The Trail Angel community that supports hikers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is friendly, eager to help and essential in many parts in the state. As the MST continues to grow in popularity, reliance on volunteer Trail Angels is also growing. Because this relationship is critical, we’ve developed common sense guidelines for the hiker and trail angel network.
Hikers
1 – Be respectful in your interactions. Recognize that nearly all Trail Angels are doing this on a volunteer basis. They will not always be available due to prior commitments. Sometimes they may line up a substitute in their absence.
2 – Read and understand the services that a Trail Angel offers. If asked, some may go beyond what is listed, but don’t get upset if they won’t provide something that is not in their listing.
3 – Unless otherwise stated and agreed upon in advance, there is no expectation for a hiker to compensate a Trail Angel. If you would like to provide a gift, or offer compensation, that is up to your discretion. If there is a fee for a service, that information will be included in the Trail Angel’s listing.
4 – Use common sense. An experience with a trail angel should be safe and enjoyable. Your safety is very important to us.
5 – It goes without saying, keep it legal and safe.
Trail Angels
1 – Be up front and honest about the services you are and aren’t willing to provide, and if you require a fee for any service. Asking for money after a service has been provided without prior disclosure is not allowed. Hikers, of course, are free to make a gift or offer to cover costs, and it’s at your discretion to accept or decline.
2 – Respect hikers’ needs. Some hikers are excited to meet and spend time with trail angels, have dinner, or meet the locals while others need a quiet night to recuperate from a long day and prepare for the next. If a hiker needs to be shuttled back to the trail at a specific time to keep on schedule, respect that plan and help them get back on trail and on their way. If you are unable to provide that service, consider helping us find someone who can. As much as you may want to hang out and be social, you ultimately are providing a service.
3 – Enhance and support the hiker experience. Consider how your actions contribute to the overall experience any hiker has on the MST.
4 – It goes without saying, keep it legal and safe.
Questions, comments? Reach out and let us know. info@mountainstoseatrail.org