Hiking Do’s and Don’ts

When hiking it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure personal safety, help fellow hikers, and protect nature. To make sure you remain on the good path, here are generally accepted rules.

Be Prepared

Whether setting out on a well-marked, busy trail for 90 minutes or hiking over several days on a challenging route, you need the right equipment. Even the shortest hike demands supportive and comfortable footwear, hydration, nutrition, and sun protection. Hiking is tons of fun but it is serious stuff.

According to Parks Canada those who run into trouble are poorly equipped often lacking map, compass or smart device. I have my own theory. Hikers who get into trouble make a small mistake then compound it. A wrong or missed turn is made worse by continuing forward rather than retracing steps. Most missing hikers are found off trail eleven to twelve miles from where they were last known to be. 

Lost trekkers are increasingly found uphill trying to get a phone signal. Smartphones are great but do not rely solely on technology. Know the route and tell someone the trail you are on.

Don’t Widen the Path

More and more people are taking advantage of being outside. Unfortunately, hikers are widening them or creating new paths to avoid muddy puddles or challenging sections. This is unnecessary impact on the environment. Please stick to the established trails.

Prepare for Injuries

Even the most experienced hiker can twist an ankle or sprain a wrist. While it is smart to carry a first-aid kit, injuries may be more severe. It is important let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. While cellphones are great, do not rely solely on technology. Reception is unreliable in many areas of the Laurentians.

Know Your Trail

Footpaths from the summer and fall are obviously covered in the winter. While most are well marked, it is easy to lose direction. Stick to trails you know, and constantly consult a map. While many hikers use apps like AllTrails and HikingProject, make sure to print one as a backup to your smartphone.

Bring Everything Back

New evidence suggests hikers must bring back everything they took on a hike. This has always applied to garbage but now experts from Parks Canada include banana peels, apple cores and shells from nuts. Any food source or scented item is an attractant to animals and can lead to wildlife mortalities. These items take time to decompose so animals will come out of their way to discover it, leading to confrontations between animal and man or animal and vehicle. If it is not natural to the environment, it should not be discarded.

The Truth About Cairns

Cairns are the pyramids of small rocks that often mark trail routes and decorate mountain summits. Hardcore hikers have been known to topple them because they believe manmade objects have no place in the wilderness. The better approach is to respect the status quo. Don’t destroy rock cairns, but don’t build new ones and do not add to existing ones.

Four-legged Companions

Tremblant has recently welcomed dogs to the trails. This is great because people bring their pets for an added sense of security and companionship. It is important to follow the posted rules about leashing dogs, and to keep your pet within eyesight and under control. It is great to see dogs with their own backpacks holding water and treats. Still, one thing these pets cannot do is bag and bring down their waste…that is the joy of dog ownership…you get to scoop everywhere.

Rules of the “Road”

When you take a break or have a conversation, do so off the trail. This allows other hikers to pass by. Just make sure you’re not damaging anything when stepping off trail. Let faster-moving individuals pass, and if you’re passing someone, do so respectfully. People ascending have right-of-way over those descending because they are working harder.

Let Nature Be

Picking plant life or disturbing wildlife habitats should never happen. I have seen hikers throw rocks at frogs, deliberately trample mushrooms, and push logs into streams. This is idiotic activity. Please note the practice of building rock cairns or Inukshuks is now a no-no. 

Zero Litter Tolerance

My knapsack contains the 10 essentials of hiking (Google them) and one extra. I carry a bag for my garbage and trash I find. People discard articles by accident, or worse, on purpose. Of course, nature calls when hiking but when it does bury the tissues used.

Say Hello

When you encounter others, stop to chat. It’s not just about being friendly; it’s about safety. The family you meet for two minutes could be the vital link that directs rescuers to your location if you run into trouble and become overdue. 

Get outside and hit the trails. Enjoy and respect them and remember: take only photos, leave only footprints.