A Guide to Hiking Etiquette
It may seem like there are no rules in the fresh air, but there are certain rules that you must follow. If you are new to hiking or have never understood what you can and cannot do on the trail, this guide will clarify the situation.
Travelers going uphill have priority of travel
Hiking uphill is more difficult than going downhill most of the time. And when people go uphill, they tend to have a smaller field of view because they usually look down at their base. This is why it is so important to give pedestrians climbing the slope an edge. If you are walking on a narrow path and see tourists approaching, step aside and let them continue without disturbing their gait. However, it is a challenge for uphill hikers. If they decide to stop and wave at you, go for it.
Watch out for mountain bikers and horses
Generally speaking, mountain bikers should yield to all tourists (they never expect you to yield). However, it is often best to watch them and step aside when you see them, especially if they are flying on a trail or working hard to climb a steep incline.
If there are horses on the trail, everyone must yield to them. Get out of their way, give them as much room as possible, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises as they pass. You don’t want a frightened horse to kick your teeth.
Walking one file in a group
Group hikes are fun, whether with friends, family or any kind of organization, but you don’t want to clog the trails and spoil the fun of anyone else. If the trail is narrow (most of them), go in one lane. However, if the trail is much wider and you can leave room for people to pass, you can walk next to each other.
The slowest traveler must lead
When traveling in a group, it is best to keep everyone together. If you have the fastest tourist leading the group, they will leave everyone behind. If you have the slowest tourist in the back, he may get lost or injured without anyone knowing. For safety reasons, take the slowest or most inexperienced tourist as the lead. This way, if they have to stop, the whole group can stop together. Think about it – the slowest tourist will probably take longer than anyone else. But if they are in the back, they will only have time to catch up every time the group stops, and they will never really get to rest. It’s worth remembering the old Boy Scout adage: “We go as fast as the slowest man.”
However, it should be noted that this method of group trekking is controversial. This is not necessary for some groups and it can be frustrating for experienced hikers to get stuck behind. Sometimes it is better to split the group into smaller groups so that the fast tourists can walk at their own speed and the slower ones take their time. Ask your group how they feel and see what works for you.
Keep track of your volume
People go hiking for exercise and to get in touch with nature and its many soothing sounds. Nobody wants to hear you scream to create echoes, shout out obscene jokes to each other, or play music on your phone. It is especially rude to play music from a Bluetooth speaker in a backpack while hiking. Buy headphones, bro. Nobody cares what your last jam is – we want to hear birds, water and wind through the trees.
Stay on track
While hiking you will be constantly tempted by the scenic spots and what looks like other trails, but it is very important to stay on the main trail. You trample vegetation and erode dirt and rocks as you leave the trail, and this can spoil the local ecosystem, making it less likely that anyone will see wildlife or interesting flora. If everyone stays on the trail, the area will look as beautiful as possible. But if everyone leaves the path, it will gradually be destroyed.
Step aside for breaks
While you shouldn’t go too far off the main trail, you also shouldn’t stop to take a break in the middle of the trail. If you need to stop for a little rest, take a photo, or grab a snack from your backpack, step aside so others can easily walk past you. This means that you should not stop where it is not possible. Make sure there is enough space.
Follow the Seven Leave No Trace Principles
The Center for Outdoor Ethics has compiled an excellent list of seven rules that everyone should follow when out in the wild . There is a lot to discuss – mainly about how to properly dispose of waste, rules for disposing of yourself, where you should and shouldn’t camp, don’t take things off the trail, etc. – so follow the link to check it out. When in doubt, remember this mantra: take only photographs, leave only footprints.
Say hi
Hiking is a social activity, whether you like it or not. It is polite to say hello to everyone you meet on the trail. You don’t have to stop and chat about your hopes and dreams, but it’s nice to acknowledge each other. This is also a security issue. You want people to remember that they saw you, and you want to remember the people you see. If you or someone else goes missing, someone might offer hints to help.
It is also the easiest way to know who should step aside or tell someone that you are overtaking them. A simple greeting lets them know that you are there, that you acknowledge them, and that you are ready for any necessary maneuver.
Check out the instructions on the trail
Regardless, always read the trailer instructions. Most routes have the same rules, but some may have specific rules for those routes. Maybe dogs are not allowed or need to be kept on a leash at all times, maybe there are a lot of bears in the area and need to be vigilant, or maybe ticks have become especially problematic lately. It only takes a couple of minutes to read the signs.