Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. It has increased in popularity significantly over the last few years, and with this growth in popularity, it is important for hikers to be aware of the “unwritten” rules of the trails as they, in many cases, will be sharing the trails with other people engaging in different forms of recreation such as mountain biking and horseback riding. As well as knowing how to stay safe in the wilderness and protect nature so everyone can enjoy it.
Right of Way on the Trail
First things first, right of way on the trail. Believe it or not, there is an order of who yields to whom when you are on the trail. (In many cases, you will need to use your best judgment on a case by case basis.)
Hikers Yield to Horses – If you should encounter someone on horseback, carefully move just off the trail and allow the horse to pass. (Should you have a dog with you, please remember to control your dog and give the horse a wide birth.) Horses can be easily spooked and should always be treated with respect.
Mountain Bikers Yield to Hikers – While technically, bikers are supposed to yield to hikers, if a biker is moving at a fast clip, it might be difficult to slow down. Again, you need to use common sense in these situations. Be alert and prepared to move off the trail for your own safety.
Downhill Hikers Yield to Uphill Hikers – This one sort of goes without saying, it is certainly harder to hike uphill and then downhill, therefore downhill hikers are supposed to yield to uphill hikers. (Personally, when I’m hiking uphill, I welcome any break I can get, so I usually will yield to ALL hikers. 😉 )
If you come up behind a slow hiker, be polite and announce your presence before passing them.
Leave No Trace
When it comes to trail etiquette and expected behavior, the golden rule of hiking and outdoor life is to “leave no trace.” If you aren’t familiar with what this means, in layman’s terms, it means to make it appear like you were never there in the first place. If you carry it in, you need to carry it back out with you (that includes those little bags of dog poo.)
As the parks, woods, and hiking trails become more popular and, unfortunately, crowded, it’s important that everyone does their part to protect nature and keep it clean so that everybody has the opportunity to enjoy it.
Common Courtesy on the Trail
It pains me to even have to write this but please don’t blare your music as you hike. You are disturbing the wildlife, as well as other hikers (hoping to see that wildlife.)
Also, be friendly with other hikers. I’m not saying strike up a long conversation but you can glean a lot about the trail ahead or things you need to be aware of. So, offer a friendly smile and a polite “hello” as you pass.
Also, in the unlikely event you get lost on your hike, other hikers you passed on trail might be able to point rescuers in the right direction.
Courtesy isn’t only for humans. You are entering the domain of wildlife, their home. If you do encounter wildlife, please be respectful and observe from a distance. NEVER approach wildlife. Know how to handle these encounters before you head out into nature.
Hiking with Dogs
We love hiking with our dog, and she loves getting out into the woods and enjoying all kinds of new sights and smells. There is nothing better than taking a hike with your four-legged best friend, but there are things that you need to do to make your hike safe for everyone.
In most places, you MUST leash your dog. Even if your dog is the sweetest on the planet, they need to be leashed, especially if your dog doesn’t recall. This is also for your dog’s safety. You never know what wildlife you will encounter; if your dog books, you might never see them again.
When You pass another hiker, place yourself between them and your dog. If you come upon a person on horseback, move your dog off the trail so it doesn’t startle the horse.
Of course, please be respectful of those who come after you, and ALWAYS clean up after your pet. Nobody wants accidentally step in dog poo, and it’s extremely irritating to come across it in the middle of the trail. Not to mention, when you don’t clean up after your pet, you make all of us hiking with our dogs look bad. So, for lack of a better way of putting it… Don’t be a lazy jerk; clean up after your dog.
Hiking Safety
When you are out hiking, safety is paramount. Especially if you are a significant distance for civilization. Common sense needs to prevail when you are hiking and you don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Here are some things tips for safe hiking :
- Stay on the trial. You can easily become lost when you leave the marked trail.
- Let other people know about your plans, where you are going, and when you plan to return. (Make sure to let them know you’ve returned home safely.)
- If you are unable to notify others of your plans. Post a selfie of yourself and list your location on social media before you begin your hike.
- Don’t hike alone.
- If you are hiking with children, let them set the pace.
- Carry a whistle.
- Know your limits; don’t push yourself to exhaustion. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Consider using a hiking pole to help you remain steady on uneven ground.
- Dress for the elements. I always recommend wearing layers. Wear clothing that is breathable, stretches, and preferably waterproof.
- Always wear good, sturdy footwear like hiking boots or, at the very least, sneakers. Flip Flops and Crocs are never appropriate for hiking. They are dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.
- Research your destination in advance so you know what terrain you will be experiencing and can be prepared.
- During hunting season, be sure to wear hi-vis.
Most importantly… get out, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have fun!!! Happy Trails!