You are out on a trail and are starting to get into this whole hiking thing. But then you find yourself wondering about some basic rules of hiking trail etiquette.
Yes, there are several (unwritten) hiking trail ‘rules’.
Who has right of way when you pass on a narrow trail? Should you say anything to other hikers when you pass them? What should you do with your trash? What about when you need to go to the bathroom? Is it OK to play music? Smoke?
These questions and more are all part of hiking etiquette 101. So let’s take a look.
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Right of Way: Hiking Rules for Passing
There are unwritten rules on who has the right of way on narrow trails.
Other hikers
Hikers who are going uphill have the right of way. If you are going uphill and want a short rest, then you can step aside but technically you have the right of way.
If you’re on aflat section of the trail, there is no ‘rule’, but if it’s easy for me to do so, I always step aside so the oncoming hiker can pass, just out of politeness.
A group of hikers also has right-of-way over single hikers or a pair of hikers.
Bikes
Hikers have the right of way over mountain bikes, technically. However, since bikes are usually going more quickly than you, it’s usually just easier for the hiker to step aside.
Horses or mules
Horses and mules have the right of way. Try to step as far away as possible (while still staying on the trail) so as not to spook the horse.If there are horses or mules sharing the trail, you might want to keep an eye out for their poop, so you don’t inadvertently step in it.
Let others pass you
If a faster hiker comes up behind you, step aside and let them pass. Remaining in the middle of the trail so that someone can’t pass you and hike at their own speed is considered very bad form and is likely to piss them off.
Be Friendly
Trail etiquette ‘Hiking 101’ is to say “hello” when you pass other hikers. They won’t expect you to have a long conversation, but a simple ‘hi’ is common.
If you’re ready to be at your destination and wondering how far it is, it’s very common to ask a passing hiker how much further it is. If someone asks you, then of course you should stop briefly and tell them.
Being friendly will not only make your day more pleasant, but if you need help from someone, if you have been nice to them, then they are more likely to help you.
Keep Noise Down
Always keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb other hikers’ enjoyment of nature. This includes not talking loudly and not playing music through speakers.
When Nature Calls: Hiking Bathroom Etiquette
When you need to go to the bathroom in a place where there is no bathroom, you need to know what to do. The best option is to not go. So always take care of business just before you head out, to minimize chances of needing to go while you are on the hike.
If you have to pee, choose a moment when no one is around and go away from the trail and at least 200 feet/ 60 meters from a water source. Step carefully, and avoid any plants. If you use any toilet paper, carry it back out in a Ziplock bag.
To poop, well, try to take care of business before you go on the hike, but if you have to go,go off the trail so as not to stink out the trail, and at least 200 feet/ 60m from a water source, but step very carefully to avoid damaging a fragile environment.
Dig a hole about 4 inches wide and 6 inches deep to bury your poop. Make sure you have toilet paper and a Ziplock bag with you, and take your toilet paper back out with you. It really is better not to go if you possibly can avoid it.
Leave No Trace
Every time you step foot on a trail, you are having some impact on the environment, but there are a couple of key things you can do to keep this impact to a bare minimum.
1. Stay on the trail
With the limited exception of bathroom needs, you should never set foot off the trail. The environment is often fragile and when you step on it, you don’t know what damage you are doing.
2. Take every with you
Every single item and piece of trash that you take with you should be taken back out. Even things that are biodegradable should be taken out. That banana peel may seem innocuous, but you don’t know what tiny germ is in it.
I like to take a Ziplock bag with me for trash and if I find another piece of trash that someone else left, I pick that up and take it out with me. The whole point of hiking is appreciating the natural beauty of our planet and if it is covered in trash, it’s hard to do!
Smoking
This is a personal pet peeve, but when I’m out in fresh air, the last thing I want to do is inhale someone else’s cigarette.
It’s also a potential fire hazard and is therefore not permitted in National Parks.
If you have to have a cigarette, always smoke at designated smoking areas.
I hope this will help you feel comfortable out on the trails.
Do you have any other trail rules to share? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
For other hiking resources, check out:
- Essential Gear for beginner hikers
- Hiking for Beginners Guide with practical tips for beginner hikers
- A Beginner’s Guide to How to Read Hiking Trail Markers
- 18 Things to consider when choosing a hike
- Additional gear for hiking
- Packing List for Day Hikes
- Essential Winter Hiking Gear
Are you just starting to think about taking a National Parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to a national park? Read my free guides
Do you need tips and additional information? Read a selection of tips for visiting US national parks
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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