Читать книгу Afoot and Afield: San Francisco Bay Area. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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Public lands belong to everybody. Treat them as precious, and they will remain unspoiled for all to enjoy. Small, thoughtless acts can have unintended consequences, because everything in nature is interconnected. Effects of carelessness may be sudden and dramatic, such as fires, or they may not show up for years. The rules of trail etiquette are simple and based on common sense. Obey all posted restrictions. Stay on marked trails and do not cut switchbacks. Pack out all trash, and do not disturb the park’s plants and animals. In short, tread lightly on the land.

The “trails” in the Bay Area are a combination of dirt roads, single tracks, and even paved paths. As you travel the routes described in this book, you will encounter other outdoor enthusiasts—hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians. Most trails are open to hiking and equestrian use. In only a few cases are trails designated “hiking only,” which means no bicycles or horses are allowed. Some parks and preserves allow bicycling, but generally only on dirt roads (Annadel and China Camp state parks in the North Bay are notable exceptions).