Be Kind

  • Greet and say "Hi" to fellow trail users
  • Take care of our trails and natural resources

Yield

  • Travel single file
  • Bikers yield to hikers and equestrians 
  • Hikers yield to equestrians

Recreate Responsibly

  • Follow the rules of the land managers
  • Maintain control of canine companions

What is trail etiquette? Trail etiquette refers to the commonly agreed-upon informal rules (or norms) for polite behavior when traveling on a trail.

 

Much of the land surrounding Cache Valley is multi-use public land managed by the USDA Forest Service. These recreation spaces are shared by a variety of users, including hikers, runners, mountain bikers, e-bikers, equestrians, and motorcycle/OHV riders. While these different uses can sometimes lead to conflict on the trails, successful shared use is possible when all users follow basic trail etiquette, respecting one another and actively keeping each other safe. 

 

Below we’ve outlined our guide to trail etiquette in several steps all users can take to help ensure that everyone out on the trails has a safe and fun experience!

Be Kind - Say "Hi"
  • Communicate your presence to other users by saying ‘hello!’, especially if you are behind a group and wanting to pass them.
  • Consider wearing a bell if you are on a bike. Bells allow other users to hear the presence of bikers traveling at higher speeds from a further distance, reducing the likelihood of an abrupt confrontation!
    • Did you know you can borrow a bell (coming soon!) from our bell stations in Green Canyon and Hyde Park Canyon?
    • Bells can also be purchased at your local bike shop!

Be Kind - Leave It Better Than You Found It
  • Pack out any trash you bring.
  • Pick up and pack out any pet waste from canine companions!
  • If the trail is wet and you are leaving large indentations (greater than 1 in deep) from tires, feet, or hooves, turn around to prevent irreparable trail damage!
  • If you find any trash while recreating, pick it up and pack it out if you can.
  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles.
  • Ready to really give back? Consider Adopting-A-Trail with CTA to help maintain the trail throughout the whole snow-free season!

Yield - Wheels Yield To Heels
  • Remember, bikes yield to all users, and all users yield to equestrians.
  • Uphill users have the right of way–if you’ve got gravity on your side, yield to those who don’t!
    • NOTE: Equestrians may not able to yield to uphill users, so be prepared to yield to a horse, even if you encounter them when traveling uphill!
  • Be sure to move to the side of the trail when letting others pass! 
  • When yielding to equestrians, move as far off the downhill side of the trail as you are able, speak calmly to make your presence known, leash any dogs and keep them at your side, and avoid surprises or sudden movements.

Recreate Responsibly - “Share and be aware”
  • Expect to encounter other user groups on the trails, and be ready to yield as needed (see the guidelines on yielding in #3 below!).
  • Travel single file when hiking and allow others to pass as needed.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • If you like to wear headphones, consider keeping only one in, especially on busy trails during high-use periods.
    • Keep an eye and ear out for other users.
    • Slow down if sight lines are reduced (e.g. bends in the trail, dense vegetation, etc.).
  • Travel at a reasonable speed and stay in control at all times.

Recreate Responsibly - Control Canine Companions
  • Remember that even though you love your dog, not everyone likes interacting with dogs.
  • Follow leash regulations where present.
  • If you are approaching a group with a leashed dog, ensure that your dog does not interact with that dog until the owner says it is ok–folks usually have their dogs on leash for a reason!
  • Keep your dog leashed (or consider not recreating with them) during winter/spring to minimize impacts to wildlife during periods of increased stress.
  • Do not allow your dog to chase wildlife.
  • Pick up and pack out pet waste (please!!).

Recreate Responsibly - Rules are Rules
  • Follow all posted rules and regulations! Most of the land surrounding Cache Valley is managed by the National Forest Service. Forest service trails can fall into several categories, including:
    • Wilderness areas do NOT allow motorized OR mechanized vehicles (no bikes of any kind).
    • Non-motorized areas do NOT allow motorized vehicle use. This includes any e-bike with an electric motor (no matter how small!).
    • Motorized areas allow motor vehicle use! The MVUM (Motor vehicle use map) for the Logan Ranger District illustrates what trails ALLOW motor vehicle use. If you have a motor, please stick to these trails or roads when on public lands, and help us advocate for new trail development around Cache Valley where motorized vehicles (including e-bikes) are allowed!