Trail Etiquette
Remember when on the trail, expect and respect other users! A winning trail attitude includes safety, respect, and relaxation. Combine this attitude with the following trail etiquette tips and you will be on your way to an amazing outdoor experience.
TAKE THE SAFE TRAIL USER PLEDGE!
SHARE THE SAFE TRAIL USER PLEDGE POSTER
Hiking the trail – Do’s and Don’ts
Research the regulations and special concerns for the area you are planning to hike. Hike only along marked routes, especially on farmland.
For your safety and to protect soil from erosion do not take shortcuts.
Please do not climb fences; use the stiles.
Pets are best left at home. If you do bring them, keep them on a leash and away from water sources and please clean up after them.
Respect the sound of nature. Avoid loud voices and noise such as mobile phones and radios.
Hiking people SMILE
Respect the privacy of people living along trails.
Keep dogs on a leash, especially on or near farmland.
Be courteous to other hikers. Say hello to fellow hikers as you pass each other along the trail.
Walk, ride or cycle in single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Stay to the right of the trail and pass on the left.
If a person is climbing up a hill they have the right of way if you are climbing down.
Bike riders yield to both hikers and horseback riders; hikers yield to horseback riders.
Visit trails in small groups; split larger parties into smaller groups.
Unless you are passing someone on a trail, try to maintain a distance between yourself and other hikers.
Minimal impact approach
Leave flowers, wood, rocks, and plants behind in their rightful place for others to enjoy.
Avoid tree damage. Do not break branches or strip bark off trees.
Leave the trails cleaner than you found them. Carry out all litter.
Fires are not permitted along trails, except in approved campsites.
Do not build structures, fire rings, furniture or dig trenches.
Schedule your hiking or camping trip to avoid times of high use. Aim to lessen the impact of human activity on one area
Ecosystem healthy manners
When camping set up your campsite at least 60 meters [200 feet] from lakes or streams so as not to inhibit area animals from coming to drink water.
To wash camping utensils or yourself, carry water at least 60 meters [200 feet] from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
Scatter strained dishwater.
Garbage disposal is an important issue on trails. As a general rule, pack out all garbage. Do not bury it.
Do not assume all waste will biodegrade. For example, orange peels do not decompose easily.
Leave your picnic spot or campsite cleaner than you found it.
Human waste should be packed out including feminine hygiene products and used toilet tissue. But if this is not feasible, dig a ‘cat hole’ about 10 cm deep and burn the toilet paper after, unless extreme fire hazard. Then refill the hole.
Take only pictures and fond memories away with you. Leave only a footprint on the path you have respected.
Please consider the following safety tips to ensure that your outdoor trail experience is a safe and enjoyable one.
Food, water and you
Do not push yourself too hard. Hiking is a great way to stay in shape, but can become dangerous if you ignore the warning signs of fatigue.
Know your physical capabilities. Don’t attempt difficult trails unless you have the strength and experience.
Pack ample supplies: plenty of water, lightweight snacks for energy, sunscreen, a compass, a pocketknife, a hat, a map, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
If using water from natural sources such as, lakes, rivers or ponds, make sure to use purifying tablets as directed. Before consuming water from these sources, boil the water for a few minutes.
Break-in your hiking boots or shoes before you go on a hike. This will help to minimize discomfort typically found in new footgear.
Layer your clothing to control temperature. Always bring rain gear.
Common sense safety
Be aware of weather conditions and reports.
Be alert of dangers such as poisonous plants, wildlife, and falling rocks.
Be careful near cliff edges
Tend any fire you make in an official campsite area with extreme care. Douse it completely with water before you leave the area.
Wear a helmet when cycling or trail riding.
In winter wear sunglasses, as snow-blindness can be very painful and debilitating.
When in doubt of trail conditions – turn around and head back the way you came slowly and calmly.
Watch for wildlife on roadways, especially at night.
Avoid getting lost
Research the regulations and special concerns for the area you are planning to hike.
Be aware of sunset and how many hours you have before you are hiking in the dark. Don’t get caught in the dark.
Always hike with a partner if possible, if you must hike solo, inform others of your plans and route in advance.
Do not venture off marked paths. If you believe that you've gotten off course, retrace your steps back to the last trail marking.
Remain in one place if you become lost or separated from your group.
Find an open place and wait for rescue. Don’t go wandering around.
Don’t separate from each other if you don’t have a clue where you are.
Look, don’t touch
Leaves of three, let them be! While on trails, make sure to avoid poisonous plants such as Poison Ivy and Poison Oak.
Do not feed or try to pet or play with wild animals.
If you come across animals that are clearly sick or injured do not move them, but contact a wildlife officer, the SPCA or the OPP.
