Leave No Trace (LNT) is an ethical framework for minimizing your impact on wild places. These seven principles apply whether you're on a day hike or a month-long thru-hike.
The Seven Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Good planning prevents problems that damage the environment.
- Know regulations for your area
- Prepare for extreme weather and emergencies
- Plan to visit during off-peak times
- Travel in small groups
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites.
| Surface Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rock, gravel, sand | Very low |
| Established trails | Low |
| Dry grass | Moderate |
| Wet meadows | High |
| Cryptobiotic soil | Severe |
Guidelines:
- Walk single file in the center of trails
- Camp at least 200 feet from water
- Use established campsites when available
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. All of it.
Human waste:
- Use established toilets when available
- Otherwise: dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water
- Pack out toilet paper in arid environments
Other waste:
- Strain food scraps and pack them out
- Scatter strained dishwater 200 feet from water
- Never bury trash
4. Leave What You Find
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
- Don't pick flowers or remove rocks
- Don't carve into trees
- Avoid introducing non-native species
- Leave artifacts and natural objects
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting damage.
| Option | Impact | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| No fire | None | Best choice for most trips |
| Existing fire ring | Low | Established campsite |
| Fire pan | Low | Where fires are allowed |
| New ground fire | High | Avoid unless necessary |
Guidelines:
- Use existing fire rings
- Keep fires small
- Burn all wood to ash
- Scatter cold ashes
6. Respect Wildlife
Wildlife shouldn't be disturbed by your visit.
- Observe from a distance
- Never feed animals
- Store food properly (bear canister, hang, or locker)
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times (nesting, winter)
Why food storage matters:
Fed animals become habituated and may become aggressive or need to be killed.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Protect the experience for everyone.
- Yield to uphill hikers
- Take breaks off-trail
- Keep noise low
- Control pets or leave them home
Why LNT Matters
Wild places are finite. The cumulative impact of millions of hikers can destroy the very things we go outside to experience. LNT ensures these places remain wild for future generations.