Your goals for any hike, aside from enjoyment, should include leaving as little impact as possible on the trail, at camp and on the surrounding natural environment. Leave these areas in a condition you would hope to find them. You may already be familiar with the phrase "Leave No Trace", which is a set of guiding principles designed to reduce impact on the natural environment. Today, LNT principles are managed by the non-profit organization Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. This origanization is dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. More information about the Center and LNT practices can be found on the Internet at www.lnt.org. Many of their guidelines are incorporated into the following text in this section.

On the Trail

Stay on established trails to avoid degradation to the surrounding environment and possible erosion. Don't cut switchbacks for the sake of saving a few steps. In Ohio, you'll encounter eroded sections of trail--mainly on hills--due to poor design (no switchbacks). Continue to use these sections unless closed by trail managers. Bypassing them will encourage others to do the same, resulting in the spread of habitat destruction and erosion. When roaming off-trail, not recommended but allowed in state forests and Wayne National Forest, minimize impact by choosing a path through less dense plant growth on the forest floor. Individuals in a group should spread out to avoid creating a path. When encountering another hiker on a trail, it is common courtesy for the downhill hiker to yield to an uphill hiker. It's a little tougher to regain rhythm on the uphill.

Pets

We're mainly talking dogs here. We're yet to meet another backpacker on the trail with their cat in tow. Most of your responsibilities as a pet owner apply in the woods just as they do in town. Your dog should always be leashed on the trail and tethered at camp, never running around unrestrained. The sight of an animal, another hiker or another dog can send your dog into "protection" mode, or cause other behaviors you may not have noticed in your home environment. Excessive barking is another no-no. Not only is it distracting, but it can scare wildlife and any human within earshot, especially in camp at three o'clock in the morning. Posted campground quiet hours apply to your dog as well. The products of your dog's bowel function should be buried in a six-inch hole away from the trail. We'll get to yours soon.

Selecting a Campsite

Since Ohio's state managed trails require you to camp in designated backcountry camping areas, this section really only pertains to trails in Wayne National Forest. In the Wayne, primitive camping is allowed just about anywhere. However, in an effort to minimize your impact, try to pitch camp in areas already established by those before you. If you must camp at a different location, choose a site offering the least amount of impact. Select a site that's flat or slightly sloped for drainage in case of rain, and as naturally clear as possible. Trampling delicate vegetation or breaking tree limbs and saplings to make room for your tent will not win you any conservation awards. Stay at least 200 feet from streams, lakes, meadows and other sensitive areas. It's a good idea to first search the candidate site for poison ivy, thorny plants and insect colonies. Be sure to check what is above you as well. You don't want a dead branch crashing down on you if winds increase.

Campfires

Campfire rules are very similar to camping rules: only allowed in designated fire rings along state managed trails and allowed just about anywhere in Wayne National Forest, with the exception being rock shelters. No special permits are needed at the state or federal level. Minimizing impact means using established fire rings when possible, and remember, fire rings are for wood, not trash. Keep fires small and only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. If you build a primitive campfire, make a ring with rocks. Burn all wood completely to ash and then scatter cool ashes. Scatter the rocks used to make the fire ring as well. Never leave a fire unattended. Ohio has two primary fire seasons: early spring and fall, although fire risks can be elevated during dry weather throughout the year. Be especially cautious with fires during these times, or better yet, eliminate them altogether. Fire bans are occasionally implemented in Wayne National Forest during peak fire threats. On average, hill country fires claim 4500 acres of grassland and forest a year.

Sanitation

At home, you're free to be the biggest slob anyone close to you will allow. But when you visit Ohio's forests, you'd better clean your act up--literally. Packing out what you packed in is one of the fundamental principles to the Leave No Trace campaign. Not only is litter unsightly, it can alter a wild animal's natural feeding instinct and cause it to become a problem at camping areas. Pack a gallon size heavy-duty freezer bag for your trash. Human waste should be deposited in an inconspicuous cathole dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Toilet paper and hygiene products should be packed out. Small amounts of biodegradable soap are safe to use for small camp clean-ups, including yourself, but only away from water. Disposable wipes are better option for your own hygiene needs. Leave a clean camp for the next fellow backpacker.

Back Home -->