Going offline and getting out into the great outdoors soothes the soul. Many of us started hiking because we dreamed of wide open spaces, but encountering other people is inevitable, even in the most remote areas.
Early on, we learned that there was an unwritten code among hikers. The Smart Hiker aims to respect nature and each other so that we can all have a great time.
In our hiking tips for beginners post, we briefly discussed trail etiquette. Today, we’ll share the secrets of this unwritten code to ensure you don’t unwittingly tread on other people’s toes.
Table of Contents
Why is Proper Trail Etiquette Necessary?
Let’s start with what etiquette is:
The dictionary definition is:
“a set of customs and rules for polite behavior, especially among a particular class of people or in a particular profession.“
Or, if you prefer, the rules on how not to be an a*****e.
But beginners often forget that proper trail etiquette isn’t exclusively about how you treat your fellow hiker. It’s also about how we treat the environment so we can preserve it for those who come afterward.
Without proper trail etiquette, the nation’s national parks would be filled with “trail rage,” damaged vegetation, and trash. So, if you love the outdoors, learning etiquette should be as important as picking your footwear.
How to Plan Ahead Before Going on a Hike
Before going into specifics, let’s start with how to begin any hike. Proper research ensures you’re ready for anything and don’t inadvertently break trail etiquette rules because you weren’t prepared.
Thankfully, planning shouldn’t take more than a few minutes the night before and the morning of.
Research the Hiking Trail
Where are you going?
You’d be surprised how many beginners see a national park on the map and show up without any preparation.
During a trip to Glen Coe in Scotland, we witnessed a pair attempting to hike Coire Gabhail (Hidden Valley) in flip-flops.
Good etiquette means not putting yourself in a scenario whereby someone else might have to lose sight of their own hike to help you.
In short, knowing your route and coming prepared with the proper gear benefits everybody.
Understand the Trail Conditions
Some trails have relatively predictable conditions depending on the season. But others may experience year-round chaotic weather.
For example, Australia’s Larapinta Trail sees temperature fluctuations of -4 Celsius to 32 Celsius (24.8 to 89.6 Fahrenheit). Plus, it’s not uncommon for dry creek beds to turn into chocolate rivulets in mere hours due to rain 20 miles away.
Understanding the trail conditions protects you and ensures you have the appropriate gear. Plus, it’s good etiquette to be aware so that you can share information with other hikers you meet.
Prepare for Emergencies
Emergency preparedness is something you hope you’ll never use but could get you out of a bad situation.
Preparing for emergencies is often framed in the context of “if something bad happens to you, you’ll know what to do.” But it’s also for others.
For example, good etiquette means helping other hikers in need. Do you know what to do if you encounter a dehydrated hiker? What if you find someone who’s injured?
Preparing for emergencies keeps everybody safe.
The Basics of Hiking Etiquette: 8 Unwritten Rules to Follow
You’ve got your gear, checked the conditions, and you’re ready to head out into the wild blue yonder, right?
Wrong.
It’s time to learn about the right way to treat nature and your fellow adventurer.
Sadly, many hikers make mistakes because nobody taught them what to do. At best, you’ll remain blissfully ignorant of your naivete, but you might also encounter a hot-headed hiker.
Either way, learning the unwritten rules improves the hiking experience. Let’s discuss the unwritten rules you should know.
1. Understand Who Has the Right of Way
One of the biggest points of contention is who should get out of the way on a narrow trail.
We believe giving way regardless of who’s coming along is best. It’s a simple thing to do and will always win you a nod and a smile.
However, if we’re talking rules, the first rule is to hike on the left and pass on the right. Note that this may differ between countries, so double-check if you’re traveling overseas.
And, of course, if someone is zooming along, let them pass as soon as you find a safe spot to yield.
Uphill Hikers vs. Downhill Hikers
Another factor in giving way is that uphill traffic always has the right of way over downhill hikers. If you’re heading downhill, find a safe spot to step aside.
Why is this a thing?
Uphill hikers are working harder than those using gravity to carry them down. Giving the uphill hiker a break is a basic courtesy instead of making them take an awkward route to get out of your way.
Big Groups vs. Solo Trail Hikers
If you’re hiking alone and meet a large party coming through, the group has the right of way.
It’s easier for one person to move out of the way than for an entire group to let you through. Plus, it also reduces the impact on the trailside.
The same rule also applies if you’ve got a threesome and you encounter a group of six. The smaller group will usually yield if they’re following good trail etiquette.
