Hiking Etiquette 101

Hiking seems like a simple enough pastime. You find the hiking trail that you want to go on, pack your bags, tie your shoes and set off. However, picking a trail and packing your supplies are not the only things that you need to worry about. You need to be aware of hiking etiquette. Now this may seem like common courtesy, which it usually is, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brush up on your trail formalities with these hiking tips.

Now that more people are heading outside, social distancing and trying to stay safe, hiking has become much more popular among the masses. So I have compiled a few hiking tips, be it for the first timers or for the avid hiker, it never hurts to brush up on your skills.

Hiking Etiquette and Hiking Tips

Who has the Right of Way?

Depending on your trail route, you may have to deal with uphill and downhill hikers. This then begs the question as to who has the right of way? It is quite simple actually, downhill hikers should yield to the hikers heading uphill.

Now some of you may be questioning why, but it is kind of all down to science. Hikers going uphill have to work against gravity, making trekking harder as they try to keep momentum. Whereas downhill trekkers have gravity pushing them downhill.

Yes, they need to keep an eye on where they are going downhill, but their field of vision is a lot broader than those heading uphill. So our first bit of trail etiquette tells us to give way to all those uphill hikers. This hiking guideline for passing fellow trail users is easy to remember.

As a little side note, there is the question of who has the right of way when you are trying to overtake.

A good rule for someone going a faster pace is to simply wait for when you hit a wider part of the trail and just ask to pass. This way, they are given warning someone is behind them and it is safer to pass.

And this tip works well for downhill hikers as well. Just always make sure that it is safe for both yourself and other trail users when it comes to passing.

Who has Right of Way — Solo Hikers or Groups?

Although similar to the above, this is still a very relevant tip that you may need. Again, it comes with a rather simple answer — solo hikers should give way to groups. This is because it is fairly easy for a solo hiker to move to the side for a group and let them pass.

Hopefully the group is also sticking to hiking etiquette and travelling the trail single file. Another little quick hiking tip to keep you going, remember that passing lanes on trails is much like driving, stick to the right side and pass on the left.

Whether you are hiking in a group or solo, always stay on the trail as much as possible (even when passing). Hiking off trail can be dangerous and damaging to the environment.

Bikers, Hikers and Horses Trail Hierarchy

Hiking trails are not just for hikers, quite often you will find trail runners, people cycling the trails, and horse riders. Now, because there are so many travellers taking to the trails, you need to take into account what the hierarchy is.

At the top is horses, then hikers and lastly mountain bikers.

And don’t forget to check before heading off if you may be sharing the trail with mountain bikers and horses, just to mentally prepare. Those traveling on two-wheels must have a working bell, so be sure to listen for them when sharing a trail. With hikers, horse riders, trail runners, cyclists and dogs all sharing the same trail space it is really important to look out for one another.

When it comes to horses, there are certain things that you should do when they pass. Make sure you step (slightly) off of the trail and preferably on the downhill side. Horses can sometimes be skittish and are constantly on the lookout for danger.

So, by stepping aside you reduce the chance of startling the horse and also from being run over if it spooks. Another great tip is to say a quick hello to the rider, this will allow the horse to ease as it recognizes you as human and is simple trail manners.

Leave No Trace

Most trails will have ample signage stating for you to take any trash that makes it back home with you. Always make sure that you have a small bag that can be used for banana peels, trail mix and other items.

You can then seal it and put it back in your pack, or tie it to the outside for easy access. By taking your rubbish with you, the trail stays safe and clean, plus wildlife is less likely to venture onto the trail or have harm from litter.

Yes, even that banana peel or apple core that is “biodegradable”.

Some hikers believe that the leaving no trace rule also stands for staying on the trail. Certain trails will state whether you are allowed off the beaten path, but others are strict for a number of reasons.

If you head out into the wilderness off the trail, you could get lost, damage plants and in some severe cases loosen rocks that can cause harm to others. Just be mindful before heading off on your route, make sure you know where you are allowed to venture and where you are not. I found this information on the leave no trace principles helpful.

7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Here’s a quick overview of the 7 principles of the Leave No Trace initiative. It’s good to freshen up on this list no matter if you are a beginner or avid hiker!

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Proper planning and preparation help minimize the impact on the environment by reducing the need to make environmentally damaging decisions.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging the land.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to prevent pollution and harm to wildlife. Yep, this includes properly disposing of human waste (I discuss this below!)
4. Leave What You Find – Preserve the past and protect wildlife by not taking natural objects or cultural artifacts. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species (no matter how cool that rock is).
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts – Use a camping stove instead of a campfire if possible, and where fires are permitted, minimize their impacts by using established fire rings and keeping fires small.
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe wildlife from a distance, do not feed animals, and protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience by keeping noise levels down and maintaining courteous behavior on the trails and in campsites. The outdoors are for EVERYONE!

Hiking with Dogs Ettiquette

Leaving no trace is also for dog walkers. Just like any public place, you should be picking up after your dog. If you are not willing to pick up your dog’s ablutions, then you shouldn’t be on the trail.

Fellow trail users shouldn’t have to keep an eye out for dog messes. For one, it’s gross and two, it can be difficult to clean out of your hiking boots. So, pack the poop bags and enjoy the great outdoors with your pup by your side!

