There’s nothing like a sunny, fair weather day to beckon us outside and into nature. Mother Nature’s call inevitably leads us adventure seekers to the trails we know and love over and over again. And like any enduring, symbiotic relationship, we need to tend to our trail usage in much the same way Mr. Miyagi taught us to wax a car: with thoughtful intention.
If you’re a seasoned pro at enjoying life on the trails, the following information will be old hat to you. However, if you’re just starting your journey into hiking, biking or running on our communal trails, we invite you to read further.
In short, we have a responsibility to the trails (and each other!) to make our participation in outdoor recreation the most rewarding and least invasive it can be. How can we go about that noble effort? We’re glad you asked! Below are 5 tips you can reflect on next time you go for a bike, hike or run in the woods!
1. Learn To Gauge When A Trail Can Be Enjoyed - The Mud Factor
One good indicator of trail conditions is the time of year. In the Midwest, we experience four seasons - sometimes all in one day! For the most part, you can be on the lookout for the FREEZE/THAW trail status from November through April. When the ground is frozen, trails are open and navigable.
Optimal usage time during frozen periods is early morning. When the trails thaw, they turn to mud and are closed to protect them from damage. Ideally, you’ll want to stay off them until they dry out again. If you’re on a mostly dry trail and come face to face with a patch of mud, the best practice is to go right through it. When we tread around the muck, it widens the footpath and alters the surrounding area. Again, we want to mitigate our negative influence in nature with mindful action steps and pedals.
If you see a muddy trail user, you can use it as an opportunity to strike up a conversation and talk about potential issues caused by traversing muddy trails. Most trail users mean no harm and are willing to take heed. Hey - who knows - you may come away from the interaction with a new friend and trailmate!
You can always check out our up-to-date trail status checker before you head out next time, if you have any doubt about whether to forge on or not: https://coramtb.org/trails
2. Preparation Before Going To The Trail
Come to the trail or bike park ready to ride, hike or run. Make sure all your gear is in order and you are ready to ‘tear it up’ (metaphorically - we don’t want you to actually want you to do this, obvi).
Have a general idea of your route before you go and know if the trail accommodates the activity you wish to do. Most trailheads have a map kiosk that you can study before you take off. You can even snap a pic of it in case you don’t have the photographic memory of Teddy Roosevelt. Alltrails.com has a great app that makes wayfinding a breeze (as long as you have a strong enough wifi signal where you’re headed). If traveling alone, be sure to tell someone where you’re going and for approximately how long. This practice makes you a thoughtful mate on and off the trails.
When considering clothing for your activity, you’ll want to check the weather - namely the temperature. There are numerous guides online that will help you decide what’s going to work best for your chosen activity in light of the atmospheric conditions. Layering moisture-wicking clothing performs great in most settings. Footwear is also an important consideration to keep your paws comfortable and well supported on your journey.
Be sure to bring hydration and snacks - especially in warmer climates and on longer courses.
3. Passing Other Trail Users Safely
Sharing the trails with others is part and parcel of enjoying nature. As some of us are turtles, and others are rabbits, we’ll inevitably pass or be passed at some point in our journeys. So, be sure to be safe about it!
Approach other trail users within a safe distance and make them aware of your presence. If on a mountain bike, greet the user or softly ring a bell. Simply ask to pass when it's safe to do so. After they let you know it's safe to pass, let the other trail user know which side you intend on passing, and then pass them safely with confidence. Be sure to let them know if there are riders behind you, and wish them a good day. If you're on foot and wish to pass another hiker, similar suggestions apply. Pleasantries on the trail are always welcome and encouraged!
Similarly, stay aware of other users in front of or behind you, and be ready to move out of the way when the time comes. This is one instance when stepping off the trail is acceptable, especially if you’re on a single track. Whether alone or with a group, if you take a break, fall or otherwise cease moving forward, keep the trail free of congestion by moving to a place where others can pass with ease.
If you are wondering which users yield to each other, check out this graphic we have posted at several trail heads!
4. Always Look Ahead On The Trail
One of our most important pieces of advice is to always look ahead - especially if you are on a mountain bike. Looking ahead helps you pick the best lines and easiest path to navigate. It also helps you better deal with unexpected obstacles like other trail users or even animals. Simply looking up and ahead can make everyone’s time on the trail safer and more enjoyable.
If you come across an obstacle that can be moved (safely - don’t throw your back out!), feel free to place it elsewhere. A fallen log across the trail is a good example. We recommend setting it several feet off the trail, perpendicular to the course so that it does not hold water against the trail, creating more issues. And thanks for your help with this!
5. Pack It In, Pack It Out
It should go without saying for most of us that no one likes a litterbug. This is especially true when we are outdoors enjoying pristine vistas and Mother Nature’s other finest work. Seeing bits of detritus strewn about on a trail is enough to turn even the most docile trail user into a rabid javelina emotionally. It’s our job to ensure that we leave nothing behind in the woods save for the dusty imprints of our shoes and tires. It is worth noting here that even biodegradable food waste can change the ecology of the area. Please consider that while wild animals can eat these foods, some may not be good for them to ingest.
Similarly, if you spot debris on the trail, please pick it up. It’s not an illustrious job, but it helps support the flora and fauna in the surrounding area, not to mention our overall experience in nature. As outdoor enthusiasts like to say: Leave No Trace.
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As you can see from our list of suggestions, being a good trail user will become second nature with some dedicated mindfulness upfront. We hope you share your love of trails with others and demonstrate to them how to be responsible advocates as well!