Getting out into nature is magical. The feeling of conquering peaks, breathing in the crisp air, and immersing yourself in Mother Nature is unlike anything else.
However, every now and then, we encounter someone who ruins the experience for others.
Yes, I’m talking about “that guy” on a hike—the person who ignore basic trail etiquette and acts disrespectfully. If you’re determined not to be “that guy” on your next hike, read on for some tips to make sure you and your fellow hikers have an enjoyable time.
One of the most important rules of hiking is to respect the trail and the surrounding environment.
Stay on marked trails and avoid shortcuts or creating new paths. When hundreds of people a day walk off the path, erosion and damage to delicate ecosystems can result.
Remember, the trail is there for a reason, and making your own or bushwhacking somewhere else off it can have long-lasting effects.
I know trails get busy, but wait your turn, and we can all enjoy the trail for many years to come.
This rule cannot be emphasized enough: Leave 
no trace.
When you’re out in nature, take everything back with you that you brought in— including trash, food wrappers, and any other waste. Pretend you were never there, and you’re good. Dispose of it properly in designated bins or carry it out with you. We all want the trails to stay as they are for billions more years!
Bagged-up dog poop, organic waste (such as apple cores or orange peels), and toilet paper don’t occur naturally and do not belong when you depart. Even if you swear you’re returning for your doggie’s shit bag, pack it up and carry it along. There’s nothing worse than seeing the trails littered with plastic bags full of poop.
A common myth is that apple cores, orange peels, and similar waste will biodegrade. While that is technically true, for these items to compost, they must be buried for a while. Leaving this trash along a trail attracts animals, provides a foreign food source for these animals, and disrupts nature as a whole. PLEASE pack out your waste, especially on a car ride. Food peels on the side of the road attract animals to places they don’t normally forge for food and can be the reason they get hit.
Hiking trails can be busy, and encountering fellow hikers is inevitable. When you come across others on the trail, be courteous and yield to them. Step aside and allow faster hikers or groups to pass, especially if the trail is narrow. A friendly smile or greeting goes a long way in creating a positive hiking experience for everyone involved.
PSA: The uphill hiker always has the right of way! That means to allow them to pass as you descend if they are approaching.
Now, if you’ve ever hiked a hike with significant elevation gain, you’ll know that breaks are often welcome, and pulling over to let downhill hikers pass is a great chance for one
You knew it was coming—leave the Bluetooth speaker at home. Your DJ skills have no place on the trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature for a few hours. Silence may be difficult at first, but the peacefulness of nature is one of the best things about being outdoors. While it’s great to enjoy the company of friends and engage in conversation along the way, be mindful of your noise levels. Avoid shouting, blaring music, or disrupting the peace with excessive noise. Respect the peaceful environment and allow everyone to enjoy the solace of nature.
If you’re hiking with a four-legged companion, you’re responsible for their behavior too.
Most hiking trails require dogs to be leashed, no matter how good of a boy you think you have. Keep in mind, even if Fido is friendly, someone else’s dog may not be and that shouldn’t be a reason other pups can’t enjoy the outdoors. Surprise encounters from an off-leashed animal is stressful for many dogs.
Wildlife may also be present, so keeping your pup leashed will help avoid any incidents. Be sure to clean up after your pet, bag their waste, and dispose of it appropriately.
Remember, not everyone may be comfortable around dogs, so it’s essential to respect other hikers’ space.
Nothing ruins a hike (or your life) more than being unprepared.
Before setting off, research the trail and the weather, understand its difficulty level, and pack accordingly. Carry the 10 Essentials on every hike, every time. By being prepared, you ensure your safety and minimize the chances of needing assistance from fellow hikers or Search and Resue.
For more info on The 10 Essentials, check out my post here.
I recently listened to an episode of my favorite podcast, and I wanted to share the story because it’s a perfect example as to why you should always be prepared for the unexpected:
A woman went on a short, well-trafficked hike near a city. As she was hiking down, park rangers informed her to turn back—a fire engulfed the trail below and to warn other hikers. This detour added several additional miles, forced hikers to summit a snowy peak, and descend on the other side. This short hike became a several-hour survival mission for hikers and is a testament to the necessity of being prepared for anything. Even a short, heavily populated day hike near a major city can take a turn at any time.
