The Happy Hikers Club

Posted by admin on April 24th, 2008 in Information

Leave No Trace

• Stay on the trail. Don’t take shortcuts. The only time to step off the trail is when you come across many other users or are resting. Step to the side and stop walking.
• Where no trails exist, spread out across the terrain. Don’t follow in someone else’s tracks. Stay as much as possible on durable surfaces, like rocks and snow. In tundra, try to walk on rocks, not on the tundra itself.
• Find durable spots when resting off the trail, such as rocks, a fallen tree, a sandy area.
• Do not pick flowers or collect natural items. Don’t peel bark, carve initials, or break branches from trees.
• Don’t litter. Don’t leave behind food scraps, empty cans, or other debris.
• Pick up cigarette butts and other debris you see and dispose of it later. Carry a trash bag for picking up trash found along the trail.
• Pack everything that you bring in back out with you.
• If you use toilet paper or wipes, pack them out.
• Deposit human waste in holes 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise holes when finished.

Trail Etiquette

• Downhill traffic normally yields to uphill traffic.
• Pass on the left.
• Give audible sounds when passing.
• Respect private property. Do not cross fences.
• Cyclists are expected to give the right-of-way to all other trail users.
• Hikers and joggers should yield the right-of-way to horseback riders and other stock animals.
• Don’t block the trail.
• Yield when entering or crossing paths.

Meeting Wildlife

• If you encounter wildlife, stand still and let them pass.
• Observe wildlife from a distance; do not approach them.
• Never feed wild animals.
• If you encounter a bear or mountain lion, stay calm. Do not run. Try to make yourself look bigger, including raising your arms.
• Look to be sure you are not separating the animal from its young, then back away slowly, avoiding eye contact. Speak in a calm, firm voice.