Whether you're doing an easy day hike near the city or backpacking for a few days in forest and wilderness areas, there are some simple and common-sense "rules" to follow.
Some people also call it "trail etiquette" or "hiking etiquette", and these etiquette and rules are divided into two categories: one is social and the other is environmental.
Observing the following hiking rules and etiquette can bring you a better experience and safety of your hiking.
I. Right of Way:
Know when to have the right of way and when to give way, know your right of way, and follow the right way to pass.
Traffic signs can't be found on most of the trails in the wilderness, but even without such signs, you should be able to clearly tell who has the lead and, more importantly, when to give way in common situations.
When you go downhill and encounter hikers who are going uphill, you need to stop and give way to them, after all, going up the hill is far more difficult than going down.
Going uphill requires more power, and once you stop and start going uphill again, hiking will require more power, which is why hikers up the mountain have the first hand over the hikers who go downhill.
In general, cyclists should give way to hikers because of their maneuverability.
Safety becomes the biggest concern when hikers meet on narrow cliffs or mountain roads, such trails are usually steep, in which case the "uphill and downhill principle" is strictly followed to decide who passes first.
For these reasons, downhill hikers on narrow, cliff or mountain trails should take the initiative to give way to those who go uphill, and downhill hikers should assess the situation early and move to the farthest roadside area that allows uphill hikers to pass.
Second, the principle of "leaving no trace":
The principle of "leaving no trace" is arguably the most important hiking etiquette you need to know.
No matter where you're going or how long you're traveling, you have to make sure you don't leave any traces when hiking outdoors.
This means that anything you take with you on your hike must be taken with you.
To clean up your garbage, including peels and eggshells.
Rocks, plants, and animals should not be taken away from where you found them, never move them, and still less take them home.
Wherever you go, leave only your footprints.
These principles are the backbone of outdoor etiquette, and whether you're hiking for the first time or an experienced backpacker, you should respect the principle of "leaving no trace."
1. Plan ahead and be prepared:
Learn about the regulations and special environmental issues of the area you will be hiking.
Prepare for extreme weather, dangers and emergencies, and schedule your time to avoid the most crowded times.
Repackag food to minimize waste (remove food from the original bag and food wrapper and merge into new packaging).
Use maps and compasses to orient yourself and avoid paint marks.
2. Walking and camping on solid ground:
Use existing trails and campgrounds, camp at least 50 meters from lakes and streams, keeping the campsite range small and concentrating activities in areas without vegetation.
Rest or camp on solid ground and do not pitch a tent on vegetation.
Do not change the condition of the trail, and do not destroy the ecosystem around the trail.
3. Proper disposal of waste:
Pack up leftover waste, check your campground and lounge areas for omissions, and pack up all trash, leftover food (including peels) and household waste.
Pits were dug to bury solid human excreta below 20 cm deep and at least 50 metres above water, camps and trails. (Some areas affected by the environment need to pack up human excrement and take them away.) ）
It is best to use biodegradable soaps so as not to cause an impact on the environment.
4. Leave what you find:
Observe but don't touch artifacts or historic buildings, and leave behind rocks, plants, and other natural objects you find.
5. Minimize the impact of campfires (beware of fires):
Where fire is allowed, use a built fire ring or fire plate to make a fire.
Keep the fire low, use only sticks on the ground that can be broken by hand, burn all the wood to ashes, and wait until the campfire is completely extinguished and cooled before leaving.
Try not to bring firewood from your home, which may bring new pests and diseases, buy from locally or collect it locally if permitted.
6. Respect for wild animals:
Observe wild animals from a distance and do not follow or approach them.
They need their space, and you need to be safe and keep your distance from the wildlife you encounter.
It's best not to leave the trail to try to see the animals up close, which will not only affect the animals in the habitat, but also put you at risk.
Never feed wild animals (feeding wild animals can harm their health and change their natural behavior).
Avoid wild animals as much as possible during sensitive periods, especially during times when animals are mating, nesting, and raising young.
7. Be considerate of others:
Remember to always think of others, make appropriate concessions for others during hiking, smile, friendly gesture, kindness, respect and understanding of others are the qualities that a good outdoor activist should have.
A very important hiking etiquette rule during the journey is to respect others.
Things like saying "hello" or simply nodding can make people feel comfortable and help create a positive atmosphere on the road.
The outdoors are for everyone, and we have a responsibility to make people of all races, ages, sizes and abilities feel warm.
Third, do not make noise:
You never know who you'll meet on the road, and it's important to respect others when enjoying your time outdoors.
Whispering, if you yell on the hike, will not only disturb other people on the way, but also frighten the wildlife.
Noise pollution can cause distractions to others, so if you like to listen to music, listen to your favorite tune through headphones.
If you want to play music for your companions on the road, lower the volume and only do so on remote paths where there are few other hikers.
Respect the other campers at the campground and keep the campground quiet, they need plenty of sleep.
Unless you have an emergency, never yell, it's really annoying.
Fourth, be a polite person:
Hiking is also a social activity, so when you meet someone else on the road, it's polite to say hello.
Say hello to other hikers you meet, be polite and learn about the situation on the way.
If something happens to you, other hikers may tell rescuers where they last saw you.
Say "hello" in a friendly way and try to create a positive atmosphere.
If someone looks like they're having trouble, ask them if they need any help.
summary:
Our love of the outdoors can have a detrimental effect on nature.
While most of us don't intentionally harm our natural environment, it's likely that there's a lack of knowledge to protect it.
Demand yourself according to the principle of leaving no trace, understand the common sense of outdoor environmental protection, follow hiking etiquette, and create a happy and positive atmosphere during the hike as much as possible.
Areas with fragile natural ecosystems must not be subjected to damage from garbage, invasive species, surface erosion, water pollution, and more that are not easily recoverable.
Good hiking etiquette ensures that everyone on the trail has a good time, from beginners to experienced hikers.
Whether you're hiking alone or in a group, respect the natural world and other hikers around you, and be sure to follow these written and unwritten rules that will make hiking safer, fun, and easier, making yourself a hiker that everyone loves.