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Observing proper hiking etiquette keeps you safe while hiking and also ensures that future generations can enjoy trails, parks, and natural areas. Here are some general guidelines:

Obey park rules. This one is pretty simple. If a park isn’t open to dogs, keep your pup at home. If bicycles are not allowed on a trail, don’t bring your bike. If you find yourself with a bike on a trail that prohibits bikes, walk while pushing your bike instead of riding it.

Stay on trails. Don’t take shortcuts or unofficial trails that cause erosion or harm sensitive environments.

Observe the right-of-way. When you encounter cyclists or horseback riders, move to the side of the trail and let them pass. Hikers are more nimble and able to move off the trail.

Keep dogs under control. If you bring your dog on a hike, follow the park’s leash rules. If dogs are allowed off leash, make sure they stay on the trail and are under voice control.

Halt for horses. As mentioned above, when you see a horseback rider, step to the side of the trail. You don’t want to catch a horse off guard. Make yourself visible so the horse sees you, but also crouch down to make yourself look smaller. If you encounter a horse on a slope, try to step downhill of it; if spooked, horses tend to run uphill, and you don’t want to be in the way if that should happen. Don’t raise your voice around a horse, although talking calmly to its rider can help reassure the horse that you don't pose a threat.

Leave wildlife alone. Giving wildlife a wide berth can keep you and wild animals safe.

Don’t roll rocks off cliffs. You never know who or what is below you, and falling rocks can cause serious injuries.

Don’t bring things you find in a park home. Don’t bring sticks, rocks, shells, or other natural features home with you. Leave them where you find them. It’s fine to inspect things you discover, especially with curious kids, but don’t remove them from their natural environment.

Leave no trace. If you bring something on a trail, pack it out with you. This practice helps keep the trail in good condition for future hikers. (See Outdoor Ethics above.)