Remember: Don’t Step Off the Trail

Hiking and camping are great ways to enjoy nature and have fun with your friends or family. But they also come with some responsibilities to protect the environment and respect other people’s rights. Here are some essential tips on how to hike and camp properly:

When you hike, you should always follow the marked trail and avoid creating new paths or shortcuts. This helps to prevent soil erosion, damage to plants and animals, and conflicts with landowners. Camping should also be done only in designated areas or in places where the vegetation is minimal, such as compacted soil or sand. This way, you can reduce your impact on the natural habitat and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Rules Are Rules: Leave No Trace

One of the most important principles of hiking and camping is to leave no trace of your presence. This means that you should not take anything from the environment, such as rocks, flowers, mushrooms, or other natural objects. You should also not leave anything behind, such as trash, food scraps, or human waste. Everything you bring with you should be packed out or disposed of properly.

One of the biggest trends on the trail is the building rock cairns or towers, which are piles of stones that some people make for fun or as landmarks. This activity may seem interesting, but it poses considerable harm to humans and animals.  Rock stacking can confuse other hikers who may think they are official trail markers. In Georgia, we have a salamander called a Hellbender that could be living under a rock for years.  Don’t relocate its home.  Instead of making rock cairns, find other alternatives to express yourself that do not affect the environment.

We Learned It Young: Don’t Play with Fire

Fire is one of the most wild and common causes of environmental damage. You should always heed if fires are allowed in the area where you are hiking or camping, and follow the local regulations and restrictions. If fires are permitted, you should use only the established fire ring or mound and keep your fire small and under control. Most importantly, you should not cut down trees or shrubs for firewood, as they will not burn well; but instead, will damage the ecosystem. You should also make sure to completely extinguish your fire and spread the coals before you leave.

Fires can have a lasting effect on the environment, especially if they escape and become wildfires. They can destroy vegetation, wildlife, soil, water quality, and human property. They can also create smoke and air pollution that can affect your health and visibility. By being careful with fire, you can prevent these negative consequences and create a safe and responsible hiking and camping experience.

The Golden Etiquette: Pack and Dispose of Your Waste Responsibly

One of the greatest challenges associated with hiking and camping is to manage your waste. You don’t want to leave any trace of your presence that can harm the environment or spoil the experience for others. Note down some tips on how to pack and dispose of your waste responsibly:

A Key Rule: Pack It In, Pack It Out

This is a simple rule that means whatever you bring with you, you should take it back with you. This includes food wrappers, water bottles, toilet paper, and any other trash. Always carry a couple of Ziploc baggies or other containers to store your waste in. Don’t leave anything behind, even if it seems biodegradable or harmless.

Yes, You Read It Right: You Need To Poop Smart While Your Adventure.

Sometimes, nature calls when you are in nature. If you need to poop, you should find a spot at least 10 feet off the trail and away from any vegetation. You should also dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from any water source. Do your business, take your toilet paper with you, cover the hole, and return to the trail. You can use a lightweight and durable poop shovel like [The Deuce] from TheTentLab to make this easier.

If you have a dog or a baby with you, you should also bag and carry out their poop as well. Their poop is different from wild animals’ poop and can affect the soil and water quality. You can use a reusable, odor-free poop bag collector like [(https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A1340R4WCWNEOR)!] on Amazon to take care of this. It’s also great for baby diapers.

Always Pack Light: Don’t Burden Yourself  

When it comes to packing, less is often more. Only bring what you need and try to pack light. This will make your hiking and camping more comfortable and enjoyable. You can also save space and minimize wrinkles by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Simply use compression bags or packing cubes to organize your items and keep them dry.

The Ground Rule: Respect Wildlife

Watching animals in their natural habitat can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. But it can also be a dangerous and harmful one if we don’t respect their space and needs. Here are some tips on how to respect wildlife when hiking and camping:

Not to Feed Animals at Any Cost

Feeding wildlife is actually very bad for the animals and you. It can change their natural behavior, make them dependent on human food, and cause them to lose their fear of humans. This, in turn, can lead to attacks, injuries, diseases, and even death for both the animals and the people. For example, bears that humans feed may become aggressive and have to be killed by park rangers. Squirrels that humans feed may become obese and unhealthy. So please don’t feed the wildlife, no matter how hungry they appear.

Wildlife is not meant to be touched, petted, or photographed up close because wild animals live up to their own needs and preferences. They may feel threatened or stressed by your presence, especially if you get too close or become too loud. They may also react unpredictably and defensively, which can result in bites, scratches, kicks, or worse. To avoid these potential risks, you should always maintain a good distance from wildlife. The recommended distances are 50 feet (2 full school bus lengths) for small animals like squirrels and marmots, 75 feet (4 full school bus lengths) for medium animals like deer and bison, and 150 feet (6 full school bus lengths) for large animals like bears and wolves.

If you witness anyone doing these things, you should report them to a park ranger or other authority immediately.

Pass in Slow Motion

When you are driving in a national park or an area located near wildlife, you should slow down and be alert. Vehicle strikes are the most prevailing in these areas. You can prevent these accidents by driving at or below the speed limit, watching for signs and signals, scanning the road ahead and the sides for animals, and braking gently if you see an animal crossing. You should also avoid driving at night or during dawn and dusk when wildlife is usually more active, i.e., the unbright hours.

Wildlife is a precious and fragile part of nature that we should cherish and protect. By following these tips, you can respect wildlife when hiking and camping and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Never Complete Your Adventure Without a Happy Picture

Hiking and camping are wonderful activities that can enrich your life and connect you with nature. But they also require some responsibility and respect for the environment and the surrounding species. By following these tips, you can explore without causing any damage and ensure that you leave a positive footprint on the places you visit.

Follow the trail etiquette, stay hydrated and energized, take lots of pictures, and have a blast! Happy Trails and Travels 😀