When we hike, we are entering parks and preserves that are homes to countless species of animals and plants, and we have a responsibility to leave these places as untouched as possible. We owe this not only to all things in nature, but to our fellow hikers as well.
If you’re just starting out hiking, or you just want a short refresher, in this post I cover the ways in which we can best respect nature, our fellow hikers, and our shared parks. This list is by no means exhaustive, as this comes from my own experience day hiking for the last ten years.
Carry Out Whatever You Carry In
Abide by the “Leave No Trace” principle. Some trails, especially when they pass through campgrounds, picnic areas, or beaches, may have trash and recycling bins. But many don’t, so be prepared to carry your plastic wrappers and used napkins back with you. For snacks, I often carry a reusable plastic container with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, along with a power bar and a cloth napkin. Easy to pack in and out. A snack I hate to carry on a trail is fresh fruit because I then need somewhere to put the peel or pit, but you can pack a plastic bag or tinfoil, or use your empty reusable container.
Be Respectful of Wildlife
We share our parks and preserves with many wild species. Locally, here in Marin, you may see deer, bobcats, foxes, squirrels, coyotes, elk, raccoons, skunks, turkeys, rabbits, and chipmunks while hiking. There are also mountain lions and bears in our county, though it’s rare to see these.
Give wildlife a wide berth if you encounter it, and do not spook wild animals. (Also, do not feed wildlife.) In Marin County, you’re most likely to encounter snakes, deer, or turkeys. If you happen to be hiking through cow pastures (which is possible in Marin), do not try to approach the animals. To stay safe on remote trails, make noise while hiking – talk to your hiking buddy, talk to yourself. Wild animals that hear you coming will most likely retreat. A startled animal can be dangerous to you, others and even itself.
Stay on Marked Trails
Park rangers have put in a lot of work to create and maintain trails for public use. Stay on the trails to avoid trampling on wild plants – here in Marin, where poison oak is common, you also risk getting a rash if you step off the trails. Marked trails are also safer. The last thing you want is to try a shortcut only to get lost or injured.
Also note that some trails traverse through private property, and we should respect the private owners so they continue to allow us access to their trails!
Follow Park Rules on Foraging
Some parks allow foraging, while others do not. And parks that allow foraging usually have restrictions on what/how much you can take with you. Check the park website before planning a foraging trip and respect the rules.
If Hiking with Dogs, Check the Trail Rules
Not all parks permit dogs on their trails, and those that do often have leash rules. Check the park’s website before hiking, and pay attention to trail markers, which will remind you which trails allow dogs and where they must be leashed. The park’s policy is there to protect your dog, your fellow hikers, and the natural environment.
Be Respectful of Other People on the Trail
Hikers and bikers must yield to equestrians. Bikers should yield to hikers, but they often don’t, and on narrow trails, it’s safer for hikers to step to the side to allow bikers to pass. If you’re on a hillside, step onto the side with the hill at your back; stepping into the downward slope, you’re more likely to slip and fall.
And be kind to your fellow hikers! If you see someone who looks lost, help them with directions. If someone is alone and hurt, check in with them. While hiking should be fun, it’s also not a risk-free activity, so we should look out for one another. Hikers are some of the friendliest people I’ve met, so let’s pay it forward.
Consult Trail Signs
Trail markers usually specify what activities are allowed on a particular trail, including which trails allow bikes, dogs, and horses. Again, respect the park’s rules; they’re there for a reason.
Reading the trail markers is also a good way to not get lost! I’ve spent a good few minutes at some trail markers, comparing the markers to my map to make sure I’m going the right way. And with different parks having different types of markers, it’s worth taking your time to read and understand the trail signs.
Obtain a Trail/Parking Pass (If Required)
It may be tempting to skip the payment when you see an empty ranger station at a park entrance, but please follow the payment directions. Parks operate through the collection of fees. They pay for facility maintenance, ranger salaries, and conservation projects. (If you really don’t want to, or can’t, pay for a parking pass, you can check if your local library has a park pass you can borrow.)
Know Your Limits
Finally, don’t try to do more than you’re comfortable doing. It’s easy to be out on the trails, excited by the amazing views or beautiful woods, and think you’ll add another mile, another two miles, to your hike. And it’s all too easy to gamely sign up for a long hike before you’re ready for it. But if you’re feeling tired, unwell, or in pain, cut your hike short for the day. Part of being a responsible hiker is knowing your own limits and sticking to them. You don’t want to be the person on the news who had to be carried out by helicopter!
That’s it – nine ways you can show respect on the trail. Nine might seem like a lot, but you’re probably doing these things already.
Let’s all make sure we leave our trails, parks, and preserves as pristine as we found them so that they can be enjoyed for years to come. And let’s show kindness to our fellow hikers. Our community has been, and should continue to be, welcoming, respectful, and supportive.
