Please help us keep our singletrack trails from becoming roads by doing the following:
- Walk or run single file, rather than abreast of each other. Walking or running side by side kills trailside vegetation and turns our trails into roads.
- When yielding the trail, step toward the side, stop, and wait for the other user to pass. Continuing to run off-trail leads to trail braiding and widening.
- When other users yield to you, stay on the trail. Don’t walk or run off-trail to get around them.
- If you use ear phones, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear other trail users who are attempting to ask if they can pass you.
What can you expect?
Faster trail users. Bikers, runners, and equestrians approaching from behind will often say, “On your left.” Offer friendly communication to let the rider know when it's safe to pass: give a verbal acknowledgement, step to the side of the trail or wave the rider by on wider trail. It is the responsibility of cyclists to pass at a safe speed.
When traveling in opposite directions, bikers yield to hikers.
What is your responsibility?
Share the trail. When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering hikers, bikers and horses.
Don’t tune out. If you wear headphones, keep the volume down or only wear one earpiece so other trail users don’t startle you.
Keep a short leash on your dog when passing (or being passed by) horses, cyclists, or other hikers. Remember that other trail users may be frightened by dogs or be unsure how to pass safely.
Yield to horses.
- Stay downhill. Spooked horses go uphill.
- Greet the rider. Horses can perceive hikers wearing tall backpacks as dangerous predators. Your voice establishes your humanity.
- Ask how to proceed. If hiking with a child, hold their hand when passing.