Picture the perfect day for a hike. The sun is shining, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, and you’re energized for a day of gorgeous views. And then, right in the middle of the trail, is the largest mud puddle you’ve ever seen.
What do you do?
If you ask George Brown, a trainer for AMC’s Adopt-A-Trail program, it’s time to get your boots dirty.
“I can’t overstate how important staying on the trail is, especially in alpine areas,” says George. “That can be difficult if there’s a wet section, and it hasn’t been maintained properly. But that’s what trail etiquette is: respecting the trail.” George adds that trail etiquette involves
respecting other users, too.
When we talk about etiquette in the outdoors, we’re not talking about which side of your camping dish to put your fork. We’re talking about a code of conduct that prioritizes kindness, the safety of our fellow hikers, and the health of the outdoors.
For 22 years George has been part of the trail adopter program, which monitors and maintains roughly 440 miles of trail in the White Mountains. He believes true trail etiquette expands beyond the “golden rule” and involves all Leave No Trace principles. Through his years of experience, George has seen the positive impact of trail etiquette on visitors and the surrounding environment.
“I think a lot of people believe trails look after themselves, like it happens mysteriously,” he says. “But when you explain what’s involved, they say, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of work.’ 99% of the people I’ve talked to are very respectful of that need, and really seem to be pleased that they learned something about caring for the outdoor experience.”
Here are George’s suggestions for ensuring that your trail etiquette is up to par.
Plan and prepare.
“Basic preparation—carrying the 10 essentials, knowing your route, having plenty of water—that stuff is probably the most important thing I would pass along to somebody,” says George. “To me, that’s respecting the experience of other people that are involved with that trail’s community, which includes search and rescue teams.”
Share the experience.
“It boils down to respecting the other hikers you meet along the way,” he says. Being courteous towards others—avoiding excessive noise, controlling pets, keeping the trail and campsites pristine—helps ensure that everyone can experience nature’s beauty.
Protect the trail.
“It all comes back to staying on the trail,” George says. “Don’t wander off to a nice viewpoint, because you might damage sensitive vegetation. It’s great that you’re getting out and enjoying everything the trails in the mountains offer, but there is a lot of volunteer work that goes into maintaining trails to a high standard.”
Through collective trail etiquette, we can all help protect the trails, the environment, and the experience that unites us in awe and appreciation for the great outdoors.