What is Trail Etiquette?
Trail etiquette can be described as the polite way to use trails. It outlines guidelines for the many users that ride, walk, hike, bike, or ski trails.
If you have never considered trail etiquette to be one of the more important aspects of trail use, you may want to reconsider. Trail etiquette should be a major part of any trail users experience.
Trail use is a privilege that should not be abused or disrespected, so making trail etiquette a priority allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors and have a good time while being safe and courteous. Also remember everyone is out there for the same reasons, to enjoy nature and to enjoy what they are doing.
When traveling multi-use trails, you may encounter many different forms of trail use, such as hikers, bikers, horse back riders, snowmobilers, etc. Therefore the user must adjust to different regulations (e.g., who passes first, who slows down, who gets the right of way, etc.).
If trail users conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, respect the environment and the other users, the trail experience will only get better. Keep safety and etiquette in mind when you are participating in trail use, this way trails in Nova Scotia will stay in good condition and the privilege will remain accessible for everyone.
"Take only memories - leave only footprints!"
Safety on the Trail
It is every trail users responsibility and right to ensure their own safety and expect safe practice from other trail users. Exercise caution at all times, follow guidelines and rules of the trails. Preventing accidents or injuries is the first step. Acting responsibly if something does happen is the second. Always think clearly!
Basic Trail Etiquette
A basic etiquette rule is wheels yield to heels. Keep this in mind when approaching other trail users. Cyclists or ATVers yield to all other users while hikers, walkers, skiers yield to horseback riders.
All trail riders should:
Read trailhead signs noting permitted uses and trail rules
Observe posted trail rules; these indicate special restrictions that apply to the trail you are on
Be aware of other trail users
Stay to the right of the trail (except when passing)
Move right to let others pass
Give a clear warning signal when passing. Call out "Passing on your left"
Always look ahead and behind when passing
Travel at a reasonable speed
Slow down at corners
Always clean up; do no litter
Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them
Yield to other trail users when entering and crossing a trail
Do not disturb wildlife
Do not venture off the trails; respect the environment
Do not drink or contaminate water sources; wash 100 feet away from any nearby water source
Use provided toilet facilities; if you are unable to find a facility, dig a hole 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from any open water
Do not make fires; use picnic areas and grills if provided
Respect wildlife; your surroundings are home to many plants and animals. YOU are the visitor
Respect private property
Trail Etiquette for Different Trail Users
Hikers, Walkers, Backpackers
Walk on right when possible, move further right to enable others to pass in safety
When meeting someone riding a horse, step off the trail and speak calmly
Avoid ski tracks in the winter time
Hiking with Animals
Clean up after your animals
Keep them on a leash or lead
Give larger animals the right of way
Do not let your animal disturb wildlife
Keep them on the trails
Cyclists, Mountain Bikers
Know your ability, equipment and the area
Move off the trail for less mobile users
Do not ride under conditions where you leave evidence of passing, i.e. after rain or snow
Stay on the trail
Do not ride through streams
Make presence known at corners or blind spots
Control your bicycle
Always yield trail
Equestrians
Practice minimum impact techniques
Observe speed limits
Always clean up after your horse
Avoid campsites used by other trail users
Keep horses in campsites only long enough to unpack or pack them
Stock tied to trees ruins trees and turf; do so only for a short time. Use tie lines
Never tie horses within 20 feet of lakes, streams, or springs
ATVs, Four Wheelers
Approach pedestrians slowly, pull over and turn off your engine
When passing someone, follow at a safe distance until you reach a safe place to pass; pass slowly
Minimize noise with proper care and operation of your vehicle
Respect trail closures
Stay on the trail
Do not ride on areas that are either wet, have loose soil, steep slopes, meadows or swamps
When camping, ride directly to and from your campsite or turn off your vehicle and push it
Cross Country Skiers
Ski on the right side
Yield to those coming downhill or who are faster. To step out of the track, lift your skis so you dont disturb the track
When breaking trail, keep skis wider than normal
Snowmobilers
Operate at appropriate speeds
Do not ride on tracks made for skiers
Avoid running over vegetation
Respect trail closures
Avoid late night riding near populated areas or lodges |
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