Trail Safety and Best Environmental Practices

Here's how to take sensible precautions to ensure your own safety when you're on the trails, and tips for hiking lightly to leave a light footprint out in nature.

Stay Safe on the Trail

• Take a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug repellant, flashlight and water.
• Check the weather before you go and be mindful of lightning.
• Let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return.
• Wear the appropriate footwear and clothes.
• Be careful crossing footbridges or wet areas.
• Know how to identify poison ivy and avoid.
• Watch where you put your hands and feet to avoid snakes.
• Check yourself for ticks after your hike.
• Check state hunting seasons and be aware of hunters present during hunting seasons where hunting is permitted.
• Do not go alone or travel at night.
• Do not venture off trail.
• Be considerate of other visitors.
• Do not harass or approach wildlife.
• Do not wear headphones on multi-use trails.

Help Protect the Environment

• Stay on the trails.
• Respect wildlife and plants.
• Carry out pet waste.
• Do not litter and follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
• Travel on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Do not remove, damage, alter or deface plants or historical artifacts.
• Do not enter caves.
• Do not bike on muddy trails.
• To prevent trail erosion, do not cut across switch-backs.
• No motorized vehicles on trails or in drawdown zones.
• Do not leave valuables in car.