Bringing your pup along on your hiking journey can lead to some of the best memories, but can also be potentially dangerous situations. It’s best to train your dog beforehand, follow leash laws, and pack enough water and needed gear.

If you do end of taking your dog off leash, be sure you have an effective recall command and that your dog stays on the trail. This way you can ensure you are not distrubing any sensitive vegetation or scaring in other users.

What about Technology?

This can sometimes cause much debate between the hiking communities. Phones can be a useful piece of technology for a navigational purpose or in case of an emergency. And, in today’s world, they are often used to take that perfect Instagram picture.

There are just a few courtesies that should be taken when using technology on the trails. Basically, just remember that you and your phone are not the only ones on the trail. If there is a perfect shot that you need to take, check your surroundings and make sure you are not holding up other hikers. If you want to take a group shot, try it at a wider part of the trail so that people can easily pass you.

I know that some hikers like to listen to music or wear headphones while hiking, however I would advise against this due to disturbing the peace of nature and for safety reasons. When you are wearing headphones, you are unable to hear voice commands from mountain bikers or horseback riders and you may miss other noises that could be potentially dangerous.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always listening for potential mountain lions, bears, or other animal warning sound. Plus, who doesn’t love to immerse themselves in the natural sounds of the world around them?

Be Friendly to Fellow Hikers

A great hiking tip is to be friendly to your fellow hikers, saying a quick hello can prove useful in the long run. Your safety is the most important thing, and stopping for a quick chat can keep you safe.

No matter whether you are doing a day hike, an overnighter of just hiking solo, you can learn a lot about the trail ahead of you from other hikers. If they are heading from the opposite direction, they can tell you what the trail conditions are like, what to look out for and maybe even a great spot to set up camp.

And god forbid something bad were to happen, someone will know where you are and help with directions for rescuers. Just be careful how much information you share and always trust your gut.

How do I go to the Bathroom on the Trail?

No matter what length of a hike you are going on, at some point you will need a bathroom break. Knowing the proper hiking bathroom etiquette is going to be important! There are simple trail guidelines when it comes to using the bathroom in the great outdoors.

First thing first, you can either leave your pack behind (on the side of the trail) or you can take it with you. Now you need to find a place for a bit of privacy. Many suggest heading at least 200 feet away from the trail.

Depending on where you are this may not be possible so use a bit of common sense. Try and find a private spot. Behind a tree or even a rock formation so that you can go in peace and so as not to scare other trail users. Just be sure to watch where you are stepping anytime you step off the trail!

So you now know where you are going to the bathroom, but now you need to know how. Here are some hiking tips that other hikers follow for bathroom breaks.

Make sure that you have packed a trowel, some clean toilet paper, a sealable bag and some hand sanitizer. Use the trowel to dig a hole for yourself. Make it about 6 inches deep so as not to affect water supplies or attract wildlife.

Once done, cover your hole back up, making sure to keep the trowel clean. Dispose of your used toilet roll in your sealable bag. I’d highly recommend popping it in a trash bag first to help mask smell.

Then place the bag somewhere in your pack that isn’t used for any food or other group gear.

Backpacking Trail Etiquette

If your hike is over several days, then you will either be staying at a campsite or in a shelter. Hiking etiquette is still necessary when staying at either. Make sure that you leave wherever you have slept cleaner than how you found it. This way, no one can complain, you won’t be fined, and you’ll be respecting the great Mother Nature.

Many of your fellow hikers may be wanting to get up bright and early to set out on the trail. Make sure to keep noise down by 9 or 10 pm. Also, if you yourself want to get an early start, make sure that you are all packed up before heading to sleep. This way, you will not disturb your fellow sleepers before sunrise.

Don’t Feed the Animals

Although the idea of feeding a nut to a chipmunk seems like an innocent task, it does far more harm than good to the wildlife.

If you feed a wild animal, it ends up putting them and other hikers more at risk. When animals are fed, they get more and more used to humans and accidents can occur (whether it be at the human or animals expense).

Let’s let them remain wild animals!

Hiking Etiquette 101 Recap

Like I said at the beginning of this post, hiking etiquette is fairly simple and most hikers are already following these guidelines and unwritten rules. Just make sure that you have done your research on your hiking trail so that you know which rules apply and which don’t.

Whether you are hiking at your local state parks, or taking a bucket list National Park vacay, you’ll be off climbing mountains, trekking through woods and taking some incredible scenic photographs in no time!

Here’s a quick recap of 10 rules for hiking!

1. Downhill hikers should yield to the hikers going uphill (remember that the uphill hikers are working hard- don’t wreck their momentum).
2. Solo hikers should give way to groups (it’s much easier for a single hiker step off the narrow trail).
3. Groups should form a single file line when passing.
4. Bicycles must have a working bell, so listen for them when sharing a trail.
5. Leave No Trace. Let’s work together to leave the outdoors better than how we found it.
6. Be friendly to fellow hikers.
7. Use the restroom at least 200 feet from the trail (& pack proper gear).
8. Leave campsites cleaner than when you got there.
9. Keep the volume down and respect noise levels when camping.
10. Do not feed the animals (no matter how cute those chipmunks are).

Hiking Etiquette FAQ’s

Do you have any hiking tips or other general guidelines that I should add to this post to share with other hikers? Let me know and have fun on the trails with your newfound trail tips! If you aren’t already, follow along with me on Instagram.

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