Trail Etiquette

4/20/2010

With the summer season just around the corner, I have been thinking about the many hikers that will be on the trail. Trail etiquette is always a good topic when it comes to hiking on a well traveled trail.
For those of you who are first time hikers there are a few suggestions that will help make your hike a nicer experience.
1.) Disposing of waste. Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches in the ground and 200 feet from any water source, campsite, or trail. Then fill the hole and disguise it. Pack out any wastepaper in a plastic bag and dispose of it properly.
2.) Respect others outdoor experience. Remember that others get out into nature to enjoy the peace and quite. Leave your rock concert voices at rock concerts.
3.) Leave on footprints, take only pictures. Leave objects where you found them. Let others enjoy the beauty of nature as well. If everyone picked the beautiful flowers there would be no more beautiful flowers.
4.) Never feed the animals. I know the squirrels are cute, but remember they can bite. They should not rely on human food to survive. If you feed the squirrels on top of Mt. LeConte, they learn to rely on the food. When it is time for them to leave the mountain and go lower looking for food, they do not leave. Winter comes and there is no food for the squirrels. Remember, let the wild animals be wild and do not feed them.
These are a few suggested trail rules to follow. This will make for a more pleasurable trip for everyone. Now, get out and go hiking. Happy Hiking.

Doug Y.

4/20/2010 03:41:04 am

Allyson: I was very glad to read your comments on trail etiquette ! During my hike to the lodge over two weeks ago I was disgusted with the amounts of tissue paper I saw along the trail, mostly below Alum Cave; it's hardly any trouble to "leave no trace" and it saddens me when I see such trash; and why pick flowers when they'll only wilt before you can get them home ? thanks for the message and I hope more hikers will follow these simple guidelines; on my way up I met a fellow on his way down and he was about to put a bandaid on a foot blister when I gave him a patch of "moleskin" for the job; it's an item I never go without and although I've had only one blister in my mnay years of hiking, it's a "footsaver" indeed ! if I meet other hikers, going up or down, I always step to the side in a wide(er) spot to let them pass; this is simply my way of following some etiquette; why should I be in a hurry, for "the Journey Is the Destination" !!

4/20/2010 03:45:16 am

I meant to say that I'm not entirely sure where it is people call "Inspiration Point", but I think it may be the rocky spot jsut below Alum Cave where one can see the "Eye of the Needle"; and, it's where I always take a breather going up or down, and where there's always a squirrel or two wanting a tidbit; I've had them climb right onto my boots or legs waiting for a treat, and although I know a lot of people feed them, it's just not something I do, as cute as they may be; again, good advice, Allyson !

Uncle Tom

4/20/2010 02:31:41 pm

I enjoy every part of this website!
Just a verification on trail etiquette. Normally, who should pause or step aside? On my way up in early April I only met one person, no problem. On the way down I met about 20 groups of 3 to 6 people. Only one lady said I should go through, the rest seemed to expect me to stop, which I gladly (?) did. And it's always nice to see a smile or hear a Hi, how are you.
Enjoy your hikes, that's why we're here.

Ron P. Metcalfe link

4/20/2010 08:56:38 pm

Uncle Tom,

Seems like I read or heard once that an uphill climber has the "right of way" when two people meet on the trail. However, I've found that when I'm that uphill hiker, I much prefer to take a few seconds rest and yield to those coming down.

High On LeConte

4/21/2010 12:28:10 am

Uncle Tom,
You would be correct. The up hill climber has the right of way, unless they would prefer to stop. It is harder to get your momentum back climbing up hill.

4/21/2010 12:40:21 am

I must agree with Uncle Tom; In a way it really doesn't matter; people being friendly to each other is the important thing for me; frequent rests uphill are good;

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Trail Etiquette

LeConte Lodge

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