'No Trace' Ethic

GeorgiaTrails.com practices and supports the 'Leave no trace' ethic, and we ask that you take a minute and read how you can help make hiking more fun for everybody!

Plan Ahead to Avoid Impact

• Avoid holidays and weekends.
• Limit your group size to six or less.
• Repackage food to reduce containers.
• Take along a litter bag to carry out refuse.
• Carry a stove and choose foods that require little cooking.
• Buy gear only in subdued forest colors (exception in hunting season).
• Check at the ranger station for low-use areas. Travel to Avoid Impact
• Travel quietly.
• Walk single file in the center of the trail.
• Never shortcut switchbacks.
• Look at and photograph, but never pick or collect.
• Avoid popular areas.
• Never discard cigarette butts, candy or gum wrappers on forest floor.
• Walk softly. Don't kick up dirt and stones or trample vegetation.

Make "Leave No-Trace" Camps

• Select a site invisible from the trail and any other camping parties.
• Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and away from beauty spots.
• Use existing, well-used camp sites, if possible.
• Never cut standing trees and vegetation or pull up plants.
• Never dig hipholes or trenches.
• Wear lightweight, soft-sole shoes around camp.
• Avoid building campfires or make only small fires in safe places.
• Never wash dirty dishes, clothes, or yourself directly in a stream or spring.
• Use biodegradable soap and dispose of waste water at least 200 feet away from a water supply.
• Bury human waste 6 inches deep, at least 100 feet from water.
• Stay as quiet as possible. Leave radios and tape players at home.

Leave A "No-Trace" Campsite

• Pick up every trace of litter.
• Drown your campfire and erase all evidence of it, including ashes and unburned wood.
• Replace and scatter twigs and leaves cleared for sleeping areas.
• Pack out all garbage.
• Check for any evidence of your stay.
• For more information on the "Leave No-Trace" ethic, call 1 800 332-4100.

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