No matter what season or time of year, those of us who enjoy spending time in nature will always take the time to soak in the natural world – whether it’s just for a quick walk outside or a long hike in a national park. Regardless of where and to what degree we choose to immerse ourselves in nature, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and treat the trails with as much respect as you would your own home. The following tips outline ways in which you can enjoy nature mindfully without compromising the wellbeing of the environment, thereby helping to establish a culture that treats the Earth with the respect it deserves.
1. Share the Trail
Regardless of whether you’re on foot, on a bicycle, etc., it’s always important to share the trail with others and make room for fellow hikers if the trail is highly frequented or becomes very narrow. If you’re on a bike, yielding to hikers is especially important and dismounting might even be recommended in certain situations to let hikers pass you by. The lines blur a bit between hikers themselves, but uphill hikers always have the right of way, although they may choose to let downhill hikers pass. As a rule of thumb, everyone yields to horses as they are the largest and it is the most difficult for them to yield.
2. Be Friendly
Maintaining a positive attitude on hikes goes a long way. Unlike in a busy city, greeting passersby on a trail is typically common sense. Kindness goes a long way and even just exchanging quick hellos can have a lasting positive impact on the other person. These exchanges can also be advantageous to make your presence known to others and potentially avoid collisions or dangerous situations if the trail is more advanced. Most importantly, however, is knowing that any form of name-calling, slander, or unkindness won’t benefit either party involved if navigating a disagreement.
3. Pack It In, Pack It Out
When we use a hiking trail, it is always important to remember that we are guests and should treat the surrounding area accordingly. We are responsible for any wrappers, tissues, or other waste items we bring on the hike with us. This means carrying any items we take on the hike back out with us, or at the very least, until coming across a trash can or other appropriate receptacle for disposal. The worst possible thing anyone can do is leave the waste they are responsible for in a place that will suffer because of it. If we bring something into nature that doesn’t belong there, it is our complete and utter responsibility to bring it back out.
4. Be Respectful of Wildlife
The animals, insects, birds, or other creatures we may encounter on our hikes likely consider that area their home. For the same reasons we should not litter, we should also maintain an appropriate distance from any wildlife we may cross paths with. Often, signs at the trailhead will inform hikers of the potential wildlife they may see and how to act in the case of an encounter, so reading, photographing, or otherwise taking note of these signs is very important. Keeping your distance from these creatures not only makes them feel comfortable in their environment but can also ensure your own safety!
5. Stay on Marked Paths
Trekking off the “beaten path” can have many consequences for the landscape. Marked trails exist for a reason, and their purpose is often to not only protect hikers from potentially dangerous situations but also protect the oftentimes vulnerable natural biome of the region from hikers. Certain marked (or unmarked) areas along the trail may be growing endangered plants and other foliage may be especially susceptible to damage, making it essential to do your part and stay on the clearly marked paths.