Mountain Bikers, Horseback Riders, or Other Trail Users
Some parts of the world are merging trails to create “multi-use pathways.” It’s a controversial hiking issue in some circles, with arguments for and against it.
For example, New Zealand is one country that’s bought into this idea. The Queen Charlotte Track is a notorious 72 km dual-use trail, and there’s no shortage of conflicts due to people not knowing etiquette.
So, what should you do if you encounter bikers, horse riders, or anyone else?
The hiker should yield for three reasons:
- Bikers and riders are probably moving faster and are less agile, so not yielding will increase the chances of an accident. This applies even though, technically, it’s the cyclist who should yield first.
- It’s less disruptive for you to yield than a non-hiker.
- A pair of boots stepping off the trail is less impactful than four hoofs or two wheels.
2. Hiking With Pets on a Shared Trail
Bringing along your four-legged friend is fun, but it’s important to keep them safe among the new sights, smells and sounds they’ll encounter. Whether they get a little too friendly with the wildlife or disturb your fellow hiker (who may not be so pet-friendly), responsible hiking with pets will help everyone have a better time.
Firstly, only some trails or national parks will allow you to bring your dog. For example, France’s oldest national park, the Vanoise National Park, bans all dogs, whether on a leash or carried, due to its five nature reserves and 65 protected species.
Other parks may allow dogs but only on paved roads or in campgrounds to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Some places may even require a special dog permit, so be sure to visit the trail or park’s official website for more information.
Assuming you can bring your best friend, here’s what you must know about being a responsible pet parent.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
What are the golden rules of responsible hiking with your dog(s)?
- Train Your Pooch – Only take a dog that’s well-socialized and well-trained. They shouldn’t be easily spooked, should remain by your side, and be controlled with a firm voice.
- Step Aside – As a rule, let others pass you and your dog. If you’re faster, call out and alert them that you’ve got a dog so they can step aside. Leave plenty of space.
- Get Well Off-Trail for Animals – Horses and other livestock may be spooked by your furry friend. If you need to yield to them, get far off-trail to avoid sparking an aggressive response.
- Keep Them on a Short Leash – Always opt for a short leash of six feet or less. Even if you’re in a rare place where they can be off the lead, don’t. Many people are scared of dogs, so let’s evoke the rule, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
- Carry Their Vaccination Records – Accidents happen, but what matters is that you’re prepared. Keep Fido’s vaccination records on hand in case there’s an incident.
- Clean Up – Don’t leave your dog’s mess behind. Pick it up and take it with you. When left where it drops, it adds harmful non-native bacteria and nutrients to the ecosystem. This is why dog poop is classified as an environmental pollutant and a human health hazard.
Generally, if you’re unsure whether your dog can behave well, leave them at home.
3. Leave No Trace Behind
A big part of hiking etiquette is adhering to the Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural world.
It started in the mid-20th century to promote conservation and prevent ecological damage. Following these principles enables us to preserve the natural world for future generations.
In a nutshell:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Nobody expects perfection, but making an effort does much to reduce our collective impact on the environment.
4. Interacting With Wildlife
Spotting some majestic wildlife is the highlight of any memorable hike, but how you handle it is crucial.
When it comes to interacting with wildlife, follow this simple rule: don’t.
Interactions with humans have a range of adverse impacts, including:
- Passing diseases between humans and wildlife (and vice-versa).
- Habituating wildlife to people isn’t a good thing.
- Putting yourself in danger.
Give wildlife a wide berth while hiking. Generally, this is 25 yards from most critters and 100 yards from bears. However, local guidelines always take precedence.
For example, the National Park Service recommends staying at least 300 yards from bears in Alaska. On the other hand, they only recommend 100 yards in Yellowstone.
So, what should you do if you spot an animal on the trail that won’t move?
Detour widely off-trail. Try to be as gentle as possible, but the goal is to avoid spooking the animal or provoking an aggressive response.
Leave the Sensitive Vegetation and Animals Untouched
Trails are there for a reason.
Moving off-trail exposes sensitive vegetation to destruction. This cumulative impact could require decades for nature to repair the damage.
Likewise, never touch animals, even if they approach. Touching them can pass diseases and train them to approach humans because they think they’ll receive food. It damages their natural hunting instincts and could bring animals into conflict with humans.
Pick Up Your Trash
The only thing you should leave is footprints.
Pick up all trash. Even biodegradable items can take months, or even years, to degrade. In the meantime, trash could trap animals and pollute water sources.
Parks can and do issue hefty fines for violators. In some cases, they may even press for criminal charges.
