Hiking Etiquette

A summary of key rule to live by while hiking on area trails

Preserve the Trails

  • Stay on marked trails, especially when crossing hayfields or corn fields.
  • Avoid using wet sections of the trail, especially if you are biking or riding.
  • Remove your own trash, and make yourself feel good by picking up after those less considerate.
  • Practice leave no trace practices: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ 
  • Clean up after your animals.

Respect other hikers

  • Keep noise to a minimum.
  • Keep dogs on a leash or otherwise under control.
  • Avoid disturbing ski tracks where possible.
  • Bikers yield to hikers. Hikers yield to horses.
  • Keep to the right when meeting other hikers.

Other rules

  • Respect the privacy of landowners who have generously allowed the public to cross their land. Follow their rules regarding restrictions.
  • Resist the temptation to pick wildflowers. Leave them for everyone to enjoy. All vegetation along trails in wetlands is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.

Rev: 12/6/23