How to Trail Etiquette for Hikers

In many places you will have to share hiking trails with other hikers, horseback riders and bike riders. We can all get along by following a few simple rules.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The standard rule when hiking on multi-use trails is: bikers yield to hikers and horses/pack animals and hikers yield to horses. When encountering pack animals, step to the downhill side of the trail.

2. When passing other hikers from behind, pass on the left and announce that you are doing so.

3. Respect the right of others to enjoy the wilderness by keeping loud noises/conversation to a minimum. Most people who spend time in the wilderness do this anyway and I have never really encountered a serious problem.

4. Hikers going downhill should yield to hikers going uphill. The person going uphill may be grateful for a break though and let you pass. Give them the discretion.

5. If...ehem....nature calls, be sure to go far enough off the trail so as not to cause a disturbance. Of all the possible breaches of etiquette this has to be worst. 99% of all hikers are prudent, but I have actually seen people going right on trails before...that's gross and socially awkward.

[kimarkent]

on 3/23/2009 Wow, never really thought about hiking etiquette, so this was a cool article to me. I did have to laugh over your last point,,when ahem,, nature calls..way to cover a subject diplomatically!5* and recommended. If you're some Indiana,,you have to be great!!