Hiking is a great way to spend a Summer morning or afternoon. With breathtaking views and breathtaking climbs, it's a natural workout that feeds the soul while challenging the body. An hour of hiking burns around 355 calories! After filling your pack with essentials, review a few important pieces of trail etiquette below.
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Do
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Don't
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- Do hike with friends. It's more fun and safer than hiking alone.
- Do pack snacks, water, a cell phone, and a map or GPS device if the hiking trail is new to you. Also bring along rain gear and extra layers just in case.
- Before heading out, tell people where you'll be. I know it's a morbid thought, but if anything happens to you, you want people to know where to look for you.
- Do stick to the dirt trail. It'll keep you safe and it will protect the natural environment.
- If nature calls, and you need to go number one, do so far away from the trail and any natural water sources. If you need to go number two, dig a hole first. Use nature's toilet paper (dead leaves) and bury it all when you're done.
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- Don't wear new hiking boots since you can end up with painful blisters.
- Don't disturb animals or their homes. If you see a beaver dam, just be an observer, and take a few pics if you want.
- Don't pick flowers or other plants.
- Don't let your dog off leash if it's not allowed, as there may be fellow hikers on the trail who also have dogs or who are afraid of them. If you are allowed to let your pooch off leash, don't let him go too far ahead. You want to be able to clean up after him.
- Don't blare loud music or talk loudly. Fellow hikers come to enjoy the quietness of nature, so be respectful.
- Don't be a litterbug. Pack a small garbage bag so you can keep track of your trash and pick up after other messy hikers.
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