Leave No Trace Methods For Hikers and Campers

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

These ethics are the core guidelines for low impact methods of hiking and camping. After the basics you can check the other sections on this page for more detailed articles.

leave no trace! Plan Ahead and Prepare

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Dispose of Waste Properly

Leave What You Find

Minimize Use and Impact from Fires

Respect Wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Leave No Trace in Camp

Most negative human impacts occur at campsites which is why extra care is needed to preserve their natural state.

Friendlier Campfires in Fire Pans

The Dark Side of Backpacking Campfires

Biodegradable Soap Facts and Proper Use

Aluminum Foil Doesn't Burn in Campfires

How to Choose a Good Campsite

Using Catholes for Proper Backcountry Waste Disposal

The Deep Woods Dump: How to Poop Outdoors

The Benefits of Camp Shoes

Avoiding Rope Damage on Trees

Leave No Trace on the Trail

We can take the lightest of steps by traveling on durable surfaces and staying on the trail but there are also other ways to minimize your impacts while hiking.

Using Switchbacks Prevents Trail Damage

The Art of Hiking on Muddy Trails

Treading Lightly While Hiking on Sand Dunes

Stealth Hiking - Leaving No Trace on Remote Beaches

More Ways to Leave No Trace

How dedicated are you to minimizing your outdoor impacts?

Reduce Visual Impact With Gear and Clothing Color Choices

Going Beyond Leave No Trace - Negative Trace

Leaving No Trace in the "Frontcountry"

The Frontcountry includes high use areas like urban and state parks, established campgrounds, and could even include your own backyard. All the regular backcountry LNT methods apply. I'll give you some minimum impact techniques that you might have never thought of.

Fireworks can Leave Traces of Pollution in Our Air, Land and Water