There are certain rules and courtesies that every hiker should adhere to while out on the trails. Following these rules and courtesies make the hiking more enjoyable for everyone and helps a hike go just that much more smoothly and safely.
Leave it clean
There is a saying that a lot of campgrounds operate by, the saying goes, “Leave it better than you found it.” This means that if anyone using the campgrounds should pack up their trash and any leftover trash in the area and take it with off the grounds with them. This rule applies to hiking too. If there is trash left on the path pick it up and take it off the grounds with you. It is handy to carry a small trash bag in your hiking pack for any trash that you create or encounter while on the trails. This rule may seem like a hassle, but by cleaning up the surrounding area as you hike, you are ensuring the health and safety of the animals in the area and also maintaining the beautiful environment for others to appreciate.
Stay on the trail
No matter how tempting it is to veer off the trail, please do not do it. The trail is the marked place where humans should walk so that they do not disturb the local wildlife. Remember that as a hiker we are in the animal’s environment and not the other way around.
Know your limits
Taking a route that is challenging is sometimes a good thing to do, but make sure that it is not a route that is going to over-extend your hiking abilities. If you were just starting out mountain climbing, you would not take on Mount Everest as the very first climb. Research your trail beforehand so that you avoid taking on a route that is above your hiking capabilities; otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure and possibly dangerous situations. You could also create a burden to others by taking on a trail you can’t handle.
Follow the rules laid out by the group that owns the land
There are certain rules laid out by the organization that maintains the land you are hiking on. Usually they are posted at the head of the trail. Take a good look at these rules before you go, usually they are set out for hiker’s safety and as a reminder to respect the land. Follow these rules and you will be safe and avoid any run-ins with the park rangers.
Respect others on the trail
Always show respect for others on the trails. You want to make sure that you are not being loud or obnoxious to others. Most hikers appreciate a polite greeting or even to chat a bit if you meet on the trail, but don’t be rude to them! They may be the link to save your life if you get in trouble later on the trail.
Give uphill climbers the right of way
When a hiker is going uphill, always step to the side and give them the right of way. It is taxing to go up a steep hill and the last thing you would want to do would be stepping off to the side of the trail for a fellow hiker while you are traveling up hill. Give them the same courtesy you would want for yourself.
Watch out for rock cairns
Rock cairns are an important part of marking trails that are less often traveled. Please keep the safety of the other hikers in mind and leave them in place. Destroying rock cairns may leave a hiker stranded in the wilderness and you do not want to be the one responsible for that.
