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