Just like being a good neighbor or party host, there are certain unspoken rules of the trail you should know before lacing up your hiking boots. Not following these protocols isn’t the end of the world, but it’ll make your experience more enjoyable and will ensure those who hike near you or after you have a good time too.
Music and other noise
Many hikers enjoy the sounds of nature so respect their choice by silencing your cell phone no loud or long calls and get out of the photos. If you need to have music or take a call, I recommend just one ear bud so you can still hear what’s going on around you. It’s important to have awareness at all times when in the wilderness. You never know what’s around the corner. Sometimes it’s important to make a little bit of noise while you hike to alert wildlife you are coming. Most encounters happen when you sneak up on each other. A simple conversation with your hiking partner or music played on low will suffice. Others prefer a bell affixed to their backpack.
COVID-19 and masks
COVID-19 means more people are venturing outdoors for their vacations. That means the trails might be busier, so we still need to remember our urban social distancing guidelines. You don’t have to wear a mask outside if you aren’t near anyone. I like the ones I can leave around my neck so it’s handy when I see someone heading my way and I can quickly put it on. It’s also polite lately to face away from each other as you pass.
Who has the right of way?
You should walk single file as much as you can, but especially when you are passing others. Trails work just like roads in America, traffic passes left to left in opposite directions, and you pass on someone’s left moving in the same direction. When you pass, do so at the widest part of the trail if possible. Be patient when hikers are working through technical spots.
In general, bikers need to yield to everyone, hikers yield to horses, horses yield to no one. A special note for passing horses, turn off all music, stay quiet and calm. Avoid loud noises and abrupt movement; leave as much room as possible and if you are on a hill, step downhill and let them pass. Most trail horses are chill, but they are still large animals and in turn are unpredictable.
All of this to say, it’s kind to let the group moving uphill have right of way too. They have a narrower field of vision and are probably out of breath. It’s also kind to smile, nod or acknowledge the other hikers in some way.
Pets and other animals
Aside from horses on trails, many people enjoy bringing their dogs along. Unless the trail specifically permits off-leash dogs, your pup should be on a leash at all times. If they are off leash, they should be within your sight at all times. And you must pack out their waste, just like at home.
Do not feed wildlife. It can disrupt their normal ecosystems and encourage animals to depend on human food instead of their natural hunting or foraging habits. Keep your distance because even small and adorable animals are wild and may harm you. It may be with good intentions, but trying to help a hurt or baby animal left alone could be detrimental to them and you.
Leave no trace and pack it out
If you’ve been hiking at all you’ve probably heard of Leave No Trace principles. These are mostly common sense reminders, but unfortunately, some people really need these reminders. If there is a designated trail, stay on it. Do not trample vegetation, especially near water. If there is no trail, do not walk single file; spread out as much as possible to avoid creating a trail. Walk on durable surfaces as much as possible like rock, sand, gravel and dry grass. Don’t pick flowers, add, remove or relocate cairns (rock piles used as trail markers), and don’t leave carvings or graffiti.
Don’t leave anything along your hike, not even compostables or biodegradables. Food items may disrupt the natural flora and fauna. I mention in another blog post how to relieve yourself if necessary.
In addition to these guidelines, you should also check the website of the trail you’re exploring for additional rules or changes to these standards.
Recreate responsibly and happy hiking!