Rough and Tumble's Long Trail and Shelter Etiquette

Observe Leave No Trace Principles. The seven principles are: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What you Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors For more on LNT principles see www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=57#LNT On the Trail: Sign in and out at trailhead registers. Downhill hikers have the right-of-way. 06/05/2017 Matthew H. writes: "I believe it's commonly accepted that uphill hikers have the right-of-way." Rough responds: "Thanks, Matthew. Tumble and I have encountered Long Trail hikers who support both viewpoints. From etiquette and safety standpoints we believe, given that a downhill hiker is being pushed by gravity and may even be trying to maintain balance on the edge of a rock or cliff, it is better for the uphill hiker to stand aside and allow the descending hiker to pass." Hike on the trail - don't widen it. If you camp between shelters, do so at least 200 feet off the trail. If you poop in the woods dig a hole at least six inches deep and cover it over when you are finished. Move trail obstacles ... only when it's practical and safe. Report blowdowns and other trail problems to the Green Mountain Club at 802-244-7037 or gmc@greenmountainclub.org . Dog Etiquette on the Trail: Keep your dog out of water sources. Bury your dog's feces. Leash your dog when hiking in alpine areas. Hold your dog and move off the trail when passing other hikers. In or near Shelters: First-come, first-served. Observe fire regulations. Make sure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving camp. Camp only where permitted. Use tent platforms if they are provided. Do not clear or cut live vegetation. Make room for others, especially if it's storming outside. Respect others and their belongings. Use your cell phone away from the shelter if others are present. Do not smoke in or near shelters unless everyone else present explicitly says it's OK. If you snore, camp away from the shelter. Others might want to pack earplugs. Do not pee in the privies, close to water sources, or close to shelters and camping areas. Do not leave food or trash in shelters when you leave. When washing out your pots and utensils use the wash pit (if available) to dispose of food debris and dirty water. Do not leave food particles on top of the wash pit screen - force them down through the screen. If there is no wash pit, dig a hole a away from the shelter and bury the waste. Keep soap out of water sources. Do not spray toothpaste onto vegetation; dig a hole away from the shelter and bury it. If you spill or drop any food, clean it up. Do not write or carve anything anywhere on the shelter structure. Last one out sweeps out the shelter. Close and latch the door on shelters and privies. Leash dogs when other hikers are in the area. If anyone present objects, keep your dog out of the shelter. Pack it in, Pack it out … leave nothing but footprints.