The Rudest Things You Can Do On A Hike
Going on a hike is a great way to move your body, immerse yourself in nature and release stress. But not everyone knows how to behave on the trail.
“Generally speaking, the hiking community is very accepting,” said Will Pattiz, cofounder of the conservation-focused publicationMore Than Just Parks. “However, there are a few behaviors that always get grunts, side-eyes, and even stern comments.”
To help make hiking a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, HuffPost asked Pattiz and other outdoor experts, as well as etiquette professionals, to share the most common faux pas on the trail ― and their advice for avoiding these missteps.
Failing To Yield Properly
“Step aside for those coming up,” said national parks travel expert Mikah Meyer. “If you’re hiking down, it’s likely you’re having an easier trek at that moment than those working against gravity. So when in doubt, give the right-of-way to those ascending.”
Safely step to the side to let uphill hikers pass, and then continue on your journey.
“Bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to horses,” added Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and cohost of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast.
The same right-of-way standard applies to faster hikers approaching from behind.
“Living in New York, it’s just like sidewalk etiquette,” Pattiz said. “If someone behind you is moving faster, step aside to let them pass.”
It’s especially important to check behind if you’re in a big group taking up lots of space on the trail.
“And when the downhill or slower hikers let you by, be sure to thank them,” said Andrea Lankford, a former park ranger and author of “Ranger Confidential: Living, Working, and Dying in the National Parks.”
Indeed, a little courtesy goes a long way on the hiking trail.
“I always find that it’s in good taste to give fellow hikers a wave and a kind hello on the trail as well,” said Jack Steward, host of the adventure-themed YouTube channel “Tiny Cabin Life.”
Leaving Things Behind
“You are a self-contained bubble,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Whatever you bring with you to your hike, should be brought back out with you. This means all garbage, wrappers and waste. It is rude to litter.”
The experts who spoke to HuffPost pointed to the framework of “Leave No Trace” when it comes to exploring the great outdoors.
“To some, it might seem like a long list of high-minded outdoor principles to carry with you like a grocery list,” said Jim Pattiz, the other cofounder of More Than Just Parks. “Let me simplify it: It’s a commitment to ensuring the outdoor spaces you visit remain in the same condition you found them in ― that’s all.”
Don’t leave anything behind, and let what you find remain in its place. All you should take with you are your memories and pictures.
“Watch out for your ‘micro-trash’ ― tiny bits of candy wrappers and tissue that accidentally get left behind,” Lankford said.
Although you might encounter garbage bins where you can toss your trash, it’s even better if you can dispose of it yourself back home.
“Our parks are understaffed, which includes the people who empty trash bins,” Meyer said. “So the better job we hikers can do of taking out what we take in, the more beautiful all our hikes will be.”
Playing Your Music Out Loud On The Trail
“One of the biggest offenders is playing music on an external speaker,” Will Pattiz said. “Most people hit the trails to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy its peaceful sounds, not someone else’s playlist.”
Whether it’s music, a podcast or a TikTok video, don’t assume other people want to hear what you’re consuming on your hike.
“If you want to listen to music, that is totally fine,” Steward said. “Just make sure to use headphones so that fellow hikers who are looking to just experience the quiet of nature can do so.”
Jim Pattiz noted that nature already provides “a perfect playlist ― wind in the trees, birdsong and the occasional angry squirrel.”
“I’m not a biologist, but I’m pretty sure the marmots and chipmunks would prefer you use headphones,” he said.
Keep your voice low when you’re talking, too. Being loud and boisterous can ruin your fellow hikers’ experience and disturb animals.
“While making noise and talking in certain circumstances to keep the group safe, such as when we are in grizzly bear areas, we try to keep our voices to a minimum so that our group and others can have the best opportunities to see wildlife while also minimizing our disruption to the wildlife,” said Ben Sander, associated director of global product at the outdoor travel companies Austin Adventures and Active Adventures.
