How to Hike and Camp in National Parks Following "Leave No Trace" Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
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Check park regulations, weather, and trail conditions.
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Pack reusable items (bottle, utensils, food containers).
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Avoid peak times to reduce crowding.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
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Stay on marked trails, even if muddy.
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Set up camp only in designated areas or durable surfaces (rock, gravel, dry grass).
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Avoid fragile habitats like meadows or wetlands.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
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Pack out everything you bring in (including food scraps).
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Use park toilets; if none, bury human waste 15–20 cm deep, at least 60 m from water.
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Carry out used toilet paper and hygiene products.
4. Leave What You Find
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Don’t pick flowers, rocks, or artifacts.
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Respect cultural and historical sites.
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Take only photos, leave only footprints.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
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Use a camp stove instead of open fires whenever possible.
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If fires are allowed, keep them small and use established fire rings.
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Burn only small sticks from the ground; never cut live trees.
6. Respect Wildlife
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Observe animals from a distance.
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Never feed wildlife—it harms their health and behavior.
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Store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
7. Be Considerate of Others
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Keep noise low to preserve nature’s soundscape.
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Yield to uphill hikers on trails.
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Share campsites respectfully, and let everyone enjoy the outdoors.
✅ Golden Rule: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”