The 7 Leave No Trace Principles, Explained for Day Hikers

Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. They are written for every kind of trip. Most apply directly to a few hours on a trail.

1. Plan ahead and prepare

Check the weather, the rules and the trail conditions before you go. On a day hike, that means a forecast check for afternoon storms (see our lightning safety guide) and a pack built around the Ten Essentials.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Stay on trails and durable ground so plants and soil can recover.

3. Dispose of waste properly

Pack it in, pack it out, including food scraps and pet waste. If there is no toilet, the CDC says to bury human waste at least 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, as covered in our water treatment guide.

4. Leave what you find

Take photos, not souvenirs. Leave rocks, plants and artifacts where they are.

5. Minimize campfire impacts

Use a stove when you can. Keep any fire small, contained and legal. Check local fire restrictions before you go.

6. Respect wildlife

Watch from a distance and never feed wild animals.

7. Be considerate of others

Keep noise down, yield to others on the trail and leave room for everyone.

Gear that helps

A daypack with room for a trash bag makes principle 3 easy. See our best hiking daypacks. For refilling from streams on longer hikes, see best backpacking water filters.