really isn’t that difficult. Just following a few steps and instead of being a lawless moron in the woods, you can be an awesome hiker instead!
