The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

Do you know the 7 Leave No Trace principles for responsible recreation in the outdoors?

One thing I feel very strongly about when getting outside is making sure that we preserve our natural spaces for future generations. This means that we are aware of the impact we have when we are in nature and the footprints we leave–both literally and metaphorically.

One way to ensure that others can find as much meaning in the outdoors as we do is to follow Leave No Trace principles. It takes only a little bit of time to educate ourselves on how we can be better when enjoying the trails, waterways, and any other areas in nature.

If you have never heard of Leave No Trace before, then I definitely recommend you check out their website. They often have events that will teach you more about this philosophy and how you can be a positive force within the outdoor space.

Quick tip: I always bring a garbage bag with me so I can clean up any trash that other hikers or outdoor enthusiasts might have left behind. It’s a small way to give back and takes very little time!

1. Plan ahead and prepare

You wouldn’t take off on a road trip without your Google Maps downloaded, and you shouldn’t head out into the outdoors without a clear idea of where you are going. When you don’t plan, you’re more likely to get lost, deal with extreme weather, and put yourself in danger.

Here are the top things you should keep in mind when planning some time in the outdoors:

Know if you will need a permit or reservation: Some federal and state lands require that you have a permit to hike, camp, climb, or engage in activities in that area. There are often reasons for these regulations–either because these areas are sensitive and can only handle a certain number of people per day, or because it is dangerous for those recreating. Doing some research into whether or not they are required can help you avoid fines and even jail time!
Know the weather: Some of the most tragic incidents that happen outside are usually caused by weather. Check the forecast beforehand, and be aware of the risks you take by choosing to recreate in severe weather patterns.
Choose to go in the off-season or quieter times of the day: Overuse is one of the biggest issues our outdoor spaces face in this day and age. Choosing to go when trails and facilities aren’t as busy makes it much more pleasant for you and gives our natural spaces a break too.
Have a map and compass on hand: Apps make it really easy to know where you are going, but it’s always a good idea to know how to navigate without them. I don’t know how many times my phone has come close to dying on the trail. Having a map reduces the number of rock cairns, paint, and flagging that we need on the trail.
Know and bring the 10 essentials: When hiking or spending time outdoors, make sure you pack the 10 essential items–this increases your chance of survival if you are lost or an accident happens.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

This seems like an obvious one, but I’m always shocked how many people I see wandering off trails or camping where they shouldn’t. Not only does this cause damage to vegetation, but it also makes the trail less desirable in the future from erosion. If enough people choose to go off trail, it can have a significant impact on the environment.

Here are some basics to keep in mine when on the trail or choosing your camping spot:

Stay on established trails and camp in designated spots: Unless you are camping in a dispersed area, there is a reason why these campsites exist in the first place.
Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams: This helps to avoid releasing waste in our water and protects us from wildlife looking for a water source.
Hike single file: This keeps trails from expanding and getting wider and spreading out, damaging foliage and microbial soil.

3. Dispose of waste properly

This might be the biggest issue I see on the trail nowadays. Even on some of the more remote trails I’m on, I often see trash has not been packed out. It might not seem like a big deal, but once waste gets into our waterways or is consumed by wildlife, it starts to affect us all.

Here are some ways you can make sure you are packing out what you bring into the outdoors:

Double check campsites and places you’ve stopped for a break: Make sure you have cleaned up all of your trash–most often this is when people accidentally leave something behind.
This includes biodegradable items: Even though they are natural, apple cores and orange peels are often not native to that area. Over time, this can cause invasive species to take over that spot.
Dispose of human waste properly: Use a WAG bag, or dig a cathole that is at least 6 inches deep. Make sure that you are at least 200 feet from water sources and trails and that you have covered it properly. If you use toilet paper, make sure it is buried in the cathole or remember to pack it out with you.
Stay at least 200 feet from water when washing yourself or dishes: Use soap that is biodegradable, and scatter your strained dishwater–also make sure there aren’t any food scraps in it!

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4. Leave what you find

To me, this is the simplest principle, but it’s often seen as not that important. Not only do we preserve our natural spaces by leaving things how we found them, but we also are being respectful of those who have called these places home before us.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to leaving the outdoors how you found it:

Be respectful: If there are any cultural or historic sites and artifacts on your trail or near your campsite, leave them alone.
Do not take plants or rocks with you: Not only can this spread non-native species, but you are taking away from others and wildlife who rely on them.
Do not build structures or dig trenches: You want the area to look exactly the same as you found it.

5. Minimize campfire impacts

While it’s impossible for some to think about camping without a campfire, there’s no doubt that it can cause a huge impact. With forests being cut down for firewood and human-made wildfires ravaging the land, it’s incredibly important to be mindful of how we use fire outside.

Consider using a camping stove instead: Daniel and I almost exclusively use a camping stove. Not only does it allow you to have more of a variety when cooking, but you also avoid the worry about a campfire getting out of hand.
Use fire rings and grates: Always use the provided fire grates or rings at campsites.
Keep your fire under control and don’t leave it unattended: Using small sticks can help you to control how large the fire gets is essential, and once you are done with it, make sure you put it out all the way.

6. Respect wildlife

When we are outside, we are in the living room of many wildlife species. Most of all, how we interact with animals can dramatically change their behavior–and this can make it more dangerous for humans and cause them to be euthanized.

Here are some ways you can be respectful of wildlife when out on the trail or engaging in any other outdoor activity:

Do not approach wildlife and observe them from a distance: Know what distances you should keep for each animal you might encounter. Allow them plenty of space.
Do not feed animals: This can lead to aggressive behavior and even can cause them to be exposed to predators. It might even require some species to be euthanized in order to protect other humans in the future.
Know the rules when it comes to pets: Different areas have different rules for bringing animals on the trail or out with you. If your pet is not well-behaved, consider leaving them at home.
Be aware of sensitive times for animals: This includes nesting, raising young, mating, or hibernation.

7. Be considerate of others

While we’re not typically outside for the people (maybe that’s just me), being polite and considerate of our other outdoor enthusiasts makes the whole experience much better.

Here are some ways you can be responsible and kind to others while outside:

Yield to others on the trail: Let faster hikers or trailrunners pass, and know who gets the right-of-way going up or downhill.
Yield to stock animals: Move aside if there are horses or other large animals on the trail. Ask the riders which side they would prefer you go to.
Take breaks on the side of trails: Leave room for others to pass if you choose to stop.
Do not use speakers and play music: Enjoy the sounds of nature instead! If you want to listen to music, use headphones.
Be considerate of quiet hours at campsites: Know when they are and follow them so everyone has a pleasant experience–you don’t know when others have to get up and head out on their next adventure.

Conclusion

You might be surprised how little it takes to enjoy the outdoors without making an impact. A little education and knowing how to treat our outside spaces can not only make it much more enjoyable in the present, but it can also make it possible for our future generations to get just as much enjoyment out of their adventures in nature. The Leave No Trace website is a wealth of information on how to preserve these places, and they often have more information on conservation efforts you can join if you want to go even deeper into keep our trails and recreation spaces pristine!