You know that incredible feeling of stepping into the woods, breathing deeply, and instantly feeling the stresses of daily life melt away? We do too! But with more people than ever discovering the magic of the outdoors, it’s up to us to make sure these beautiful spaces stay, well, beautiful.
That’s where the Leave No Trace principles come in. Think of them as a simple guide to helping us all protect the trails, campsites, and wild spaces we love. Every step we take leaves an impact, but by following these seven principles, we can explore responsibly and leave these places pristine for the next adventurer.
Today, I’ll walk you through the 7 core Leave No Trace principles with real-life examples (and maybe a few trail pet peeves!). By the end, you’ll feel empowered to head out on your next adventure knowing you’re doing your part to keep the wild… wild.
What Exactly is Leave No Trace?
At its heart, Leave No Trace is about making conscious choices to minimize our impact on the environment. That means planning ahead and thinking critically about how we interact with the natural world when we’re hiking, camping, backpacking, or just spending time in nature.
The beauty of Leave No Trace is in its simplicity. Anyone—from seasoned adventurers to first-time hikers with shiny new boots—can follow these guidelines. It’s all about doing our part, whether it’s sticking to trails, packing out trash, or just appreciating nature without disturbing it.
Here are the 7 Leave No Trace principles, complete with tips and examples:
Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan and Prepare
This principle is all about doing your homework before you even leave home.
- Know the rules for the area you’re visiting (Are fires allowed? Where can you camp?).
- Check the weather and dress in layers.
- Bring along the right gear, snacks, and plenty of water.
- And here’s a biggie: plan how you’ll pack out everything you pack in.
Proper planning keeps you safe and reduces the chance of making spur-of-the-moment decisions that could harm the environment. Plus, it’ll save you from those facepalm moments like forgetting a lighter or hiking 10 miles without lunch (don’t ask me how I know).
Leave No Trace Principle #2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to marked trails and designated campsites, even when they look muddy.
- Walk in the middle of the trail to avoid widening it.
- Set up camp only in established sites or durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or dry grass.
This protects fragile vegetation, prevents erosion, and keeps your footprint small.
Leave No Trace Principle #3: Dispose of Waste Properly
“Pack it in, pack it out” is the golden rule. Yes, this means all trash, including food scraps and hygiene items (and yes, dog waste too!).
- Carry a trash bag (or several).
- Learn how to dig a cathole to properly dispose of human waste if you’re in a remote area (at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water and trails!).
- Bonus points if you pick up litter you find along the way.
Litter is ugly, harms wildlife, and pollutes water sources. And speaking of litter… Nothing crushes the serenity of a trail like spotting empty beer bottles or plastic wrappers tossed aside. Oh, and can we talk about abandoned dog poop bags? Look, I get it, no one wants to carry a bag o’ poo for miles, but it’s still litter if you leave it there. Tie it to your pack and bring it with you!
Leave No Trace Principle #4: Leave What You Find
Appreciate nature and cultural artifacts without taking them.
- Don’t pick flowers, move rocks, or take cool souvenirs home.
- Avoid building structures, digging trenches, or (please) carving your initials into trees.
This preserves the natural beauty and ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. We were hiking one day, soaking in the peace and admiring some of the old, majestic trees along the trail. As we walked past a couple, we saw the guy had a knife out and was actively carving their initials into the bark of a beautiful old tree. It felt like a punch to the gut. Trees are living things, and carving damages them permanently and scars the natural landscape for everyone. Plus, it makes you an a-hole. Just…don’t.
Leave No Trace Principle #5: Minimize Campfire Impacts
Fires are fun, but can become destructive if not managed responsibly.
- Use designated fire rings or portable stoves.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Keep fires small and burn only dead, fallen wood (that can be broken by hand).
- Fully extinguish your fire before leaving (drown those coals like it’s your mission).
This prevents scarring the landscape with random fire pits and reduces the risk of wildfires.
Leave No Trace Principle #6: Respect Wildlife
Admire animals from a respectful distance, and don’t disrupt their natural behavior.
- Use binoculars for a closer look instead of getting too close.
- Never feed wild animals (it’s bad for their health and makes them reliant on humans).
- Store your food securely in airtight containers to avoid unwanted visitors while camping.
Keeps animals wild, healthy, and safe for everyone.
Leave No Trace Principle #7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Share the trails and campsites with kindness and respect. In other words, practice good trail etiquette.
- Yield to other hikers (uphill hikers have the right of way).
- Keep your volume down (leave the speakers at home).
- Step off the trail for breaks to make room for others.
This ensures that everyone has an enjoyable experience outdoors. After all, nobody wants their peaceful hike interrupted by loud music or inconsiderate behavior.
Why Leave No Trace Matters
Places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park see millions of visitors annually. That’s a lot of boots on trails, tents at campsites, and fires in rings. Without widespread adoption of Leave No Trace, these beautiful spots could quickly become trampled, polluted, and unrecognizable.
Here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Carry a trash bag with you on every hike.
- Stay on trails and teach others to do the same.
- Observe the world without taking anything other than photos.
- Plan your trips and educate others about these principles.
Protecting the Places We Love Starts with Us
By following these seven Leave No Trace principles, you’re not just enjoying the outdoors responsibly. You’re actively contributing to a movement that ensures future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring beauty that we do today. Commit to practicing Leave No Trace on your next adventure. Share this post with your fellow outdoor lovers, and together, let’s keep the wild wild.
Happy trails!
