Unacceptable Trail Behavior Many Hikers Deem as a Bother on the Popular Hiking Trails

In the tranquil, serene landscapes of nature, hiking offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it's essential to remember that our actions can have a significant impact on these pristine environments.

The Leave No Trace initiative, led by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to preserving natural environments. By promoting responsible outdoor practices and minimising pollution, they aim to protect these spaces from unnecessary activities such as leaving plastic ornaments on trails and in natural areas.

Plastic items like turtles, troll-house ornaments, and holiday decorations can pose a threat to nature. They degrade slowly and can be mistaken for food by animals, leading to potential harm. Moreover, these items can entangle wildlife, causing injury or death.

Temporary decorations on hiking trails are not good hiking etiquette. Not only do they create a hazard for wildlife, but many hikers find them not charming. In fact, concerns about these DIY displays have been expressed by Reddit users such as u/Toddstar70 and u/bentbrook.

Hiker u/DDSkeeter argues against leaving holiday decorations on trees for long periods, stating that they disrupt the natural beauty of the trail. JD Tanner of Leave No Trace emphasises that leaving unnatural items along trails or in natural spaces can harm wildlife, spread invasive species, and degrade the outdoor experience for everyone.

Nature-based self-expression can be less invasive than disrupting nature with plastic ornaments. Teaching kids the Leave No Trace principles can help them become good stewards of nature, ensuring these pristine environments are preserved for future generations.

So, next time you embark on a hiking adventure, remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints. Let's work together to protect and preserve our natural spaces for all to enjoy.

Unacceptable Trail Behavior Many Hikers Deem as a Bother on the Popular Hiking Trails