In today’s blog post, we take a closer look at a very important topic to ensure an enjoyable and respectful adventure for everyone: Trail etiquette.
As you embark on your journey across our diverse and scenic trails, it's crucial to remember that the trail experience is shared by many. Adhering to trail etiquette ensures that everyone enjoys their trek while preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings – from seasoned hikers to first-time adventurers, from long-time MammothMarch participants to newbies.
Check out our comprehensive guide to MammothMarch trail etiquette, designed to foster respect, safety, and enjoyment for all participants.
1. Respect and courtesy: Treat all trail users with respect, regardless of their speed, skill level, or activity. A friendly nod or a simple greeting can go a long way.
2. Stay to the right: Always stay to the right side of the trail and pass on the left. Before changing your position, look around to ensure it’s safe, especially around corners or in blind spots. If you hear another trail user calling “to your left”, this means they’re about to pass you on your left side. Make room for them to pass and sidestep to your right as far as possible.
3. Teamwork: Check in on fellow hikers/trail users: If someone looks exhausted, dehydrated or simply not too well, check in on them and ensure that the person is not alone on his/her way to the next aid/water stop or until help is underway.
4. Environmental protection: Stay on our marked trails to protect the environment. Avoid cutting switchbacks or taking shortcuts, as these can cause erosion and damage the natural habitat. Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy. Do not pull bark off of, cut or otherwise
damage live trees. MammothMarch can only plant so many 😉
5. Yielding: Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic, and faster users yield to slower ones. When in doubt, yield to others to ensure safety and courtesy.
6. Noise and awareness: Share the trail by watching for and listening to others. Avoid using noise-cancelling earbuds or anything that significantly impairs your hearing. Leave your bluetooth speakers at home.
7. Litter-free trails: Carry out all litter, including pet waste. Keep our trails pristine for everyone to enjoy and make use of our trash cans at the aid stations.
8. Wildlife and livestock: Do not approach, scare, harass, or feed wildlife or livestock. Respect their space and preserve the natural ecosystem.
9. Private property: Respect the privacy of people living along the trail and avoid trespassing on private property.
10. Pet control: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times to prevent frightening other trail users and wildlife. Check out this blog post in case you consider bringing your furry friend.
11. Trail conditions: Practice low-impact trail use, especially on wet and muddy trails. Travel over obstacles rather than around them to prevent trail widening.
12. No smoking: It almost seems redundant to mention: Smoking/vaping on the trails is not allowed at anytime.
13. Respect different trail users: Many of our routes are open to a wide range of different trail users, some of them horses: When encountering a horse, stop and talk to the rider for any necessary instructions. Stay on the trail and remain calm. Expect the rider to advise you, not as a lack of courtesy, but rather with knowledge of the horse’s temperament.
14. Aid stations: Our MammothMarch aid stations ensure that participants can fuel up and make it safely to the next one. Refill your water bottles but do not pack any snacks; rather enjoy everything you want on site as slower hikers or those with a late start want to enjoy the full range of products as well.
By following these guidelines, you contribute to a safe, enjoyable, and respectful trail experience for everyone. Thank you for being a responsible MammothMarch participant and helping us preserve the beauty and integrity of our trails. Happy hiking!