One of the most important practices for Hikers and Backpackers enjoying a trail would be adopting the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. By doing this hikers and backpackers will be able to leave campsites and trails in just as good if not better shape than when they found it, this allows for visitors in the future to be able to enjoy without eyesores on the sides of trails.
The first principle of the Leave No Trace campaign is Plan ahead and prepare before going outdoors. This principle covers much of the being prepared for extreme conditions or hazards, repackaging food in order to minimize waste, visiting in smaller groups in order to minimize the impact that your group will make along the trail. This would also include things such as making sure to use a compass and maps in order to prevent marking trails with paint, on rocks or trees. It’s not only important to plan and prepare ahead of time, but to be cautious when picking a campsite.
The second Leave no Trace principle is Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces which quite literally refers to making sure that you are walking or camping on surfaces that have previously been used for that activity. It is important to camp at least 200 feet from a water source in order to protect the ecosystem from trash and debris from a campsite. Good campsites are ones that are found, there are so many campsites to choose from that have been previously used or created, it is best to try to camp in these spots to reduce the impact on less traveled path. For the case of larger groups it may be better to spread between multiple camp locations in order to prevent excessive impact on any particular campsite. It is not only important to abide by these principles but also when disposing of waste properly.
The next leave no trace principle talks about how to dispose of waste while camping properly in order to ensure that other participants will get to enjoy the outdoors in the same way you did. This seems like an easy principle to adapt but for some but it may not be as impactful to others. In this principle the main emphasis is to “pack in what you pack out” or make sure you bring all of the trash that you create with you when you leave. This also includes any waste created using the bathroom and other things such as feminine products.
The next principle is to “Leaf” what you find! It is important to leave nature how it is by respecting historic structures, as well as leaving rocks and sticks where you find them. It is also important to not take or harm any living species.
Principle number 5 is to minimize the impact of your campfire by using premade over creating a new fire pit, even though it is suggested to not use a campfire if possible and use camp stoves for cooking and other sources for light. It is suggested that you use small sticks that can be broken by hand, this way the sticks will easily burn and the cool ashes easily scattered along the trail.
The last 2 principles of the leave no trace policy are respecting wildlife and being considerate of other guests. It is important to observe wildlife from a distance never feeding the wildlife. It is not only important to respect the wildlife present on the trail but also be respectful of others using the trail. This is most easily done by being courteous and moving out of others way when on the trail, camping away from trails and other hikers or backpackers, and final avoid loud noises. All of these principles are key in reducing your impact on the environment and other visitors around you, please follow them carefully in order to provide a quality experience for others, and as always remember to take only pictures and leave only footsteps.