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Basic hiking rules are designed to keep the trails available for everyone's enjoyment, keep you safe, and to keep others safe.
Where ever you hike, do your part, leave the area better than when you found it.
Sure it takes extra time to to pick up after ourselves and others.
It's worth it.
During your hike and after your lunch, every person in your party needs to take a bag, fan out and detail the area.
Pick up all debris that has been left behind.
Pick up the gum wrapper or cigarette butt left behind by others. Make certain that the plastic caps on your drinks make their way to the garbage can, along with those left behind by others.
Pack out, what you packed in.
This has to do with organic materials as well. Often times we throw leftovers out for the animals. The apple core attracts the deer, which in turn attracts the cougar. Take that ziplock bag you brought your lunch in and repackage your trash for easy removal.
No toilet, then pack your waste out, or bury it. If burying your waste, make sure you are at least 200 ft. from any water source and trail. Dig a hole 6" to 8" deep, use biodegradable toilet paper, and be sure to fill the hole.
Again, leave the area a better place than when you found it.
One person does make a difference.
Rules of the Trail:
If passing fellow hikers or bicyclists, step to the right and remain calm.
While passing horses, also step to the right remain calm, and be silent. Horses may become spooked and someone in your group, yourself or the rider may become injured.
Wait until the horse and rider have successfully passed then resume your normal behavior.
If you come across gates, leave them as you found them. Gates are open or closed for a reason. Would you like your front door to be left open when you are away ?
Stay on the trail, even if the trail is a muddy, ruddy mess, this will help protect the habitat. Walk single file and do not walk on the edges of the trail. Both of these will cause widening of the trail, which in turn will cause damage and erosion.
Avoid sensitive areas that include wetlands, streams, meadows, forest, desert, lake shore and, breeding or nesting areas. Avoid sensitive soil areas to prevent damage including erosion.
If you run out of trail, do not cut a new trail, this will cause more damage and erosion. Instead fan out, try not to walk single file, this will lessen the impact on the area.
Stay away from private property, you must obtain permission from the land owner prior to hiking or you will be trespassing and trespassing is punishable by law.
Avoid spooking wildlife and livestock, keep a safe distance to avoid attacks.
Be Cautious:
While out on the trail, there are a few hiking safety rules. Avoid persons asking too many questions, acting strangely, high, drunken, hostile or provocative. Prepare your pepper spray for use and if necessary, spray at the face.
Don't broadcast your hiking plans. If you are hiking alone, let people know that you are the leader of a group that is coming from behind.
Dress conservatively in order to not bring yourself to the attention of dangerous strangers. The majority of outdoor situations occur due to lack of preparation and lack of foresight. Know your limits.
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