FOR ALL TRAILKIND

Working together is in our nature.

No matter our differences in backgrounds or how we choose to enjoy the great outdoors, trails create common ground that connects us. Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge and can only safeguard through our actions toward one another. Treating each other with kindness in how we share the trails and interact with each other is more important than it has ever been. Everyone deserves to pursue happiness in nature. Let’s rise together to ensure a positive trail experience for all.

GET INVOLVED

TOGETHER, WE CAN RISE

We can all do our part in making the trails places of Respect, Inclusivity, Safety, and Enjoyment for everyone. Whatever your chosen recreation activity on any given day, keep these four simple things in mind:

For the best trail experience possible, explore and embrace guidelines for local trails.
For safety, all trail users should yield to equestrians. For other right-of-way protocol, when in doubt, yield (with a smile).
Be accepting, inclusive, and welcoming of all identities, backgrounds, abilities, and speeds.
Be respectful of the history and customs of the original Indigenous and enslaved stewards of the land, and consider supporting restoration and efforts to protect the landscape.

Each individual trail activity does have its own set of etiquette guidelines. Note a few quick takeaways from each but visit our great partners to find out more.

SNOW TRAILS

Know and honor specific trail guidelines. Most snow-covered trail systems have important educational signage – please read any signs you encounter. Typical considerations include:
- Some winter trails allow one-way travel only, or might be closed to certain activities. Not every use is allowed everywhere.
- Some trails will be dog-friendly, while others will not.
- Wider groomed trails may ask certain users to stay far to one side or the other to preserve the machine-groomed surface, which is crucial to the experience of some users, mainly cross country skiers.
Check websites before heading out, and signage at trailheads, to make yourself aware. To be courteous of others, and of the trails, let’s all do our part and follow local guidelines.
CLICK HERE for additional resources for all kinds of snow trail activities: hiking, snowshoeing, trail running, cross country and Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, fat biking, snowmobiling and more.

HIKING

Yield to equestrians, and others, when appropriate. Use your best judgment when navigating tight trail spaces—sometimes it makes more sense for the person with the easiest place to move aside to simply do so. Be cognizant of what users with a disability might need.
Come prepared to stay hydrated and ready for unexpected weather changes. Make sure you can find your way back to the trailhead and are off the trail before dusk.
Reduce your impact on the environment—from not trampling delicate plants to packing out everything you brought with you, please hike with care.
More etiquette tips from our supporting organizations:
- American Trails
- Latino Outdoors
- Washington Trails Association

TRAIL RUNNING

Yield to equestrians, and others, when appropriate. Be cognizant of what users with a disability might need.
Generally speaking, downhill runners yield to uphill runners. However, it may be safer for an uphill runner to yield to a fast-moving downhill runner. Be flexible.
Announce your presence and pass or be passed with kindness.
More etiquette tips from our supporting organizations:
- American Trail Running Association
- US Trail Running Conference

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Yield to foot travelers, equestrians, and others, when appropriate. If you’re riding downhill, also yield to uphill cyclists. Be cognizant of what users with a disability might need.
Ride in control at all times, slowing down for blind corners. Ride open trails only. Not all trails are open to mountain bikes and not all trails open to mountain bikes are open to e-mountain bikes. Be an ambassador for the sport.
Announce your presence with a bell or your voice as you approach other trail users from behind, be patient and pass or be passed with kindness.
More etiquette tips from our supporting organizations:

EQUESTRIAN

While other trail users should yield to equestrians, be prepared to yield to enhance everyone’s safety, when needed. Be cognizant of what users with a disability might need.
Pass slowly, as horses can be intimidating to others.
Kindly request other trail users to move to the downhill side of the trail far enough for your horse to pass.
More etiquette tips from our supporting organizations:
- Back Country Horsemen of America
- Equine Land Conservation Resource

MOTORIZED

Yield to all non-motorized trail users and know that motorized downhill travel should always yield to motorized uphill travel. Be cognizant of what users with a disability might need.
Travel responsibly and respect the rights of others.
Avoid sensitive areas and do your part to maintain trail access.
More etiquette tips from our supporting organizations:
- Tread Lightly!
- American Motorcyclist Association

ABOUT

Trails are Common Ground™ is a proactive, growing, and inclusive national community of passionate trail users woven together by our love for trails and respect for one another. Together, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment every time anyone steps, rides, or rolls onto the trail.

LEARN MORE

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Whether you’re a company looking to support Trails are Common Ground, or an individual looking to celebrate Trails are Common Ground, we want your support!