A Hiker's Guide to Basic Manners: An Essential Rant

Hiking Etiquette 101: Because Apparently, Common Courtesy Got Lost on the Trail

So, there I was, on a hike this past weekend, basking in my accumulated Zen from all the hikes I had experienced in the past few months. The whole reason people hike in the first place, right?

Yes, well that peace lasted all of five minutes.

Because, apparently, the universe decided to remind me that not everyone understands basic hiking manners.

And thus, my friends, this blog was born — a PSA from one mildly unhinged hiker to the rest of you trailblazers out there. Let’s talk hiking etiquette… also known as MANNERS.

Don’t get me wrong, my son Pepper probably breaks every rule in the book. He’s just an awkward little creature who means well but somehow manages to radiate rudeness anyway. Honestly, maybe the people who got under my skin have mothers making excuses for them too.

Rule #1: Say Thank You (You’re Not Royalty, Karen)

If someone steps aside on a narrow trail and lets you pass, the bare minimum you can do is acknowledge their act of grace. A “thank you,” a nod, dammit, even a grunt would suffice.

Because when I flatten myself against a cliff so you can breeze by without a tumble to your doom, I deserve at least a verbal tip of the hat. It’s not rocket science — it’s being a decent human being.!

Rule #2: Don’t. You. Dare. Litter.

You're hiking. In nature. Among trees, birds, and all that pure, unspoiled beauty. So please explain how your granola bar wrapper ended up decorating a fern.

If you can carry it in full, you can carry it out empty.

Simple logic.

We all want to enjoy the view — not a pile of your trail mix trash. Be the reason nature stays beautiful, not the reason future generations have to wear hazmat suits to go hiking.

Rule #3: Acknowledge Your Fellow Hikers (Yes, Even if You’re Socially Awkward)

Acknowledging someone when they greet you. I know, shocking, right? Here’s a nugget of wisdom from yours truly, the ultimate social hermit who would rather dive under the nearest rock than engage in human interaction. Yet, even I, when out on a hike and feeling all Zen with nature, manage to muster a simple greeting.

So, when you're out there, soaking up the beauty of the great outdoors, and another human dares to break your peaceful solitude with a "hello" – greet them back, dammit! Seriously, how hard is it? A nod, a smile, a mumbled "hey" – it won't kill you. You might even feel a tiny flicker of warmth in that cold, dead heart of yours.

It’s not just about being polite. It’s about trail camaraderie - a tiny moment of connection in a world where everyone’s pretending not to see each other.

Rule #4: Keep the Peace (It’s a Trail, Not a Bar)

We hike for peace, people. Yes, a greeting or a grunt here and there is perfectly fine. But, for the love of all things sacred, keep it down!

We’re all out there to escape the noise pollution of daily life, not to swap it for noise pollution in the woods.

Peace is what we’re hiking for. Let’s not ruin it by turning the trail into a loud, chaotic mess. We're there to recharge, to find that inner calm. So zip it, and enjoy the silence.

Happy hiking, and may your manners be as pristine as the trail you walk on.