Be prepared! Remember food, water, maps, and appropriate clothing to protect you from cold, heat, and rain. How to Pack Light When Hiking - Whatever the Weather! How to Plan Your Dream Adventure
Plan food ahead; prepare the right portion size to cook meals in one pot. Repackaging Food to Minimize Waste
Walk and ride on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect trailside plants. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation. Traveling on Durable Surfaces: Leave No Trace Skills Series Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces (Quiz)
“Pack It In, Pack It Out”, including all food scraps and garbage. This Earth Week Help #LeaveNoTrash
If available, poop in provided facilities. When no facilities are present, it’s sometimes appropriate to dispose of human waste in a cathole 6”-8” deep, and 70 big steps away from water sources, trails, and camp. Where decomposition is poor (deserts, rivers, alpine environments), pack out human waste in a W.A.G. bag. How to Poop Outside How to Use a W.A.G. Bag
Always move at least 200 ft. away from water to wash yourself or your dishes. How to Wash Dishes in the Backcountry
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them. Practicing Leave What You Find at Buffalo National River
Check local fire restrictions. If campfires are allowed, contain them to existing fire rings, keep fires small, and ALWAYS dowse fires with water until they are cool to the touch before leaving. Enjoying a Campfire Without One How to Put Out a Campfire
Always observe animals from a distance. If the animal’s behavior is altered by your presence, you are too close. 3 Tips to Respect Wildlife
Never feed wildlife. Human food is unhealthy for all wildlife and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash. PCT Bear Hang How-To How to Use a Bear Canister
Be considerate when passing others on the trail. Always yield to those traveling uphill, as well as to people using accessible equipment or on horseback. Sharing The Trail With Leave No Trace
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