← Back to DocumentsDocument

Woodsy Owl on Hiking and Backpacking

Summary

Before your hike, study maps of the area, get permits if necessary, and learn the terrain. Be familiar with all options-- time, alternative routes, and weather. Keep in mind the shorter daylight hours of fall and winter. LIMIT THE SIZE OF YOUR GROUP Limit your group to a size a leader can safely handle and that won't damage backcountry sites. One leader for eight hikers is recommended. HELP PRESERVE NATURE’S GROUND COVER Bring tent poles and ground pad. Help keep the natural beauty by not cutting boughs and poles. Pick a camping site where you won't need to clear vegetation or ditch around your tent. Remember even minor use can damage a boggy meadow. PACK IT IN — PACK IT OUT If you can carry it in, you can carry it out. Go one step fur- ther and carry out trash that less thoughtful people have left behind. USE A PORTABLE STOVE Many popular areas do not have enough wood for every

Local Knowledge Graph (9 entities)

Loading graph...

Stakeholders (2)

Agencies, organizations, and groups mentioned as actors in this document.

United States Forest ServiceU.S. Government Printing Office