Hiking Etiquette
Blog post by GWHVA Intern Eva Heller, 2023
As we all know, hiking is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors. With 22 national and 41 state parks in Virginia alone, the hiking opportunities are endless. There are many things that bring hikers together, including the written and unwritten rules of the trail. Practicing proper hiking etiquette ensures an enjoyable trail experience for all hikers, and knowing what norms and best practices can be key for your next adventure.
The best thing that any hiker can do, whether they are alone or in a group, is to treat others the way that you would want to be treated. The National Park Service labels this as the “Golden Rule” of hiking. With that in mind, here are other guidelines that every hiker should know, according to the National Park Service.
Know your right of way. Make sure you are checking your location on a map or GPS device, and check signage for the trail you are on to ensure you are going the right way. There may also be signs signifying the correct right of way yields, so it is important to keep track of the rules of the area you are in.
Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. Make sure to step out of the way and give them room to advance, while being mindful of where you are stepping.
Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses. If you are biking, come to a full stop and step aside. Again, be mindful of where you are stepping and placing your bicycle.
Hikers yield to horses. Slowly step aside to allow horses and other pack stock to go past. Horses and other stock animals are easily frightened, so it is important to calmly announce your presence and avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
Make yourself known. When encountering other hikers on the trail, it is courteous to nod or greet them. This creates a comfortable atmosphere for everyone on the trail and allows for an enjoyable experience. If you are approaching somebody from behind, announce yourself in a friendly manner and let them know you’d like to pass.
Stay on the trail. Do not step off the designated trail unless you have to when yielding. This allows the wildlife to remain undisturbed and prevents any damage to the ecosystem. It is important to always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Do not disturb wildlife. Keep your distance from any wildlife you encounter. Never leave the trail to try and get closer, as this puts the animal’s and your safety at risk. Some parks may have regulations about how far you have to be from wildlife, so make sure to plan ahead and prepare by reading the regulations for the parks you visit.
Be mindful of trail conditions. Using a muddy trail can be dangerous, and it could destroy the trail. If a trail is too wet and muddy, it may be best to save the hike for another day.
Take time to listen. Be respectful of nature and other hikers and keep noise at a minimum. This includes refraining from playing loud music, talking loudly, or broadcasting other noises from electronic devices. If you enjoy listening to music while you hike, make sure to bring headphones to prevent disturbing those around you. Many wildlife species rely on natural sounds for communication, so being loud can prohibit their chance of survival.
Be aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking in any park or natural space. It will ensure the safety of you, your group, and the surrounding ecosystem. If you are hiking where there is bear presence, know the rules for hiking in bear country, and know what to do if you encounter a bear on the trail.
Being aware of proper trail etiquette can make or break someone’s experience in the outdoors. It is important to know the unspoken and spoken rules of hiking and to educate those that aren’t as familiar with them to ensure that every hiker can have an enjoyable adventure.
