|
Take out what you bring in (food wrappers, etc.). |
|
If you spot trash left by others, grab it and pack it out.
(It's guaranteed to improve your karma.) |
|
Don't feed the animals. Human food is not very good for them
and can make them sick. Also, if they become used to
human food, the rangers may have to destroy them (as in the case of
bears). Finally, animals may bite, they may have rabies and they
may have fleas that carry diseases. |
|
Leave any flowers you find. Picking them is not only bad for the
environment, you can be fined. |
|
If there are other hikers who are faster than you, step aside and
let them pass. |
|
Go the bathroom
away from any streams or lakes. |
|
If
you are going to play music, use earphones. |
|
If you are a smoker, be extremely careful of the fire danger.
Also, take your used matches and cigarette butts with you when you
go. |
|
Take lots of water: two bottles is recommended. If going
any distance, make sure that you have enough to get to the next
place with potable water or take tablets or a filter to purify creek water.
(You can get giardia by drinking untreated water.) |
|
Take sunscreen, chapstick, good hiking shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses,
camera, a day pack, some food and a jacket or shell in case things
turn cold. Always put insect repellent on your ankles and
lower legs to discourage ticks. Take a poncho if it might rain, take moleskin
(and something to cut it with) if
you think you might get blisters, and take a flashlight if there is
the slightest chance you'll return after dark. |
