Student Resource: Group Travel and Trail Etiquette - Self-Check (intermediate)

View/Print PDF

1. Place a checkmark on the line to show that you know trail etiquette and group travel rules when hiking with others.

stay behind the person who is leader
keep ahead of the person who is the sweeper
know where your buddy is at all times
know the system for non-verbal communication (for example, hand signals to stop, look, listen)
stop and rest in a safe area when you need to

2. Place a checkmark on the line to show ways you can be a considerate hiker.

only talk loud enough for the person near you to hear
play your music quietly
don’t go off the trail
let a person who is coming down the hill pass you by moving to the right of the trail
stay on the right of the trail
don’t climb fences
stay off private property

3. What should you do if you get lost from your group? Select all correct answers.

stay in one place
blow your whistle or shout 3 times
don’t panic
go back to the last place you remember
4. Why is it important to keep the idea of “leave no trace” in mind when hiking with a group?
5. List 3 ways you can apply a “no trace” approach to hiking with a group.

Answers:

Question 1: Check all.

Question 2: Check all but “play your music quietly” and “stay on the right of the trail”.

Question 3: Circle all but “go back to the last place you remember”.

Question 4: To respect, appreciate and protect the natural environment.

Question 5: Visit trails in small groups or split a big group up, walk in the middle of a trail even if it's muddy, don’t make excessive noise or movements that will startle wildlife, hike only on marked routes, don’t take shortcuts, don’t disturb plant life or terrain (for example, don’t dig trenches, pick flowers, move rocks), carry out what you brought with you, leaving nothing behind.