Trail Etiquette

Trails allow us all to go at our own pace together—walkers, runners, rollers and bikers, horseback riders too—and that’s what makes them so amazing. It’s also why it’s important to check your speed at all times and consider the comfort of others. You never know what’s around the bend. Some cities have recommended or regulated trail speeds; you may want to inquire with your local trail managing orgs. to learn more.

Safety is the highest priority on the trail. If we all follow the same traffic pattern, we are making our moves predictable for each other. Just like road rules, slower traffic should stay to the right (in a comfortable, safe position). Give a friendly warning before you pass a fellow trail user, and always pass to the left. When passing, use a bell or quick verbal warning to alert those in front of you to stay in their lane; this can help you both avoid potential collisions and avoid startling fellow trail users (sometimes we get lost in our thoughts).

Trails make sharing time with friends and family easy and fun. And it’s the little things—those mini breaks, friendly chats or amazing photo ops—that make our experience truly amazing. By standing aside and positioning yourself out of trail traffic flow, you are enabling others to pass by safely, without having to weave around you or make sudden stops. It also shows respect for your fellow trail enthusiasts.

Pets love the trail just as much as their owners. But not all trail users know how to act around our furry companions, and vice versa. (Some pets get more excited than others around strangers.) As the owner, setting ground rules, keeping your pets secure and managing their behavior is incredibly important to reduce uncomfortable run-ins and avoid collisions.

Everyone’s trail experience is different. Some like to listen to music; others like to chat with friends; and some like to cruise solo, in silence. It’s all about safe, healthy interaction between you and others. Being alert and predictable allows other trail users to calculate what you’re going to do and act accordingly—and allows you to make good decisions too. This includes knowing who has the right of way, and when to yield. And, by staying alert, you’re showing others that you respect their trail journey!

There are some universal best practices to sharing the trail, but each of our 50 states has different rules and regulations. And the same can be said for communities across the country. Some rules are there for our safety and security, while others are there to protect natural areas or native plants. And of course, the permitted uses for public places and spaces varies from community to community. Knowing the rules of our local trails enables us to be predictable, helps keep the trails clean and welcoming, and enables us all to feel safe and secure when we're out doing our favorite trail activities.

“Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.” Be sure to carry out anything you brought with you. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.