I have debated on writing this blog post. After thinking about it, it is important to get out there the importance of good trail etiquette based on my own experiences. There are the common trail etiquette guidelines to follow such as if you are descending step off the trail and let those coming up go by. If you need to use the bathroom step way off into the woods. Do not mess with cairns. Keep your cell phone on silent and do not make loud calls. While hiking this past summer we encountered some behaviors on the trail that did not set well with me.
When I am out on the trail I am there to connect with nature, be alone with my thoughts or spend quality time with family and friends. I wanted to share what I find of importance of respecting the trail and others who use it.
Music: I love listening to music, especially if I am doing a workout. When I am on the trail I prefer to enjoy the sounds of nature. Birds singing, flowing streams or wind through the trees. Many people who hike are doing it to destress and get away from noise of day to day life. Nothing ruins that peacefulness then someone blasting music on the trail. If you feel you need to listen to music please use ear buds or headphones so others can enjoy natures music.
Children: If you have followed my blog for a little while you know that I am all for children on the trail and how important it is for their overall health. With that being said, it is important to teach your children appropriate trail etiquette. This past summer my family and I were hiking on a trail we had never been on with some beautiful views. Halfway up the trail we could hear children yelling and screaming behind us. When they got a little closer the kids were running up and down the trail, past us and then going back yelling and walking on plants, We could not hear or see the parents. While we were at one lookout point the two families caught up to us and one of the adults said, “Oh I didn’t realize there was anyone in front of us, I hope we weren’t too loud.” I did not want to start something on the top of a mountain so I just smiled and we continued back down the trail so we would not have to be near them on the way back. I am not going to lie I was very frustrated with the lack of respect for the trail and other hikers by these families. This instance is what prompted me to write this post. If you are going to hike with children teach them to have fun without disrupting other hikers and how to respect nature.
Trash: I wish I did not have to write about this one, but every time I am out on the trail I also see trash and I wish that was not the case. Please pick up after yourself on the trail. Mother nature is not your trash can.
Wearing Orange/Bright Colors during Hunting Season: Living in New Hampshire many of the hiking trails are also open to hunting. Hunting Season is open September thur December in New Hampshire. When we were out hiking this fall I was surprised with the amount of people not wearing orange or bright colors in areas that were open to hunting. For the safety of yourself and people you are hiking with make sure you wear orange or bright colors during hunting season.
Be friendly and kind: I know i should not be, but I am always surprised at the amount of hikers who keep their head down and do not make eye contact when hiking. Out of respect of other hikers and to just be friendly be kind and friendly to other trail users. You do not have to make conversation, but a smile a head nod can go a long way. Over the years I have learned a lot from other hikers about gear, local trails or other attractions. If the opportunities comes, it can be fun and educational to strike up a conversation.
Bathroom Use: Ok it happens you are on the trail and you have the sudden urge to go to the bathroom and cannot wait until you get to a bathroom facility. This has happened at least once to the majority of the hikers out there. The proper think to do is step several feet off the trail, dig a small hole got to the bathroom and then burry it. Recently, I have heard several stories of people defecating in the middle of trails and leaving toilet paper behind. There are biodegradable wipes that you can bury as well if needed. .
I hope this post helps you think about your own trail etiquette and what you can teach others about being on the trail. If I missed something that is of importance to you, please let me know.
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