Veering Off The Marked Trails
“Staying on marked trails is really important,” Jim Pattiz said. “When you depart from the trail, you’re damaging the ecosystem that the trees, plants and animals around you rely on. You’re damaging the very thing you came to enjoy.”
Intentionally veering off marked trails also indicates a lack of respect for your safety and that of your fellow hikers.
“It is inconsiderate when a hiker goes off trail,” said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette. “That will subject the fellow hikers to go off trail looking for them or waiting for them to return. That is borderline selfish, and when hiking, you must always be concerned about your fellow hiker.”
Ignoring Dog Rules
“Follow the rules when it comes to bringing dogs and whether or not they need to remain on leash,” Leighton said.
Even if your dog is well-trained, keep in mind that your fellow hikers and their furry companions don’t know that. Other dogs might spook easily or become aggressive ― which can lead to bigger problems in the wilderness away from easily accessible medical care.
“Be sure to have your dog on a leash to ensure other hikers are not frightened or feel anxiety,” Vernon-Thompson advised. “There may even be allergies or simply someone is fearful of dogs.”
Understand that hiking isn’t suitable for every dog, either.
“Experiencing natural quiet is a hard-to-reach joy,” Lankford said. “So, if your dogs are barkers in the backcountry or at campsites, leave them at home. Your fellow hikers came far and wide to enjoy the sounds of nature, not the barking of anxious dogs.”
Neglecting Your Safety
“Safety first!” Smith urged. “Be sure you have the proper equipment, clothing, and food. Bring more than you think you may need. And always be sure there is someone at home who knows where you are going and when you should be back.”
Being unprepared for your hike is inconsiderate to your loved ones, fellow hikers and park rangers. Wear suitable attire and hike with provisions.
“Wearing appropriate and comfortable footwear is crucial to ensure you enjoy the hike and others do not have to constantly stop their hike to assist you,” Vernon-Thompson said. “It is also borderline irresponsible to fail to pack your necessary medication if you know your hike will be an extended time, even overnight. Should there be a health crisis, the other hikers will be subjected to caring for you when it could have been avoided, had you taken your medication with you.”
Parking Inefficiently
Respect your fellow hikers as you park your vehicle as well.
“Trailhead parking can often be limited, so when parking your car, do so in a manner that allows for the most efficient use by others also needing a spot,” said Derek Wright and Amy Beth Wright, outdoor enthusiasts and creators of the public lands-themed publicationParks and Points. “Absolutely do pay attention to and follow any ‘No Parking’ signs.”
Imposing On Fellow Hikers
“Unless there is danger, do not impose upon others,” Smith advised. “A short chat with others on the trails is expected. An exchange of information about conditions, weather and wildlife is part of the camaraderie. But do not presume others have invited you to join their group without a specific invitation.”
This is particularly true for solo women you encounter on the trail.
“Female hikers are understandably leery of overly friendly male hikers,” Lankford said. “It’s nice to say hi and chat, but if a solo woman hiker clams up when you ask for details about her trip plan, don’t take it personally. She’s just trying to be safe.”
Disrupting Wildlife
“Remember that you are in the habitat of wildlife,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Do not attempt to injure them because you have ventured into their space. Do research prior to hiking to know the wildlife that you may encounter and how to react to ensure you nor the animal is injured or worse.”
Pay attention to signs and rules about the natural inhabitants of the area you’re hiking.
“In today’s digital age, it’s also important to keep your phone and other devices on silent or a quiet volume so you’re not disrupting wildlife and other hikers in the area,” said Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare.
Not Being Mindful Of Personal Space
“Unless the trail is super crowded, pace yourself in a way that leaves plenty of ‘personal space’ between your group and other hikers on the trail,” Lankford said.
Be mindful of space when you’re stopped at a popular vista, as well.
“When taking photos, make sure to do so efficiently so that other visitors can also enjoy the views and take their own photos,” Sander said.