Leave everything as you found it. It is illegal to disturb plants or wildlife in most areas under federal or provincial jurisdiction, or to remove archaeological artifacts, dead wood, fossils or other geological features. This is particularly important where there are rare, native plants, which are vulnerable to damage.
If you must carry away a memento of your visit, make sure it's only a photograph.
Report vandalism. Ontario’s Natural Resources Tips Reporting Line is a new toll-free direct line that is open 24 hours a day – call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667). Tell the organization managing the trail, if you can, of any destruction or danger you encounter.
Hiking with baby and young children
A baby is old enough to go out on the trails when it can hold its head up without difficulty, usually around six to nine months old.
For longer trails you will need a sturdy backpack designed for carrying a child. Look for one that transfers most of the child’s weight to your hips and ample padding in the straps and belts.
Hike slowly and with caution when a baby is on board. Kids move unpredictably and may throw you off balance at critical moments.
A seated child has a lower center of gravity; it is almost impossible to achieve ideal weight distribution for a small child.
Practice carrying your child in a backpack around home or in town before heading out to a trail to hike.
Provide children with plenty of small bite-size snacks on a regular basis to prevent crankiness.
Bring spare diapers and a re-sealable plastic bag to take them home. Do not bury disposable diapers.
Apply sunscreen to children, dress them in bright colours, speak to older children about the importance of stopping and staying on a trail if they become lost.
Near water
Practice safety around water.
Supervise children at all times.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), if appropriate.
Wildlife at a distance
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wild animals.
Never feed wildlife. Feeding animals in the wild damages their health and alters natural behaviours.
Avoid wild animals when they are: mating, nesting, rearing young or seeking food in winter.
Bear safety: visit Bear Wise Ontario for helpful advice.
Moose safety: Respect the moose when in your automobile. Drive aware, use caution in signed areas and watch at night.
Protecting yourself, your family and pets from rabies. Information from the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario.
Hunting season safety
Hunting season dates vary depending on type of game. Small-game season [turkey and rabbits] is usually from Sept to end of May. Large-game season [deer, bear, Moose] takes place from about Oct to Jan.
For trail safety wear a blaze orange hat and vest, and if backpacking cover your pack in blaze orange.
Be heard. You can whistle or sing a tune to alert hunters you are in the area and stay on the trail, do not wander off into dense woods.
For additional details on Ontario hunting contact the Natural Resources Information Centre 1-800-667-1940.
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources web site for more information.
Take only pictures and fond memories away with you. Leave only a footprint on the path you have respected.
Download this handy brochure "Be Safe, Be Seen"
Wear the Bandana!
JOINT OTC/OFAH statement about trails and hunting:
Regarding Hunting in the Forest - "seasonal hunting does take place and is one of the many activities enjoyed in the forest, primarily in spring and fall. Responsible hunters wear hunter orange as the season dictates, are aware of others using the trails, and ensure that they are certain of their target and what lies beyond it. Hunting is a safe recreational activity when practiced responsibly and non-hunters may feel comfortable using the woods at any time of the year." Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, September 1, 2011
There are many laws in place to ensure hunter training and many 100,000's of thousands of safe interactions take place each year. All persons, licensed or not, should be aware of the uses of the land at different times of year. If you aren't trained or licensed for any form of outdoor recreation, don't do the activity until you are. We encourage all to plan and know allowed uses on and off the trail - Ontario Trails Council, September 1, 2011
What to put in your backpack when out on the trails
One to two litres of water in easy-to-carry, leakproof bottles
Depending on the length of trail, pack meals or snacks. Snacks should provide energy, so chocolate bars, granola bars, nut mixes, cut veggies and hard fruit are all good.
A fully charged mobile phone will come in handy in case you get lost or hurt. Just remember that reception is not always available.
You never know when a spare pair of socks and underpants might come in handy if you get wet from rain or tend to sweat heavily.
A hat and pair of gloves are wise and small enough to pack.
A rain poncho in case of rain. A large poncho can also double as a shelter in an emergency.
First aid kit with a whistle, sunscreen lotion, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, trail map, compass, windproof lighter, pocket knife, water purifying tablets.
A few plastic bags to carry out garbage and waste.
Specifically for geocachers
Pack gloves, as rooting through undergrowth for hidden geocache can be harmful to your skin if not protected.
Spare batteries for your GPS unit.
A spare pen and mini ziploc bags for log books and geocache treasure.
Specifically for Operators
Have a risk management plan.
All users and operators should have insurance.
Machines and equipment should be checked for safety and usability.
Sign your trails.
Audit your trails once a month.
Train users to warden your trails.
For Insurance we suggest Intact Public Entities Inc.
