What Is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a framework of outdoor ethics designed to minimize human impact on natural environments. It encourages thoughtful decision-making before, during, and after outdoor activities so that ecosystems remain healthy and wild experiences are preserved.
These principles apply to hikers, campers, anglers, paddlers, climbers, and all who enjoy being outside, whether in remote wilderness or local parks. The goal is to protect soil, water, plants, wildlife, and the experiences of other visitors.
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Good planning reduces the likelihood of emergencies, damage to resources, and unintentional rule-breaking. Being prepared allows you to make low-impact choices instead of improvising in stressful situations.
- Research regulations, seasonal conditions, and fire restrictions for the area you plan to visit.
- Choose routes and destinations that match the skills, fitness, and experience of your group.
- Pack appropriate clothing, navigation tools, and emergency supplies to avoid creating new campsites or shortcuts.
- Repackage food and supplies to reduce waste and make trash easier to pack out.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Durable surfaces, such as established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow, can withstand regular use better than fragile soils and vegetation. Staying on these surfaces concentrates impact rather than spreading damage across the landscape.
- Use existing trails and campsites wherever they are available instead of creating new paths.
- Walk single file in the center of the trail, even when it is muddy, to avoid widening it.
- In pristine areas without established sites, camp on durable surfaces and disperse use so no new permanent campsite is created.
- Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation, streambanks, and cryptobiotic soil crusts where present.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Proper waste disposal protects water quality, keeps wildlife from becoming dependent on human food, and preserves the natural feel of outdoor places. Every visitor is responsible for managing the waste they create.
- Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter, including small items such as food wrappers and bottle caps.
- Use toilets where provided; otherwise, follow local guidance for burying human waste or packing it out.
- Strain dishwater to remove food scraps, pack out the solids, and scatter the water away from streams, lakes, and camp.
- Pack out used hygiene products and any pet waste from frontcountry trails and campsites.
4. Leave What You Find
Natural and cultural features tell the story of a place and belong to everyone, including future visitors. Leaving things as you found them protects ecological processes and preserves a sense of discovery.
- Do not pick wildflowers, remove rocks, antlers, or artifacts, even if they seem common.
- Avoid building structures, digging trenches, or altering campsites beyond what is necessary for safety.
- Clean boots, gear, and boats before and after trips to avoid transporting invasive species.
- Take photographs instead of souvenirs to remember your experience.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting scars, deplete downed wood, and increase the risk of wildfires if not managed carefully. In many situations, a lightweight stove and headlamp are better choices than a fire.
- Know current fire regulations and bans; in some areas, fires are prohibited due to high risk.
- Use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires where fires are permitted.
- Keep fires small, using only small sticks that can be broken by hand, and never leave a fire unattended.
- Burn wood to fine ash, then fully extinguish the fire with water, stirring until the ashes are cool to the touch.
6. Respect Wildlife
Wild animals need space, natural behaviors, and appropriate diets to remain healthy. Approaching, feeding, or harassing wildlife can harm animals and create dangerous situations for people.
- Observe animals from a distance and use binoculars or a camera zoom rather than moving closer.
- Never feed wildlife; store food and trash securely so animals cannot access it.
- Control pets so they do not chase, disturb, or stress wildlife.
- Give animals extra space during sensitive times such as nesting, mating, or raising young.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Many people seek quiet, beauty, and a sense of solitude in outdoor spaces. Being considerate helps everyone enjoy their time outside and reduces conflict on busy trails and campgrounds.
- Keep voices and music at low volume; use headphones if you want to listen to audio.
- Yield appropriately on trails, allowing uphill hikers, equestrians, or others as local etiquette recommends.
- Respect quiet hours in campgrounds and avoid shining lights into other camps or cabins.
- Park, camp, and rest in ways that do not block trails, access roads, or scenic viewpoints.
Putting Leave No Trace into Practice
Applying Leave No Trace is less about perfection and more about making thoughtful choices with the information and options you have. Small actions, such as packing out an extra piece of litter or stepping carefully to stay on the trail, add up over time.
By modeling these principles for friends, family, and other visitors, you help build a culture of stewardship that keeps trails, rivers, forests, and parks healthy and welcoming for everyone.