Hiking Etiquette

Hiking in a Group

A few simple rules make it much easier to hike with a group.

Stick together. Keep the person in front of you in sight, and watch for the people behind you. If you cannot see the people behind you, yell forward for the group to stop.
Try not to dawdle. A group can move no faster than the slowest member. The hike leader has planned a hiking route. There is a certain amount of time available to hike. If someone really pokes along, it messes things up for everyone.
If you have to make a stop in the woods, leave your pack on the trail. This tells the people behind you that someone is stopped. We don't want to lose you.

Trail User's Code

Large sections of the Bruce Trail, as well as the Oakridges Moraine and Ganaraska trail run on private property. The owners generously allow everyone on. Much of the remaining trail runs through Ontario parks.

This is what the Bruce Trail Guide says...

Hike only along marked routes, especially on farmland - do not take shortcuts.
Do not climb fences - use stiles.
Respect the privacy of people living along the Trail.
Leave the Trail cleaner than you found it - carry out all litter.
Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy.
Do not damage live trees or strip off bark.
Keep dogs on a leash, especially on or near farmland.
Protect and do not disturb wildlife.
Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs.