As hikers, we go out into nature to exercise, forest bathe, or just get away from it all. No matter the reason, we need to be responsible for how we interact with our environment to keep it clean and safe for others and wildlife. I am only able to enjoy visiting some wonderful spaces because people protected them for future generations. There are a few principles and phrases that hikers need to be aware of to hike responsibly. Many of the below guidelines overlap and play off each other, emphasizing how easy it is to follow them.
Leave No Trace
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) provide a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.
- Plan ahead and prepare – Learn about the area, choose appropriate equipment, plan activities to match skill levels, and check regulations or restrictions.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces – Durable surfaces like rocks, sand, and gravel can tolerate repeated trampling or wear. Avoid vegetation and water when possible.
- Dispose of waste properly – “Pack it in, pack it out” for garbage and litter. Wash yourself or dishes at least 200 feet away from streams or lakes.
- Leave what you find – Leave rocks, plants, and artifacts as you found them. Do not carve into trees.
- Minimize campfire impacts – Consider restrictions, if wood is abundant, and fire danger for the time of year.
- Respect wildlife – Observe from a distance so as not to scare them. Travel quietly (unless in bear country). Do not touch or feed wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors – Wear headphones if listening to music. Allow uphill travelers to pass on narrow trails. Clean up after your dog and keep it leashed if required.
Detailed information about the LNT principles is available on Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Tread Lightly!
Tread Lightly!’s goal is to balance people’s outdoor recreation needs with the need to maintain healthy ecosystems and thriving populations of fish and wildlife.
- Travel responsibly – Stay on designated roads, waterways, and trails.
- Respect the rights of others – Respect property owners and other users.
- Educate yourself – Educate on maps, regulations, skills, and safety equipment before your trip.
- Avoid sensitive areas – Stay on designated routes and avoid areas that are more susceptible to damage.
- Do your part – Model appropriate behavior, dispose of waste, and minimize fire use.
Visit Tread Lightly! for details about each T.R.E.A.D. principle.
Recreate Responsibly
The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point to keep yourself and others safe while working to maintain access to our beloved natural spaces.
- Know before you go – Check the location status for closures, weather, and fire restrictions.
- Plan and prepare – Verify if reservations or permits are needed. Prepare your gear and a back-up plan.
- Build an inclusive outdoors – Make outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for all.
- Respect others – Be kind and open to learning from others and sharing nature with those who use it differently.
- Leave No Trace – Follow the seven principles to respect land, water, wildlife, and Native communities.
- Make it better – Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.
For more information on the guidelines, visit Recreate Responsibly.
I always try to keep these principles in mind as I enjoy nature. One of my favorite eco-friendly quotes is “take only pictures (memories), leave only footprints.”
Do you follow any of these principles? Were there any you had not thought about before? Comment below!