What are the Unwritten Rules While Hiking Down the Trail?
In almost every aspect of our lives, there is always a list of unwritten rules that we as humans follow to help maintain order and peace. Hiking definitely has its own list of unwritten rules. Guidelines to follow to help you and fellow hikers enjoy their adventure to the fullest.
In my 1000+ miles of hiking the trail, I have encountered all kinds of people, from every aspect of life and most of them follow these unwritten rules without even knowing it. Hikers are like-minded people and want everyone and themselves to enjoy the adventure safely.
So here is a list of the unwritten rules of hiking.
- Listening to Loud Music
- If Faster Hikers are Coming, Let Them Pass
- Uphill Hikers Have Right of Way
- When Hiking With a Dog, Keep it Under Control Around Others
- Let Cairns Be Cairns
- Acknowledge Other Hikers
- Leave No Trace (This is a Written Rule)
Remember, follow the Golden Rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Be courteous of those around you on the trail. Be prepared and always answer the call to adventure.
Listening To Loud Music
Imagine for a minute that you are moving down the trail, passing over tree roots and small rocks, breathing in the smell of the forest around you. The trail follows a small creek that almost hypnotizes you with the sound of water. The sunbeams warm your skin as it peaks through the towering trees above you.
Just when you feel the freedom of nature you start hearing music. Music gets louder and louder as it approaches till you see the source of the song “Rock you like a Hurrican” by the Scorpions.
All the peacefulness is gone. All the mind-freeing sounds of nature are drowned out by this hiker passing by. I love 80’s rock music as much as the next guy but not while I’m hiking. It is frustrating, to say the least when this happens.
Be considerate of those that could potentially be hiking in front of or behind you. If you need music to hike please wear headphones. Most of us go to the wilderness to unplug or decompress from the stresses in our lives.
If Faster Hikers Are Coming Let Them Pass
Not everyone is going to hike at the same speed. My youngest child cannot hike at my preferred pace, nor do I hike at a rate of a 25yr old athlete. Small groups travel faster than large groups. Trail runners are sprinting down the trail while the elderly walk the path.
We all enjoy exploring nature at our own pace and limitations. Most of us savor every twist and bend of the trail ahead. It is sometimes more about getting to your destination than being at the destination. The hike is our own accomplishment.
With that being stated, it is the common practice to let those that enjoy the trail faster than we do pass on by. When a group or solo hiker starts gaining ground and catching up to you, step to the side and let them continue on. Chances are with them behind you, you will feel rushed. Let them by so you can get back to enjoying your adventure at your pace.
Uphill Hikers Have The Right Of Way
While on the subject of the right away, those that are hiking uphill have the right of way to those going downhill. Most trails are narrow and primitive, not having room for side-by-side travel. Which can make passing fellow hikers a game of who is going to step aside first.
It is common practice for those that are exerting more energy ascending a trail to have right of way. For those descending, step aside and let them pass. More often than not the one uphill hiking will thank you or take this opportunity to rest, and will step to the side for you to descend on by.
When Hiking With A Dog Keep It Under Control Around Others
Exploring the wilderness with your loved ones and sharing the adventure is truly a blessing. Our fur family members are not an exception to that statement. The joy the trail brings to the dogs I have encountered while hiking is amazing. But not everyone enjoys dogs quite like I do.
When out in the woods or on the trail be aware of others around you, and do not let your dog roam wild and free. Especially if the site or attraction is generally busy and populated. Most trails that allow dogs on them have signs posted to have them on a leash. Research and prepare before you bring your canine on your adventure.
Let Cairns Be Cairns
If you have never hiked above the tree line you may be wondering what a cairn is. You might be thinking that sounds like something dangerous, or intriguing. When I first started hiking I did not have clue until I saw my first one.
A cairn is a pile of rocks.
The significance and purpose of a cairn are much more than just a pile of rocks. This man-made pile of rocks is used as a marker or waypoint on the trail. When you hike above the tree line there is very little vegetation to use as trail markers.
For the safety of all who travel the trail, this is why we as hikers need to leave these piles be. Further, we should not build cairns in random places.
Acknowledge Other Hikers
From my travels, I’ve learned that most hikers are all like-minded people. We all share the same goal of enjoying the outdoors safely. To escape the trials and tribulations of our everyday lives. So when out exploring do not be afraid to acknowledge those hiking around you.
A friendly smile and a wave can make a beginner hiker feel supported. Stopping and having a short conversation with the group or family passing by might help them learn things about the trail ahead. I have learned about some amazing trails from hikers engaging with me for a couple of minutes about the area we were in.
Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help from those around you. No matter how small it may seem, most hikers will gladly jump to help you out in need.
Leave No Trace (This is a Written Rule)
Even though Leave No Trace is not an unwritten rule, it still needs to be in this list of rules. We all need to do our part to help protect the environment and the ecosystems we are exploring. When we adventure into the wilderness, we are passing through nature and the homes of the life that live there.
We are truly blessed to have so many protected areas to enjoy and must do our moral obligation to help maintain and protect them. This is the List from the National Park Service Website on Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
- 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
Following these rules above will not hinder your hike or impact your ability to enjoy the adventure. We all are humans and will make mistakes, but we need to do our best to be better for the future of our parks and the future hiker.