1. Leave No Trace

2. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Find out about the area you will be visiting, including any regulations or restrictions. Be sure to have maps, proper clothing, equipment, food and water. Keep your group size to 10 or less. (This is required in wilderness and recommended everywhere.)

3. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stay on the trail while hiking. Camp at designated sites or sites which have already been heavily impacted (but be sure it is a legal site); or 200' from trails and water sources. Avoid moderately impacted sites where your visit could create more damage. Camping is not permitted within ¼ mile of designated campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads and private property, or along state highways. Driving off-road compacts the soil and destroys vegetation.

4. Dispose of Waste Properly
Carry out what you carry in. To dispose of human waste, select a location at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, springs, meadows, and campsites. Dig a hole approx. 6 inches deep. Fill the hole and compact the soil after use. Do not bury garbage and refuse - animals will dig it up.

5. Leave What You Find
Plants, animals, and cultural artifacts should all be left for the next person to enjoy.

6. Water
Open water sources are easily contaminated by human and animal wastes. Don't drink water from springs, lakes, ponds, and streams without proper treatment. A recommended method of treatment is to bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes.

7. Wood
Do not cut limbs, boughs, or branches from standing trees. Protect all vegetation. Observe wood-gathering regulations.

8. Minimize Campfire Impacts
In some places campfires are prohibited but stoves help minimize the impact everywhere. Check with authorities for fire restrictions.

9. Respect Wildlife
Do not feed, chase, or harass wildlife and be sure to hang your food well out of reach of bears!

10. Be Considerate Of Others
Think about how your actions affect other people. Loud noises, out-of-control pets, cell phones and radios are a few examples of what might bother other hikers. Camp out of sight of others - do not disturb their solitude.