Trail Etiquette

  • Be Friendly and Courteous to All Other Trail Users

 

  • Walk on right side of the trail whether ascending or descending.
  • Walk single file.
  • Greet other hikers with a cordial “Hi” or “Beautiful day for hiking!”
  • Pass on the left. When approaching from the rear call out “Passing  on your left!” Pass only when it is safe and there is enough room.
  • Yield the right of way to descending hikers.
  • Bicyclists yield to hikers. Hikers and bicyclists yield to horseback riders.
  • Pack it in, pack it out.  Practice leave no trace.
  • Ride bikes or horses only where permitted.
  • Practice quiet hiking. Use your smartphone for taking photographs. Speak as lowly as is practicable.

 

Respect the Rights of Private Property Owners

  • Most trails are open to the public, but some trails pass close to residences and private property. Adjacent land is often private property.

 

Respect the Natural Environment

  • Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
  • Try not to step on natural plants. Do not pull up wildflowers.

 

Respect the Status Quo

  • Do not destroy cairns, trail blazes, signs, etc. that have been erected to mark the trail. Forest service and state park officials establish some cairns to mark to the trail.


Read the Kiosks at Trail Heads

  • The kiosks contain specific rules for the trail and other valuable information.


Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack out all trash items.
  • Follow the Leave No Trace Principle for disposing of solid human waste and hygiene products.