Leave No Trace on the Trail: Seven Principles in Practice

Popular trails can see thousands of visitors in a single season, and every one of them leaves some kind of mark.

A single hiker's shortcut around a switchback or a tossed apple core seems harmless on its own.

Multiplied by thousands of boots, those small impacts can erode trails, pollute water and change how wildlife behaves.

The seven Leave No Trace principles offer a simple framework for enjoying the outdoors while keeping it wild.

They are guidelines rather than rigid rules, and they work best when you understand the reasons behind them.

Here is what each principle looks like on a real hike.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Good planning prevents most impacts before you leave home.

When you know what to expect, you are less likely to trample plants searching for a lost trail,

light an emergency fire or leave trash behind because you ran out of room.

• Check the regulations and special concerns for the area, such as seasonal closures, group size limits, pet rules and fire restrictions.
• Look at the forecast and conditions so you bring the right gear and are not forced off the trail by weather.
• Visit popular places at quieter times when you can, which reduces crowding and wear.
• Repackage food into reusable containers to cut down on wrappers you would have to carry out.
• Carry a map and know your route, so you stay on established trails.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Plants and soil can take years to recover from repeated trampling.

Durable surfaces, such as established trails, rock, gravel, dry grass and snow, can handle foot traffic with much less damage.

On the trail, walk single file in the middle of the tread, even when it is muddy.

Stepping around puddles widens the path and tramples the plants beside it.

Never cut switchbacks, because the shortcuts channel water and cause erosion that can wash out the trail.

If you travel off-trail where it is allowed, spread your group out so you do not create a new path,

and stick to rock, gravel and other resilient ground.

When you stop for a break, choose a durable spot rather than a meadow. For overnight trips, use established campsites,

and follow the widely taught guideline of camping at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from lakes and streams.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

The simplest version of this principle is "pack it in,

pack it out." Everything you bring onto the trail should leave with you, including food scraps such as fruit peels,

nutshells and crumbs.

They may be natural, but they are not natural to that place, they decompose slowly, and they teach animals to associate people with food.

Human waste needs care, too. Use toilets at trailheads and along the trail whenever they are available.

Where there are none, the common guidance is to dig a small hole, called a cathole,

about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails and campsites,

then fill it in and disguise it when you are done.

Pack out used toilet paper and hygiene products in a sealed bag.

In some environments, such as narrow canyons, high alpine areas, deserts or heavily used places,

you may be required to pack out all human waste, so check local rules before you go.

If you wash dishes or yourself, carry water well away from lakes and streams, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap, and scatter the wastewater.

4. Leave What You Find

Rocks, wildflowers, antlers, feathers, shells and historical artifacts are part of what makes a place special for the next visitor.

Take photos and sketches instead of souvenirs.

In many protected areas, removing natural or cultural objects is also against the rules.

Avoid building structures such as rock stacks, benches or dams in streams.

Moving rocks disturbs the soil and the small creatures living beneath them, and unofficial rock piles can confuse hikers who rely on real route markers.

Leave existing trail markers alone as well.

You can also avoid carrying things in by accident.

Cleaning mud and seeds from your boots, gear and pet before and after a hike helps prevent the spread of invasive plants and diseases.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

On most day hikes, you will not need a fire at all.

A small stove or an insulated flask handles hot drinks and meals with far less impact.

Fires scar the ground, use up dead wood that plants and animals depend on, and can escape to cause wildfires, especially in dry, windy weather.

If you do have a fire where fires are allowed, use an existing fire ring, keep it small,

burn only dead and downed wood that you can break by hand,

and never leave it unattended. Put it out completely with water, stirring until the ashes are cool to the touch.

Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, since they can change quickly during dry periods.

6. Respect Wildlife

Watching wildlife is one of the great rewards of hiking, but getting too close stresses animals and can put you at risk.

Observe from a distance, and use binoculars or a zoom lens for a closer look.

One popular rule of thumb is to hold your arm out and raise your thumb;

if your thumb can cover the whole animal, you are probably at a respectful distance.

• Never feed animals, even squirrels and birds, since human food harms their health and changes their behavior.
• Store food and trash securely so animals cannot get to it.
• Keep pets under control, or leave them at home where wildlife is sensitive.
• Give animals extra space during mating, nesting and raising young, and in winter, when they have little energy to spare.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Leave No Trace is also about the experience you leave for others.

Keep voices and music low so everyone can enjoy natural sounds, and take breaks off the trail so others can pass.

Yield to other trail users, keep your group together and compact, and greet people you meet.

Small courtesies like these build the kind of trail community everyone enjoys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really a problem to toss an apple core or banana peel?

Yes.

Fruit scraps can take a long time to break down, especially in dry or cold climates, and they draw animals toward trails.

Pack them out with the rest of your trash.

What harm does picking one flower or rock do?

On its own, very little.

On a popular trail, though, one souvenir per visitor quickly adds up to a changed landscape.

Leaving things in place keeps the experience intact for everyone.

Do I really need to pack out toilet paper?

It is the best practice and is required in some areas.

Buried paper breaks down slowly and is often dug up by animals, while a sealed, opaque bag makes carrying it out simple.

Every Visit Counts

The seven principles come down to respect for the land, for wildlife and for the people who come after you.

Plan ahead, stay on durable surfaces, pack out your waste, leave what you find, skip or minimize fires,

keep wildlife wild and be considerate of others.

Practice them on every hike, and the trails you love will stay beautiful for the next generation of hikers.