1. Misunderstanding Leave No Trace Principles
One of the most common mistakes hikers make is not fully understanding what Leave No Trace (LNT) really means. While many outdoor enthusiasts have heard the phrase, it’s easy to underestimate its depth and significance. Leave No Trace isn’t just about picking up trash or staying on the trail; it’s a comprehensive set of seven principles designed to minimize human impact on nature. These principles include planning ahead and preparing, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Each guideline is crucial for preserving America’s diverse natural landscapes and ensuring that trails remain beautiful and accessible for everyone. Before heading out, it’s important for hikers to take time to learn not just the basics but the details of each principle—because protecting our wild places starts with knowledge and respect.
2. Straying Off Marked Trails
One of the most common mistakes hikers make is leaving established trails, whether to take a shortcut or snap that perfect photo. While it might seem harmless in the moment, straying off marked paths can have serious consequences for fragile ecosystems and the longevity of our favorite hiking spots.
Why Staying on Trails Matters
Marked trails are carefully designed to minimize human impact on the surrounding environment. When hikers venture off these paths, they trample delicate plants, disturb wildlife habitats, and contribute to soil erosion. Over time, these small actions add up, leading to visible scars on the landscape and long-term ecological damage.
Common Reasons Hikers Leave Trails
| Reason | Impact |
|---|---|
| Taking shortcuts | Creates unofficial paths and accelerates erosion |
| Seeking better photos/views | Destroys vegetation in sensitive areas |
| Avoiding muddy sections | Widening of trails and loss of native ground cover |
| Exploring “hidden” spots | Disturbance to wildlife and increased litter risk |
How to Avoid This Mistake
The best way to protect natural spaces is simple: always stay on designated trails, even if it means walking through mud or waiting your turn for a scenic shot. If you must step aside to let others pass, choose durable surfaces like rocks or gravel whenever possible. Remember, every step you take off-trail leaves a mark—so let’s make sure we’re only leaving footprints where it’s meant to be.
3. Improper Disposal of Waste
One of the most common mistakes hikers make when practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) is improper disposal of waste. This doesn’t just mean trash—food scraps and human waste are often overlooked, but they can be just as harmful to natural areas and wildlife. When we leave behind even biodegradable items like fruit peels or nutshells, we disrupt local ecosystems and attract animals, which can lead to unhealthy dependency or dangerous encounters.
Trash: Pack It In, Pack It Out
A frequent error is assuming that small pieces of trash, such as candy wrappers or tissues, will decompose quickly. In reality, many common materials take years to break down and can be hazardous to wildlife. Always pack out all trash, no matter how small. Consider bringing a dedicated bag for your garbage and double-check your campsite and trails before leaving.
Food Scraps: Not As Harmless As They Seem
Some hikers think it’s okay to toss apple cores or orange peels into the woods because they’re “natural.” However, these food scraps are not native to most environments and can harm both plants and animals. Leftover food may also attract wildlife to trails and campsites, increasing their risk of becoming reliant on humans or getting hurt. The best practice? Pack out all food waste with your trash, even the bits you might think will break down quickly.
Human Waste: Go Before You Go—or Bury Responsibly
Improper disposal of human waste is a serious issue in heavily trafficked outdoor spaces across the U.S. Human waste introduces bacteria into water sources and creates an unpleasant experience for other visitors. If you’re hiking in an area without restroom facilities, follow the LNT guidelines: dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Use plain, unscented toilet paper sparingly (or better yet, pack it out), and cover the hole thoroughly when finished. In some locations, like alpine zones or deserts, packing out all waste using a portable toilet system (“wag bag”) is required by law—always check regulations before you go.
LNT Tips for Waste Management
- Always bring extra bags for trash and food scraps
- Research if wag bags or portable toilets are required on your trail
- Use biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources if you must wash dishes
Remember:
Your actions directly impact the health of our wild places. By properly managing all types of waste, you help preserve these landscapes for others to enjoy—and protect the wildlife that call them home.