Avoid Hiking Off-Trail
Unless you’re in a remote area without trails, moving off-trail is frowned upon by most hikers. It might not seem like a big deal, but there are massive repercussions, including:
- Damaged vegetation
- Trail erosion
- Wildlife disruption
- Altered hydrology
- Increased muddiness
- Trail widening
The one exception to this rule is if you have to go hiking off-trail to avoid wildlife, such as mountain lions or bears.
However, it’s always best to consult the local regulations for wherever you’re hiking.
5. Using the Bathroom in the Great Outdoors
Pooping in the great outdoors is a trail etiquette issue that often confuses newer hikes.
Learning how to poop while backpacking is a rite of passage everyone must learn, so follow these tips:
- Always use porta potties if available (no matter how gross!)
- Move 200 feet away from any trail, campsite, or water source.
- Find a private spot behind a tree or rock.
- Dig a cat hole for your poop.
- Pack out used toilet paper.
And, yes, animals poop outdoors all the time, but their poop benefits the ecosystem. Human poop doesn’t do that and can cause serious ecological problems.
Not to mention most hikers don’t want to encounter second-hand poop!
6. Interacting With Fellow Hikers
It’s common courtesy to acknowledge any hikers you pass. Whether it’s a smile or a simple “Hello!” don’t keep your head down and ignore them.
Basic courtesy preserves a friendly environment and makes everyone more at ease. Plus, be liberal with any information you share. If there’s an obstacle up ahead, tell anyone you come across.
And, as always, try to keep the volume down. Many of us are there to enjoy the relative quiet and solitude of the wide open spaces.
7. Bringing Smartphones On Hiking Trails
Should you bring your smartphone hiking? Some people love to detox from technology, but modern smartphones are essential on the trails.
Even in remote areas, you can often find a signal, which is essential if you get into trouble. Plus, your phone has other nifty features/apps, including:
- Offline trail maps
- Topographical maps
- Compass
- Camera
The only rule of thumb for using your smartphone is to avoid blasting out music as you meander along. Keep it in your pocket and enjoy what’s around you.
8. How to Behave When Trail Riding on Mountain Bikes
More multi-use trails have brought more mountain bikers and hikers into contact. Many of us enjoy helter-skeltering along a muddy trail as much as hiking, so what are the rules for being a mountain biker on the trails?
The first rule is that it’s against the law to ride in any area designated as state or federal wilderness. Assuming you’re good to go, follow these rules:
- Never create a new trail by taking a shortcut
- Don’t cut switchbacks
- Obey speed regulations
- Stay alert
- Always let a trail user know you’re coming
- Yield to non-bike trail users
Other than these rules, conventions like yielding to uphill riders/hikers are the same for cyclists as they are for hikers.
We also recommend checking out the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Rules of the Trail for inexperienced riders.
Final Thoughts on Trail Hiking Etiquette
Hikers are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet – and there’s a reason for that.
The hiking community champions outdoor ethics and getting out into the wild. However, we also understand that we must respect the environment to reduce our impact.
If we all follow trail hiking etiquette, we preserve the pristineness of America’s wilderness while making the experience better for everybody. Want to learn more about creating epic memories in the great outdoors? Check out our other hiking guides now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper dress code for hiking?
There isn’t a dress code for hiking, per se. It’s all about ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the trail might throw at you so that you don’t become a burden on somebody else.
For more information on what to wear when hiking, see our hiking clothing guides.
How many people should be in a hiking group?
Generally, 12 should be the upper limit for a hiking group. This is considered to be the maximum point where you can control the group’s safety and enjoyment without creating an outsized environmental impact.
On the other hand, we think the optimal hiking group is about half of this. If you’re in a big group, consider splitting up and departing at separate times.
How do you stay safe while hiking a narrow trail?
Hike single file. Ensure someone experienced is at the front to guide the group while leaving another experienced hiker at the back to ensure nobody gets lost or hurt.
Many groups do this regardless because it also lets foot traffic pass from behind or in the opposite direction.
Why do hikers greet each other?
It’s part tradition and part strategy.
Greeting people on the trail is simply a nice thing to do. But it also provides an opportunity to pass on vital information about obstacles, conditions, animal sightings, or anything else pertinent.
Remember, this is also a chance to make new friends. Many great friendships have started with a simple trail encounter.
Does hiking etiquette differ around the world?
In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. Yielding rules, or which side you should pass on, can differ, but most of the rules you encounter at home will also apply abroad.
As always, do your research if you’re heading out on an overseas hiking trip.
