For most of us the following are common knowledge and perhaps stating the obvious but every one of us probably needs an occasional nudge or a reminder about the proper use of trails everywhere.

1. Know your limits in terms of endurance and ability and do not be tempted to exceed them.

2. Never forget that the trail that you are on exists only because of the hard work and efforts of many volunteers and the support of local, state and federal agencies. Enjoy and appreciate these efforts and respect the trail at all time.

3. Whatever you carry in, you carry out. Please be careful not to leave trash anywhere on the trail. The next trail user has no wish to view your refuse and sooner or later  trail volunteers will donate their time and efforts to clean up the carelessness or indifference of inconsiderate trail users. If you find trash on the trail, please do your good deed for the day and carry it out to an appropriate container.

4. If there are limbs or other obstructions on the trail take the time to remove them. If they are too large to move and interfere with safe passage along the trail then please take the time to notify the appropriate authority of its existence after you have left the trail.

5. These trails are on public land and you should constantly remind yourself that there may be others on the trail at the same time that you are and that you need to respect their rights and expectations on the trail.

a. Allow faster riders or walkers to pass you on the left.

b. If you wish to pass someone on the trail let him or her know that you are on the trail behind him or her and that you are going to pass  on the left.

c. Please avoid shouting and making excessive noise while on the trail. Most people are on the trail to enjoy a degree of serenity and solitude offered by the trail.

d. Do not alter or remove signs and trail markings. Replacing signs and markings is expensive and time consuming for volunteers. Even more importantly anything that you might do of this nature could have a serious, adverse or even dangerous affect for someone else on the trail.

e. Many trails are multi-use trails. Be aware of this and watch for bikers, hikers and/or horses. Be especially careful to not surprise and spook horses on the trail since this creates potential danger to both the horse and the rider.

6. Do not attempt to alter a trail in any way. Formal trails have been laid out with careful consideration given to the possibilities for erosion and respect for the ecology and natural beauty of the area.

7. Observe and obey all signs and instructions that may be associated with a particular trail. Make certain that the trail is designated for your particular interest and usage before entering it.

8. Many trails are adjacent to private property. Observe no-trespassing signs and avoid entering private property.

9. Whenever possible avoid frightening or disturbing wildlife or livestock that may be in close proximity to you.

10. Mountain bikers should wear a helmet at all times. Mountain bikers still have something to prove to the more conservative elements in the trail community. Prove yourself worthy of the trails designated for mountain biking by staying on the trail, by not creating ruts by riding into muddy areas, by being aware of and careful of hikers and horses, and by practicing minimum impact cycling leaving nothing more than a vague waffle print. Since mountain biking is new to many trails there is a prevailing attitude of "you abuse it you lose it"--the privilege of riding the trail that is. The plain truth of the matter is that responsible mountain bikers probably do less to harm or disturb the ecology of an area than anyone else does.

11. If you live near a trail that you love to ride or hike, volunteer to help maintain the trail. Whether you believe it or not every trail needs your help to keep it in the best possible condition.

12. Regard every trail as a privilege granted to you, not as an irrevocable right that you have.

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***Editor's note:  Be sure to read the article found on the archive page by Sara Christie on multi-use trail manners and etiquette.  This is one that every trail user needs to read with the ever increasing number of multi-use trails.  Click on the link below and it will take you directly to this article.