Who yields to whom
Exact rules vary by trail, and posted signs always come first. These are the widely used conventions in the United States:
| Meeting | Usual convention |
|---|---|
| Hiker going downhill meets hiker going uphill | The downhill hiker steps aside. The uphill hiker may wave you through if they want a rest. |
| Cyclist meets hiker | The cyclist yields to the hiker. In practice, on a narrow trail it is often easier for the hiker to step aside. |
| Anyone meets a horse | Everyone yields to horses. Step off on the downhill side if you can, stay calm and visible, and speak to the rider. |
| Large group meets a single hiker | It is courteous for the group to move to one side in single file. |
Passing and stepping aside
- Coming up from behind, say a friendly "hello" or "on your left" well before you reach someone, so you don't startle them.
- When you step aside, choose rock, gravel or bare ground rather than trampling plants at the trail edge.
- Walk single file on narrow trails, and don't block the path when you stop for a break or a photo.
- Near horses, ask the rider how they would like you to pass. Sudden movement and noise can spook a horse.
Keep the noise down
Many people go to trails for quiet. Keep voices moderate and play music through headphones at a volume that still lets you hear bikes, horses and other hikers. Taking a phone call on a summit or by a lake can wait until you are back at the car.
Dogs on trails
Dog rules differ a lot between parks. Many national parks limit dogs to paved areas, roads and campgrounds, while many national forests and local parks allow dogs on trails, often on a leash. Check the rules for your trail before you go. Where dogs are allowed, keep yours under control, step aside with it for others, and pack out its waste.
The seven Leave No Trace principles
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics publishes seven principles that many parks use as their outdoor ethics guide:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
On a day hike, most of this comes down to staying on the trail, packing out everything you bring in, including food scraps like orange peels, leaving rocks and flowers where they are, and watching animals from a distance without feeding them.
Stay on the trail
Switchbacks zigzag up steep slopes to limit erosion. Cutting straight down between them creates gullies that wash out the trail. In muddy sections, walk through the middle of the trail rather than around the edges, which only widens the mud. Fragile areas such as alpine meadows and desert crusts can take years to recover from footprints.
Is it rude to wear headphones on a trail?
Not if you can still hear what is around you. Keep the volume low or use one earbud, so you notice cyclists, horses and other hikers.