Learn how to hike the Appalachian Trail, how to go backpacking, hiking gear, backpacking meals and more.
Please please please brush your teeth while you’re on the trail, even though it can feel like a chore.
And I know this may seem like a minuscule issue, but when you have dozens of hikers staying at shelters and campsites during peak season, all these little bits of smelly waste add up and can attract big critters! [Read more…] about How to broadcast your toothpaste waste
Have you ever heard the term ‘campfire impacts?’
I never had until I started learning more about Leave No Trace. I might date myself a little here and even admit that when I first learned how to go backpacking we were taught to dig out a big old hole to build a campfire in when backpacking through wilderness areas.
You should definitely not do that anymore, by the way! I’ll explain why below.
One of the biggest fears, and dangers, that hikers face is wildlife. But we need to remember that any animal we encounter on the trail or at a campsite belongs there. We are just passing through.
The goal is to pass through their home as respectfully as possible, not only to help maintain a healthy habitat for them, but also to keep ourselves and other hikers safe by preventing the creation of nuisance animals and provoked attacks.
Our public lands and trails are open to quite a few different kinds of visitors. Ok ok, usually, some areas and trails are restricted as to who can use them.
But most of the time, like it or not, we have to share.
Some of the different types of visitors you may see out on the trail include mountain bikers, horse back riders, hikers, trail runners, and in some places, even ATVers.
Have you ever gone on a hike just to be wowed by nature? To see a freaking amazing view? Or sit in awe and wonder of an archaeological site?
Now let me ask, have you been sorely disappointed when you arrive only to find that every tree around your picture perfect campsite has been stripped of bark and dying?
Or every boulder on the top of the mountain with the freaking amazing view has been vandalized?
Or all the artifacts you came to see had been stolen?
This is where Leave No Trace principle 'Leave What You Find' comes into play.
Have you ever been hiking along, enjoying the day, enjoying the views and sounds of nature.... only to suddenly come across what looks like a mini explosion of wrappers and food scraps in the woods?
Or even worse... a mine field of used toilet paper, wet wipes and human poop?
