Hiking and backpacking are great forms of exercise and recreation. It’s exciting and relaxing for most people to get out in the beauty and wonder of nature. But what about when the environment you are visiting is delicate? Here are several tips to help you enjoy your surroundings without destroying the delicate balance.
Always practice the Leave-No-Trace principles. Plan ahead by knowing the regulations and concerns of the area. Honor all regulations regarding closed areas for wildlife breeding. Camp and travel in small groups rather than large, noisy ones. Avoid popular areas during heavy use times. Leave pets at home while camping in the wilderness.
Learn how to store your food so it is not available to bears and other animals. Several places offer bear-proof containers to use while you camp, often for no charge. Repackage your food into re-usable containers. Avoid tin, aluminum and glass. Reduce the amount of trash you will have to carry out by eliminating unnecessary packaging like cardboard and plastic overwrap. Pack something to put your garbage in.
Select gear and plan the trip to be light and easy on you and the land. Use gear in natural earth tones to reduce your visual impact on the environment. Avoid heavily scented items that can attract unwanted animals or that will leave behind a scent that scares away animals from a needed watering hole.
Make sure that you travel and camp on durable surfaces. Choose a place that has already been used if available. Do not build trenches around your camp. If you are worried about water problems, camp in a higher area. Good campsites are found, not made.
Stay on trails if they exist. Walk in single file in center of path. Use existing trails and do not create switchback or side trails to avoid muddy patches. If traveling off-trail hike on durable surfaces like rock whenever possible. When traveling in delicate wetlands walk on areas that are less wet or in forested areas when possible. Spread out if you are in a group to avoid making new trails. To minimize trail damage, wear as light a boot as possible and safe for conditions. Heavy boots with deep treads compact soils more and tear up trails. Wear camp shoes (sandals or sneakers) to minimize impact and maximize comfort in camp.
Dispose of all waste properly. If you pack it in; you must pack it out! If it was not there when you arrived then don't leave it when you leave! Do not bury trash - animals will just dig it up or it will float up when soils are saturated with water during the wet season. Tin foil and plastic bottles do not burn completely. Pack them out! Pack out the stuff you find that others have left behind. The cleaner a place is the less likely inconsiderate people will feel compelled to trash it. Inspect your campsite and lunch spot before you leave.
Bury human waste in catholes about 6-8" deep at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites or trails. Carry out used toilet paper or burn it in your campfire. Some areas may be very wet, but try to find a spot where you can dig a cathole. Some areas do not allow catholes, so follow the rules on human waste disposal. Wash yourself and your dishes at least 200 feet from water sources; filter your dishwater and carry the food scraps out with your garbage.
Leave nature as you find it. Resist the temptation to collect things, take only pictures and bring back memories. You can't improve the place nature made - don't "improve" campsites by clearing vegetation, adding woodcraft "furniture" or putting nails in trees. If you use a hammock, protect trees with a sock or bandana. Make sure you are allowed to use hammocks where you are hiking.
Consider using a backpacking stove instead of a campfire - your cookset will stay cleaner and so will the backcountry. Many places will not allow fires started in the wilderness. Those areas that do be sure to use established fire rings or place your fire a safe distance from trees and brush and make sure it is extinguished the next day before you leave the area. Scatter the ashes. Leave saw and axe at home (they just weigh a lot) and use only down, dead wood. Be sure you know the rules as to whether you are allowed to cut firewood. Don't peel bark or use rocks for fire rings. The scars left by those practices stay for years. Use small fuels (sticks wrist diameter or smaller) and break into pieces. Be aware of fire bans during dry seasons and honor them.
Most people come to the wilderness to relax and enjoy the solitude. Travel and camp quietly. Radios and other noise devices should be left at home. Camp as far away from other campers as possible. Select earth tone colors for your gear - camping gear and clothing in bright colors stand out in the natural vegetative cover and create a visual intrusion into the landscape. However, hunting season brings a special need to be seen, so wear blaze orange if hiking during hunting season.
Navigate with compass, map and/or GPS to avoid the use of ribbon, cairns and tree blazes. Share your backcountry knowledge and skills, including minimum impact camping and hiking by taking a child along. Teach your neighbor to love the place as much as you do.
By following some simple, common-sense rules, you can enjoy even the most delicate area without causing harm to the surroundings. That way you ensure that those who come behind you have found you faithful and the park as it should be.