AMC Outdoors, Web Exclusive, July/August 2004

You may not know it, but you’re a member of an AMC trail crew. Yes, that’s right, every hiker who hits the trail, even once, plays a vital role in keeping trails in shape. Even if you don’t think you have time to help on an organized crew, there are a few things all hikers can do as part of the biggest crew of all. Keep these tips in mind whenever you’re out enjoying the Northeast outdoors.

1. Plan ahead. If you know a trail is particularly heavily used or might be muddy in the spring, choose an alternate route. And do a little research on what weather, conditions, and regulations to expect — this can keep you from having to camp unexpectedly in a sensitive or illegal area.

2. Stay on marked trails. It may sound simple, but this is one of the most important things hikers can do, says AMC Trails and Riverways Stewardship Director Heather Clish. “Social” or bootleg trails can damage soil and vegetation, as well as confuse hikers who come after you.

3. Use rock steps and bog bridges. They’re there for a very important reason — to protect fragile soil and plants around them — but they have side benefits, like keeping your feet dry! Don’t walk around them because it’s “easier”; this just makes things harder on the land.

4. Walk through wet or muddy areas. It’s tempting to walk around a puddle or muddy spot, but instead, pretend you’re a kid again and splash right through. As Clish says, “Boots and feet will recover, but each time a hiker walks around a wet spot, vegetation is trampled, the trail is widened, and the problem gets bigger.”

5. Respect trail closures. If a trail is blocked off with a pile of brush, marked as closed, or otherwise inaccessible, there’s probably a good reason. Often, in fact, the trail’s condition may pose a risk to those who attempt to hike it. Don’t try to reopen a closed trail.

6. Lend a hand on minor problems. Consider carrying gloves and a trash bag to pack up and carry out litter left by others. This may not make for a “perfect” hike, but fellow hikers and the trails will benefit. And if you see a small blowdown or branch on the trail, go ahead and drag it off to the side.

7. Report major problems. Rather than trying to remove a large fallen tree or move heavy rocks, report any damage to the group responsible for maintaining the trail (usually noted in guidebooks). If it’s a trail maintained by AMC, contact the local chapter or email the AMC’s Trails Department by selecting "Trails" from this email form. 

8. Leave what you find. Resist the temptation to bring plants or rocks back from your trip — no matter how small they seem, the woods can’t spare them. Cultural and historic artifacts should also be left where you find them. Leave cairns intact, and don’t build any small “personal” structures of your own.

9. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. These include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, and even snow. Look for areas with little vegetation, if possible, and disperse use in pristine areas to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. Remember: good campsites are found, not made.

10. Minimize your impact at camp. If you build a campfire, do so only where it’s allowed, and then use an established fire ring. Feed it with dead sticks found on the ground, and keep it small. And set up your campsite at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. When you wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet from the source.

Of course, the best way hikers can help the trails is to devote time to their care. If you want to keep learning, and give back while you’re at it, AMC’s Trails Department and chapter trails committees offer fun trailwork events throughout summer and fall, ranging from half a day to a whole week. Learn more about volunteer trailwork opportunities.