© Jennifer Browndorf

The MST community includes superhikers who complete all 1,175 miles straight through in less than a month, people stepping on a trail for the first time, and folks everywhere in between. We believe the MST is for everyone, no matter what your skill level, experience or physical abilities may be. Our goal is to make hiking the MST as safe, fun and sustainable as possible. We hope these tips will help, and we hope you’ll help us pay it forward by welcoming others to the trail!

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a national movement to reduce our outdoor activities’ impact on the environment and other people. It encompasses Seven Principles:

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

Learn details of how to practice these principles and much more on the Leave No Trace website.

Hiking Etiquette

Closely related to leaving no trace is the concept of hiking etiquette. Fundamentally, this comes down to the “golden rule”: Treat others the way you would want them to treat you. A few of the main points of hiking etiquette include:

Know the right of way.

• Uphill hikers have right of way over downhill hikers;
• Horses have right of way over bicyclists and hikers;
• Hikers have right of way over bicyclists.

When encountering other trail users, make yourself known.

• A friendly hello or nod when you pass or a calm announcement before passing from behind
• If the trail is too narrow to pass, find a place to step aside where you won’t cause damage

Consider hiking quietly and listening to the sounds of nature around you.

You might even find you like it more than the music on your phone.

Keep dogs on a leash.

Even if you know your dogs are friendly and won’t chase animals or go off-trail, other hikers may not, and seeing them off-leash can be uncomfortable. Also, in most places, it is illegal to have dogs off-leash.

This article from the National Park Service and this Denver Post article, among others, have more information about the principles of trail etiquette.

Long-distance hikers on the MST often rely on Trail Angels for shuttles, overnight accommodation, or other services, so we’ve developed a set of guidelines specifically for hikers and our trail angel network. You can find them here.

Trail Safety

Entire books are written about hiking safety, and this website cannot be a comprehensive guide. No book or website can ever make hiking completely safe, but a few pointers will help reduce your risk greatly.

First, before going out, learn at least the basics of first aid, route-finding, and survival skills.

Even if you aren’t expert in these areas, every bit of knowledge goes a long way.

Second, always let someone know your hiking plans.

If you do get injured, the chances of rescue increase exponentially if people know where to look for you.

Third, always carry the Ten Hiking Essentials:

1. Navigation: Map, compass and GPS, and the knowledge to use them. Don’t rely exclusively on electronic devices.
2. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sun-screen, hats, and sun-protection clothing
3. Rain Gear and Insulation: Jacket, rain shell, hat, gloves
4. Illumination: Headlamps, flashlights, or lanterns. Be sure to include extra batteries.
5. First-Aid Supplies: Start with a pre-made kit and adapt to your trip and medical needs.
6. Fire: Matches, lighters, fire starters.
7. Repair Kit and Tools: Knife, multitool, duct tape, gear-specific repair items.
8. Nutrition: Bring more food than you think you’ll need.
9. Hydration: Bring extra water and water treatment supplies.
10. Shelter: Depending on the trip, tent, space blanket, or bivy sack.