Tread Lightly!, Inc., a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to proactively protect recreation access and opportunities in the outdoors through education and stewardship initiatives, offers some tips for responsible hiking.

be aware of your surroundings

Tread Lightly! recommends that when hiking you should stay on marked trails to avoid additional erosion or damage, as well as walk single file when with a group so as not to widen the trail.

However, when there are no marked trails and you find yourself walking in an open space, you should fan out instead of following directly behind your fellow hiker. This will more evenly spread out the impact you are having on the earth and eliminate the creation of new trails.

You should also respect all road/trail signs and barriers, and remove any flagging you may have left to mark your trail with.

you are not alone

When hiking, remember you are not the only one out there. Be respectful of others on the trail, leave gates as you find them, ask for permission when crossing private property, keep the noise level down and be cautious around horses, bikes and other motorized vehicles, by staying to the right and letting them pass you.

protected areas

Help protect wildlife habitats and sensitive soils by avoiding areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, streams, tundras and seasonal nesting or breeding areas. You should also avoid disturbing historical,  archeological and paleontological sites. Keep your distance from any livestock or wildlife you may approach and be careful not to scare them.

clean up after yourself

It is highly recommended that you leave the area better than you found it. One way you can do this is by properly throwing away your trash. Bring your own trash bag with you and pick up your litter, as well as any trash left by others. Also, Tread Lightly! believes in  packing out what you pack in, which means whatever you bring with you is what should also leave with you.

In addition, remember to repackage food and snacks in baggies, use a portable latrine if possible when no toilets are available and pack out your waste (this should be done in a shallow hole roughly 6"-8" deep  and at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites or trails.). After your hike, wash your gear and vehicle in order to prevent the spread of invasive species.

properly enjoy the outdoors

Hiking and other outdoor activities are a great source of recreation, but they should be done properly. To ensure you get the most enjoyment possible, while protecting the earth at the same time, remember to respect your environment and fellow enthusiasts around you.