Trail Etiquette

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Courtesy and consideration are essential to ensure the enjoyment of all trail users and protection of the resources. Please follow these common-sense guidelines when using trails.

• Remember to stay on trails.
• Respect private property. If property is marked or obviously private, avoid trespassing.
• Carry out your own trash. Feel free to pickup after others who are less considerate.
• Do not pick any vegetation.
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• Please do not litter. Use trash containers or carry out any litter.
• Trail users, such as walkers, bicyclists and horses, travel at different speeds. Be aware of what is ahead of you on the trail and their relative speeds.
• Please pass oncoming users single-file, preferably to the right.
• Please alert fellow users you are about to pass, giving them enough time to respond. An alert such as, “Coming up on your left, please,” works well. If you are passing, please do so in single-file order preferably on the left side. If being passed, please move to single file to your right.
• Remember that animals such as horses or dogs can respond negatively if surprised by sudden noise or action.
• If there are leash laws for dogs on the trails, please follow them. Dog owners should be considerate of other trail users. Many dog owners hold or heel their dogs when approached by other users.
• There may be no “pooper-scooper” ordinance on some trails, but common courtesy is requested from those who bring animals onto the trails.
• Bike helmets are not required on the trails, but bicyclists should use all appropriate safety measures when riding.
• Trails may intersect roadways, blind intersections, or rail crossings. Use particular care in these areas.

Remember, “Please” and “Thank you” are the key words along the trail!