Some sports have lots of rules for players to follow. Hiking does not have rules like some sporting events. But among hikers, there are some good manners that people are expected to follow. These can be summed up quite simply: respect other hikers and respect the wilderness.
RESPECT ALL THE WILDLIFE
Hikers leave animals alone. This means not feeding the animals. Giving animals human food might keep them from doing a good job of hunting for food for themselves.
Some parks allow dogs on leashes. Hikers who want to hike with their dogs should check with the park office first to be sure it is allowed. To help keep the dog and the wildlife safe, the dog must be on a leash at all times while hiking.
BE POLITE ON THE HIKE
These rules for polite behavior usually are not posted on the hiking trail. But experienced hikers know to follow them. Hiking is a quiet activity. No loud talking or loud music on the trail. Hikers should turn their cell phones down or off. If hikers want to listen to music, they should wear headphones or earbuds.
Hikers who pause to rest should step to the side of the trail to let other hikers pass. When hiking with a group, hikers should not block the whole trail. Instead, they should walk in a way that allows other hikers to pass. When meeting another hiker on the trail, it is polite to nod or say hello.
Rules for right-of-way on hiking trails make hiking safer for everyone. Hikers moving downhill give space to let hikers going uphill pass through. Bikers yield and let hikers and horseback riders pass through. Hikers must yield to horseback riders.
LEAVE NO TRACE
The American Hiking Society says, “Leave what you find—take only photos and memories.” There are many ways for hikers to leave no trace when they go into the woods. For starters, they can enjoy witnessing the beauty of nature without taking anything—a leaf, a rock, a flower—home with them.
If a campfire is needed, hikers should keep it very small. They should find and use constructed fire rings or fire mounds. They should not let the fire damage any live or fallen trees. Small camping stoves usually work much better than campfires for cooking.
Hikers should stay on the trail when hiking. Taking shortcuts means disturbing the wilderness. The trails are there for a good reason, and smart hikers follow the trails.
Another way for hikers to leave no trace when they hike is to carry a trash bag. Hikers should carry every piece of trash—even the smallest thing—out in their trash bags. As time passes, trash left behind can have a big impact on the wilderness.
Hiking can be a lifelong sport. People of all ages enjoy it. The benefits of hiking are many. So gather your gear, call a hiking buddy, and head to the woods.
The end.
