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Trail Etiquette

The overriding rule on the trail is “Leave No Trace.” Interest in visiting natural areas continues to increase, even as the quantity of unspoiled natural areas continues to shrink. These pressures make it ever more critical that we leave no trace of our visit.

Never Litter If you carried it in, it’s easy enough to carry it out. Leave the trail in the same, if not better, condition than you find it. Try picking up any litter you encounter and packing it out—it’s a great feeling! Pack a spare plastic bag to carry litter. Just picking up a few pieces of garbage makes a difference.

Stay on the Trail Paths have been created, sometimes over many years, for many purposes: to protect the surrounding natural areas, to avoid dangers, and to provide the best route. Leaving the trail can cause damage that takes years to undo. Never cut switchbacks. Shortcutting rarely saves energy or time, and it takes a terrible toll on the land, trampling plant life and hastening erosion. Moreover, safety and consideration intersect on the trail. It’s hard to get truly lost if you stay on the trail.