Trail & Camp Etiquette

Minding Your Behavior Outdoors

Being the best representation to outdoors people everywhere is important. Having respect for yourself and others around you makes the activity better for everyone and everything. When you are conscious of your behavior and how it impacts others, you become a better steward to the sport, the outdoors and to your fellow man. Learn how you can be a better participant in this sport and have a better time alongside others out there.

Yielding or passing on the trail

Always be mindful and respectful of other people’s space on the trail.
If you are the one traveling down you should yield to those traveling up.
If you are headed up, keep your eye out for others going the opposite way.

Playing music or making noise at camp

Do not play music at levels where others more than 50′ away could hear, even if you think you are all alone. Just because you are really enjoying Walk The Line, doesn’t mean that everyone around you is. Many people go to the outdoors to escape and decompress away from artificial distractions.
Staying up and burning the midnight oil can be fun but remember that if you are in a popular area, others may turn in earlier for an early morning the next day. With this in mind you would be wise to keep your volume to a minimum. This isn’t to say you should not make a noise but do so within reason. If you have even been in your sleeping bag and cannot fall asleep because of others carrying on at 2am, you will know what I mean.

Acknowledge others when you cross paths

It is always good to be polite to others when crossing paths. Say hello, wave, or otherwise signal a salutation. You never know when you may cross paths again or need help. This one is really just about being a nice fellow human.
Making others aware of your presence will reduce the surprise they may experience if they have headphones in for example. You don’t want to surprise others out there. Be a good fellow traveler and say hello in a calm, welcoming way which makes others feel comfortable. Doing so will avoid an accidental collision or even a reactionary injury.

Pick Up Your Trash

Maybe it is just me, this is a very obvious point. Clean up after yourself and don’t leave any trash. Don’t burn trash or bury it, pack it out. You packed it in and used up the contents so it is your responsibility to get it back out. When you do carry it out, dispose of it in the proper way. Don’t just toss it out the window on the car ride back. Be a good steward to our environment, after all you did just enjoy some of it!

Always Leave An Area Better Than When You Found It

Leaving an area better than when you found it is a big one. This means picking up after yourself, trying your best to not disturb the natural area or plant life and cleaning it up if it was not in 100% order originally. The benefits of this are preserving an area for the next user and for local life. It also stimulates better behavior of others. If an area was littered, people who don’t know proper etiquette may see this an invitation to do the same. Enlightened folks will take this opportunity to make it better through cleaning it up. Be respectful of our world or it will show the same in return.

Be A Good Person Outdoors And Have A Better Time

The lesson here is very simple- be a better person when you are outdoors and you will have a better experience. By being a better fellow outdoors person, you are positively promoting this philosophy through action to others. These other people may be experienced experts who will appreciate your efforts, learning novices who will take note and new comers who are just learning the basics of what they are starting to get into. Benefits go across the board and other people will see what you do, they will want to go on more trips with you and have more good times.