Minimal-Impact Camping and Hiking: Go Gently Into That Good Land

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America is still a land of beautiful wilderness areas, but if we are to maintain the ecological integrity of such areas, it's imperative that visitors tread lightly.
America is still a land of beautiful wilderness areas, but if we are to maintain the ecological integrity of such areas, it's imperative that visitors tread lightly.
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Should you meet horses on the trail, move aside and allow them plenty of room to pass.
Should you meet horses on the trail, move aside and allow them plenty of room to pass.
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When climbing steep and unstable slopes, avoid treading on wet soil; if possible, walk on rocks, uncrusted sand, and snow.
When climbing steep and unstable slopes, avoid treading on wet soil; if possible, walk on rocks, uncrusted sand, and snow.
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Move quietly in the wilderness. Grant those who come after you a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them.
Move quietly in the wilderness. Grant those who come after you a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them.
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When taking a break, move off the trail and look for a durable rest area.
When taking a break, move off the trail and look for a durable rest area.
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The best sign that you have been in a wild place is to leave no sign at all.
The best sign that you have been in a wild place is to leave no sign at all.
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In searching for a campsite, your goal is to find an area that will not be damaged by your stay.
In searching for a campsite, your goal is to find an area that will not be damaged by your stay.
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Established—that is, regularly used—campsites are preferable to pristine sites for large groups, for multi-day stays, or for when you wish to build a ground fire. Keep your tents, kitchen area, fires and movements within the bounds of the existing trampled area. When breaking camp, leave the site clean and attractive for the next group that uses it—even if you didn't find it that way.
Established—that is, regularly used—campsites are preferable to pristine sites for large groups, for multi-day stays, or for when you wish to build a ground fire. Keep your tents, kitchen area, fires and movements within the bounds of the existing trampled area. When breaking camp, leave the site clean and attractive for the next group that uses it—even if you didn't find it that way.

America is still a land of undeniably beautiful wilderness areas, providing quality recreational experiences. But if we are to maintain the ecological integrity of such areas, it’s imperative that every visitor tread lightly. As an introductory guide to minimal-impact camping and backcountry travel, we recommend the following practices.

Minimal-Impact Hiking

1. Move quietly in the wilderness. By doing so, you’ll be more aware of the environment, wildlife will be less disturbed and other visitors will appreciate your courtesy.

2. When traveling with a large party, split up and hike in groups of no more than six. Four is the optimum number, especially for cross-country travel.

3. If possible, visit popular areas at times when use levels are lowest–during the off-season and on weekdays. However, avoid wilderness travel at times when the environment is particularly fragile: during spring snowmelt, for example, when the soil is muddy and easily imprinted.

  • Published on Jul 1, 1990
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