When hiking, right of way is an important thing to consider. Whether you’re hiking, running, horseback riding, or biking down a trail, there is an etiquette that you must follow. Of course, there are exceptions to every circumstance, but these are the general rules you should follow. For more information on how to behave on trail, read Trail Etiquette: All You Need To Know.
Here are the hiking right of way basics:
- Downhill hikers must yield to uphill hikers, unless the uphill hiker takes a break and signals to let them pass.
- To pass other hikers, come up on their left with an easy “on your left” to announce your presence. Only do this is the trail is wide enough for passing.
- Horseback riders always get right of way. Horses are more difficult to maneuver and need more space than anyone else. Stay calm and give horses as much room as possible so they can calmly pass by.
- Although bikes are faster, hikers still get right of way. It’s nice to let bikers pass, especially when they’ve built up momentum, but in the end it’s the hiker’s choice. Bikers should never expect hikers to yield to them.
- When solo hiking, it’s simply easier to let a large group pass.
- Even when letting others pass, do your best to stay on trail. Trail erosion can lead to the destruction of both the trail itself and the environment around it.
Group Hikes
If the trail is narrow so that only two people can fit across the path, you need to hike in a single-file line. It is understandable that you would want to chat with your hiking buddies, but a jumbled group is incredibly difficult to pass. Stay on the trail and be careful not to trample any vegetation or erode the ground off-trail. No one wants to be the large, annoying group of hikers that breaks every etiquette rule in the book.
Dogs on Trail
If your dog is allowed to be off-leash, make sure they stay under your control. Dogs cannot go off trail, as they can also disturb wildlife and cause unnatural erosion. When encountering other dogs, make sure your dog keeps their distance. You cannot know if a dog is reactive, and it will be your fault if your dog approaches without permission. This is true even for hikers without dogs – you never know if someone is fearful of dogs or allergic. It’s always your responsibility to be in control of your dog at all times. On narrow trails, step aside with your dog to let others pass more easily.
When in doubt, just treat everyone on the trail how you would want to be treated – with respect and consideration. We are all incredibly lucky to have access to such amazing outdoor spaces, and we all have an equal right to enjoy our time outside.
Read more:
- Trail Etiquette: All You Need To Know
- 10 Benefits of Hiking That You Need to Know
- The Ultimate Hiking Essentials List
- 11 of the Best Hiking Snacks to Bring on Trail
