How to Have An Eco-Friendly Hiking Trip
It’s that time of year–temperatures are dropping, you can feel the breeze on your face, and fall colors are beginning to come alive. You can even go outside without being swarmed by mosquitoes. Ready to get out there and enjoy all Georgia has to offer? Read our advice to see how you can have fun and commune with nature responsibly.
1. Reduce Needless Packaging
Skip the bottled water and individually wrapped snacks. Instead, make your own trail mix or buy items like nuts in bulk. You can divvy them up in silicone storage bags or paper sacks, and by this point, you probably already have a reusable water bottle. Worried you won’t have enough? Pack a small cooler with ice and additional water and leave it in the trunk of your car. This way, you can enjoy as much as you want on the trail and still have more to quench your thirst when you return!
2. Protect Native Plants and Animals
It can tempting to indulge your inner wanderer, but remember to stick to designated trails. Butterflies and other insects often use leaf litter for cover, and of course, birds and larger animals require privacy to thrive. By staying on paths when you’re out and about, you’ll respect their habitats and avoid accidentally trampling wildflowers, shrubs, and saplings.
3. Don’t Forget Your Doggy Bags
There’s nothing better than bringing Fido along for the adventure! Just remember to properly clean up after your pet. Disposing of this waste responsibly (try getting your pup to go to the bathroom while you’re still near designated trash cans) prevents pollution and health risks. It also improves the wilderness experience for your fellow hikers.
4. Avoid Overcrowding
If you can, visit your favorite trails during off-peak hours, or even during the week if you have a flexible schedule. You can also try visiting a location a little more off the beaten path. You may fall in love with someplace new, or realize you love early morning treks. By making these efforts, you’re giving our beloved environment the rest it needs.
5. Leave No Trace
Litter is harmful to wildlife, and it’s also unsightly. Respect our beautiful lands and those who enjoy it by packing out everything you brought in. This doesn’t have to be limited to trash—if you recycle or compost at home, bring that same mindset on your hiking trip. The park you’re visiting might offer separate disposal options, and if it doesn’t, just toss your trash there and bring the rest home. What’s a couple of hours in a bag in your trunk if it keeps unnecessary items out of the landfill?