Hiking Etiquette 101: The Proper Way to Hit the Trail

Following trail etiquette can create a safer and more positive hiking atmosphere for yourself and those around you. Many of these rules were once unwritten and have evolved over the years. Some may seem obvious, but it is important to know these things to be respectful of others and the outdoors . We hope this guide provides clarity on the guidelines to know and follow while on the trail!

Prepare Ahead of Time

Do your research. Know the trail well and have a copy of the route with you. The longer the hike, especially on unofficial trails or in the backcountry, the easier it is to get lost.

Before starting a hike we recommend telling a close friend or family member the approximate length of your hike, expected time it will take to complete it, and when to anticipate hearing from you again. Why is this important? Most of the time you will not have service on the trail which can make it difficult to get help when needed.

Read the signs and follow guidelines for the specific trail you are hiking. These rules can vary from trail to trail. Check ahead of time to see if a trail is pet friendly or not. If bringing your dog, keep your furry friend on a leash throughout the entirety of the hike. 

Yield to others properly

Who yields to who? This was a big one when we first started hiking. On long hikes or on very crowded trails, issues with yielding can really affect someone’s overall pace. Downhill hikers should always yield to those hiking uphill. Uphill hikers have a more limited field of vision and therefore have the right of way. In addition, they are working hard to maintain a steady pace and hiking against gravity. As a downhill hiker, your range of vision is larger and gravity is on your side. 

If you are trying to pass someone hiking at a slower pace than you, avoid sneaking up behind them as this can startle someone. A kind ‘hello’ or ‘excuse me’ is appropriate. Hikers should stay to the right and pass on the left, just like with driving. Always pass on a wider portion of the trail for safety reasons. If you hear someone approaching you to pass, simply step to the side and allow them to continue on.

When it comes to bicyclists, technically the bike is supposed to yield to the hiker. However if you hear a bicycle approaching you, it is appropriate to step to the side to allow them to pass. Keep in mind it is especially difficult for a cyclist to stop and then go again especially while traveling uphill.

Hikers yield to horses and other stock animals. These animals get startled very easily so it is important that they do not lose footing on trail terrain. When stepping off to the side to yield to another hiker, bicyclist, or horse, remember to be mindful of the vegetation around you.

Going to the Bathroom

We recommend using the bathroom before a hike, but having to go is inevitable on longer hikes. Bring toilet paper in your pack and ziplock bags to pack out any trash. When going in the woods, make sure to do so at least 200 feet away from hiking trails, waterways, and campsites. When going poo, dig a hole at least 6 inches deep and afterwards cover it with dirt and a rock. Always pack out your trash and dispose of it properly…no one wants to have an encounter with this.

REspect Nature

In addition to packing out any bathroom trash, always pack out trash from meals and snacks. It is very important to bring enough water and food to fuel your body for a hike, but remember to leave no trace.

Always stay on the trail. When yielding to others, make sure to not step on vegetation or small animals. Footsteps over time can degrade the areas around the trails.

Observe wildlife from a distance and do not disturb these animals. Never feed them and always be aware of your surroundings. Remember, we are guests to their home when exploring the wilderness. Stay tuned for a post about Hiking in Bear Country, coming soon.

No matter how tempting it is, do not leave your mark. Do not graffiti, carve into wood or trees, or build cairns (pile of rocks). Cairns are sometimes strategically placed by authorized individuals to provide clarity when a trail is difficult to follow. Building your own can create confusion and a negative experience for others.

Be kinD to other adventurers

If listening to music while hiking, always make sure to wear headphones. Keep noise to a minimum, unless hiking in bear country. Here, it is important to talk to your hiking buddies and occasionally make loud shouts or clapping sounds. More on this soon when we write about Hiking in Bear Country. People generally escape the hustle of every day life to find peace and simplicity in nature. We have all been on the receiving end of someone being inconsiderate and it can quickly alter your experience. 

Most importantly, be respectful of those around you. Trails are created for everyone and it is our responsibility to make others feel welcome regardless of hiking abilities. A smile and simple ‘hello’ can brighten someone’s day, so let us all make it a goal to keep the trails friendly.