4. Interacting with Wildlife
One of the most exciting parts of hiking in America’s beautiful wild places is encountering wildlife. However, many hikers make common mistakes that can harm both animals and people. Feeding wild animals, approaching too closely for selfies, or making loud noises to attract their attention are all behaviors that go against Leave No Trace principles.
Why These Behaviors Are Harmful
| Behavior | Impact on Wildlife | Impact on Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding Animals | Disrupts natural diet, causes dependency on humans, spreads disease | Increases risk of aggressive animal encounters |
| Getting Too Close for Photos | Stresses animals, interrupts feeding or caring for young, may cause abandonment of habitat | Risk of bites, kicks, or other injuries |
| Loud Noises/Attracting Attention | Disturbs natural behavior patterns, can drive animals away from critical resources | Reduces chances of observing authentic wildlife behavior |
How to Observe Wildlife Responsibly
- Keep Your Distance: Use binoculars or a zoom lens to enjoy wildlife from afar. The National Park Service recommends at least 25 yards (23 meters) from most wildlife and 100 yards (91 meters) from predators like bears and wolves.
- No Feeding: Secure snacks and food in your backpack and never offer any to animals—even small ones like squirrels or birds.
- Stay Quiet and Calm: Move slowly and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. This lets you see more natural behaviors without startling the animals.
- Stick to the Trail: Staying on marked trails reduces your impact on animal habitats and nesting areas.
- Respect Signs: Follow posted signs about wildlife closures or sensitive areas. These rules are there for both your safety and animal welfare.
The Takeaway: Be a Respectful Observer
When you respect wildlife boundaries, you help preserve the balance of nature and ensure that future hikers can enjoy these incredible experiences too. Remember: take only photos, leave only footprints—and let wild animals stay wild.
5. Campfire Missteps
Campfires are a cherished part of the American outdoor experience, but they can easily become one of the most significant threats to wild places if not handled responsibly. A common mistake hikers make is building unauthorized fires—often in areas where fires are prohibited due to high risk of wildfire or sensitive environments. Another frequent error involves collecting natural wood from the surrounding area. This might seem harmless, but it disrupts local ecosystems by removing habitat for insects and small animals and depriving the soil of nutrients as dead wood decomposes. Perhaps the most dangerous oversight is failing to fully extinguish a fire. Even a smoldering campfire can reignite and spread, leading to devastating wildfires.
To avoid these mistakes, always check local regulations before starting a fire. If campfires are allowed, use established fire rings instead of creating new ones, and bring your own firewood from home or purchase it locally to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect native habitats. When its time to leave, ensure your fire is completely out by dousing it with water, stirring the ashes, and feeling for heat—if its too hot to touch, its too hot to leave. Better yet, consider eco-friendly alternatives like portable backpacking stoves or LED lanterns for light and warmth. These methods let you enjoy the outdoors while preserving its beauty and health for everyone.
6. Collecting Natural Souvenirs
One of the most common mistakes hikers make is picking up rocks, flowers, feathers, or other natural souvenirs during their adventures. While it may seem harmless to take a small memento home, this action can have a bigger impact than you might think. Removing even a single wildflower or interesting stone can disrupt the local ecosystem and diminish the experience for future visitors.
Why It Matters
Every element in nature has a role to play. Flowers provide food for pollinators like bees and butterflies; rocks offer shelter for insects and small animals; fallen branches return nutrients to the soil. When these items are removed, it can disturb wildlife habitats, slow natural processes, and affect the overall health of the environment. Additionally, if every hiker took “just one” item, the cumulative effect would be significant.
Leave What You Find
The Leave No Trace principle “Leave What You Find” encourages us to admire natural objects in their place and leave them for others to enjoy. Instead of collecting souvenirs, consider taking photos or sketching what you see. This way, you preserve your memory without impacting the environment.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Resist the urge to pick flowers, rocks, or other natural objects.
- Educate friends and family about why leaving nature untouched is important.
- Practice mindfulness—enjoy being present in nature without needing a physical keepsake.
By leaving everything as you found it, you help protect America’s wild places so they remain beautiful and vibrant for generations to come. Remember: the best souvenir from your hike is the experience itself.
