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Trail Etiquette |  |
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See the Index for more topics, information, hints and tips.
Check out other trail running topics at Trail Running.
Most trails are single track which refers to the dirt trail only being wide enough to accommodate one person across. In order to let someone pass you, you have to step off the trail to let them by.
If you are running with a friend stay 6 to 10 feet behind them. That will give you a chance to stop or take evasive steps if they should fall, stop suddenly, cause a rock slide, cause a stick to jump out at you, or if you should fall you won't take them out, too.
Many trails are shared with bicyclists. This is really a great benefit to runners because they keep the trails more open for us, do a lot of maintenance on them, clear away the spider webs, and scare away the snakes. For the most part I have found them to be friendly and courteous. They will usually announce their presence by saying "On your left". Look for a safe place to get off the trail on your right. Watch out for poison ivy; remember "Leaves of three, let it be". If they are passing you on a curve it might be safer to stand on the inside of the curve. If the cyclist misjudges the turn he will usually swing wide to the outside. Be very cautious on up and down hills and other situations where they may not be able to slow down or it may be dangerous for them.
As a courtesy, slower and smaller always yields to faster or bigger. It's easier for a person to step to the side of the trail than a biker. If someone comes up behind you, ask if they want to pass - they may not. Yield to those working harder than you - downhill yields to uphill.
On most multi-use trails, runners usually go in the opposite direction from bikers. This makes it easier to see each other, making it safer for everyone. Be alert and on the lookout for oncoming bikes because your closing speed will be faster and your time to react will be shorter. That is, you don't have much time to get out of the way. Be careful going in the backwards direction because trails are usually not marked as well in the reverse direction and they look COMPLETELY different!
If you are in a group of runners and encounter a bicyclist, it is best if you all step to the same side of the trail. This makes it easier for the bicyclist to avoid hitting you because there are fewer things to worry about.
Use of trails is discouraged if they are muddy. Always run in the trail even if you have to go through mud or water. If you run around these, it makes the trail wider creating a larger scar in the wilderness.
If you are running with friends, especially less experienced ones, let them know about dangerous situations. But with all of the obstacles and hazards on trails, it is impossible to announce them all. Only announce them if they are different or unexpected or if you or people in front of you have difficulty negotiating them. For example, if you are on a trail that has lots of roots and rocks you would be quiet. But if you suddenly come across a low hanging branch or a foot sized hole or a snake then by all means alert the folks behind you of the danger.
If you come across someone, ask if they are okay or need help. The things people most often need are first aid, gel, and electrolytes. It’s good to have some extra of all of these.
Warn others of any particularly unusual or dangerous situation that they may encounter.
Sometimes when you are out in nature you will get nature's call. If you have to urinate, just get off the trail a convenient distance and take care of business. Check into local practices as to whether you use a tree or a rock.
If you have to have a bowel movement, get at least thirty feet off the trail and one hundred feet away from water. Dig a shallow hole about 6 inches deep. Cover the hole up when you are finished. Follow local practices for disposing of toilet paper. Some areas allow you to bury it, others want you to pack it out. A ziplock bag is handy for this. Some people like to use baby wipes. They stand up to more abuse so you don't need as much and they leave you feeling very clean, but since they are tougher you definitely need to pack them out.
Always leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
I frequently carry a plastic grocery bag and gather trash during a run. I tend to pick up things that are going to stay longer in the environment like Styrofoam cups, plastic bottles, rubber, glass, and metal rather than the thin plastic and paper that will degrade more quickly. Hold the bag loosely in your hand, don’t slip your hand through the handle. That way if you trip you can toss the bag to the side. This is especially important if you pick up anything sharp or pointed. Step on plastic bottles and aluminum cans (take off the lid first) to compress them so they take up less space. It's easier for a runner to pick up trash than someone on a bicycle. Always clean your hands good afterwards.
If you have a day off or want to walk the day after a race or during your taper before a race, consider walking on a trail. Going at a slower pace, you can enjoy the sights and sounds more. Take along a trash bag or two - one for trash and one for recyclables. You might want to take some pruning shears along to trim back any vegetation that is intruding on the trail. This is more frequently a problem in the spring. Remember this is nature and you're not trying to clear things out, only make it safe for others who use the trail. After a strong storm, you may need to take along a hand saw to clear downed branches. All the bicyclists and runners who use the trail will appreciate your efforts. Consider volunteering if your trail has a maintenance day. I frequently stop to pick up and toss aside or kick sticks off the trail as I run to remove the hazard for both runners and bikers. Move them downhill so they don't end up back on the trail.
