For many of us, hiking and backpacking are ways to find the peace and solitude we struggle to find back home in the middle of civilization. Chances are good, however, that you will encounter other humans no matter where you go. Do you know what to do when you run into other recreationists on the trail?
Basic trail etiquette dictates the general rules to follow when meeting other people on a hiking or backpacking trail. Trail systems are used for a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, and riding horses. Consequently, the general rule of thumb is that the smallest, slowest object on the trail yields to other forms of transportation. That means that the hiker or backpacker typically is the one to let the others pass.
Other trail etiquette guidelines are:
- Stay to the right when walking on wider trails and pass on the left. Call out to the person ahead of you so they know that you are approaching.
- Move off the trail when you are stopping to rest, taking in a view, or yielding so that others can get by. Try to stick to durable surfaces like rocks or dirt when moving off trail.
- Hikers going downhill should give the right of way to the hikers going uphill.
- Cyclists should yield to hikers, but in practice, it can be a different story. It is not always practical for cyclists to stop. It is usually easier for the hiker to yield, but a cyclist should never expect the hiker to do so.
- Cyclists should announce their presence when coming around blind curves and switchbacks and let others know of other cyclists following behind them on the trail.
- Horses get the right of way from both hikers and cyclists. Give equestrians the widest space possible and always yield on the downhill side. Make sure to not make sudden movements when the animals are passing.
- The principles of Leave No Trace command that a person must move at least 200 yards away from a trail in order to deposit human waste out of respect for others. If you are hiking with a dog, please remember to pick up after him or her on the trail as well.
- Remember to check trail guidelines because there might be specific rules for that particular trail.
Trail etiquette is especially important while hiking in a group. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are hiking with others:
- Always stay on the trail and hike in single file.
- When the group meets a single hiker, it is generally accepted that the single hiker yields to the group.