A silver lining to the pandemic is that many more people are enjoying the outdoors.  The trails are a popular place to visit and get a workout, with gyms closed, events postponed, and vacations canceled.  But keep in mind that if your goal is a tempo run or any training effort requiring strict protocol, be aware of the trail location you choose.  A high-traffic trail can be frustrating with day hikers blocking the optimal path around rooted singletrack, but these trails are for hiking, and it is a privilege to run them, so choose a trail that aligns with your intent. COVID has changed trail protocols, so let’s talk about how that has changed trail etiquette and review how all can enjoy trails.  Remember that all of us are ambassadors to the trail running community.  The person you run by on the path could be experiencing the trail system for the first time so let’s not spoil it and make sure everyone feels welcome.  Who knows? You may inspire a future trail runner! Make sure to thank all others on the trail who practice general trail etiquette.

 

Trail Running Etiquette

 

  • Before you go
    • Keep the headphones at home, or at least in the right ear.  It’s hard to be aware of the surroundings if you can’t hear.
    • Know the trail traffic.  Popular trail destinations can be busy, especially on holidays, with new hikers.  Don’t expect to grab a segment medal when the trails are crowded.
    • Have the correct permit.  
    • Have a placeholder for your garbage.  Leave no trace, what you pack in. Make sure you pack it out.

 

Staying on the trail and in a single file keeps the trails and vegetation intact.

 

  • Traffic Flow
    • Stay single file and on the right side of the trail.
      • Allow others to pass quickly.
      • Don’t destroy vegetation off the trail. 
      • Staying on the trail keeps the trail at a single track. 
      • Don’t cut switchbacks.
      • When taking a break, step aside. 
    • Yielding
      • The fastest trail runner has the right of way.  In general, this is the downhill runner (if oncoming.)  It’s also hard to stop sometimes going downhill. If possible, step to the side of the trail and allow the runner to pass. 
      • Oncoming hikers usually will step to the side and allow runners to pass.  Hiking protocol says the uphill runner has the right of way (opposite of trail running.)  Be ready for the ascending hiker to keep moving. Either way, expect to slow down.
      • Mountain Bikers are supposed to yield to pedestrian traffic.  However, if a biker is riding hard uphill, be nice and allow the rider to pedal through so they don’t have to dismount and lose momentum.  It’s probably best just to let the biker always go by, as it usually takes just a second or two.
      • Horse Riders always have the right of way.  Horses, and some horse riders, are unpredictable.  Step to the side and make sure the rider feels safe to pass.  If approaching a horse from behind, alert the rider and let them know you would like to get by.  Let the rider decide how best for you to move around the horses.  Allow the horses as much room as possible.
      • We know dogs are usually supposed to be on a leash, but many times they are not.  Dogs are unpredictable, so be ready for any random movements.  If the dog is acting erratic or threatening, it’s OK to ask its handler to put the dog back on the leash.  There is no reason for anyone to get injured by a dog on the trail.  If a dog chases you, stop. This allows the handler to catch up and put the dog on a leash.
    • Passing
      • Approaching 30 feet from trail traffic, yell loudly, “Coming up behind you!” Calling “On your left!” to hikers can be confusing as they do not always hear the words, only the sound.
      • Most hikers move right and allow you to pass on the left.  
      • Some new hikers do what I call the “cockroach scatter.”  They panic and spread all over the trail as you approach them. Be ready to slow down and take the path that opens up to you.
      • Some don’t hear the first call.  Call out again, “Coming up behind you!”  Be ready for a shocking look, especially if they are in conversation or have headphones in their ears.  Slow down again to pass.
      • If they don’t move after the second call out, they most likely have headphones in.  Pass very gently.  If they are unaware of their surroundings and in the middle of the trail, I’ve tapped on the shoulder to get around.  Hopefully, they will learn to keep headphones in one ear or keep the volume down after the meeting.
      • Large groups can be complex, especially if kids are involved.  Usually, this is a family or group that is inexperienced using trails.  Respect their visit and slowly pass the group.  Be aware that popular routes, especially on the weekends or holidays, will likely experience extreme traffic.
  • Running with a dog
    • Know the leash restrictions for the trails.  Failure to comply with leash restrictions may result in a fine.
    • Always carry a poop bag to pick up your pet’s waste and deposit it in trash cans. Have a way to carry it to the trash can or car.  Don’t leave a poop bag on the side of the trail to pick up (and possibly forget) later.
    • Recognize the critical times of the year for wildlife – winter through early summer – and be overly cautious with your pets.  A dog’s urge to hunt vulnerable wildlife can be intense.
    • Keep pets from “hunting” birds off the trail. Ground-nesting birds will leave the nest if disturbed, and dogs will kill young birds that cannot escape.
    • Controlling your pet means keeping it from interfering with other trail users or causing erosion by digging on hillsides or stream banks.
  • Racing
    • If headphones are needed, again, keep in one ear.
    • Step aside while being passed on a single track.
    • If someone is approaching from behind and not passing, say, “let me know when you are ready to pass.” (and vice versa)
    • If an oncoming runner is ahead of you in the race, step aside on a single track.
    • Help lost runners stay on course.
    • Keep bib visible in the front.  Let aid station workers know your number.  Checking in at aid stations helps the race director understand the point you are on the course.
    • Trails are open to the public during races.  Use the same rules for yielding and passing as if it was a typical training run.
    • If you are not in the race but on the trail, allow all racers to pass quickly.  Step aside if possible.
    • Be spacially aware in aid stations, even when not in a pandemic.  Keep the traffic flowing.
    • Do not put dirty hands in food!  Clean hands with sanitizer before approaching the aid station.
    • Bring your cup.  Most races are now cupless.
    • Thank the volunteers!  Let the race directors know about any positive or negative experiences.

 

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  • COVID
    • Wear a mask within six feet of anyone.  Buffs work great when worn around the neck to pull over the mouth.  Use the collar of a shirt as a last resort.
    • Don’t spit or blow “snot rockets” in the vicinity of anyone.
    • Follow the preferred traffic flow.  Many parks now have one-way trails.
  • Bonus Etiquette
    • Say hello to everyone on the trail.
    • Pick up garbage on the trail.
    • Safely move any trail obstacles like downed branches or loose rocks to help make the trails more passable. 
    • If you see a hiker/runner looking at a map, ask if they need any help.

 

In general, know the rules and be courteous to make sure everyone enjoys the trails.