With 370 miles of trails completed in the region, the Circuit Trails provides space for people to walk, bike, run, exercise, commute, and be outside. And to keep trails safe, fun and welcoming for everyone, it’s important to be considerate while out on the trail.
Help do your part to keep these spaces safe and accessible by recreating responsibly and following these trail etiquette tips. And remember, trails are for everyone—whether you’re new to the Circuit or a longtime user—so please be nice, take care and share the trail.
Recreate Responsibly rules
Trail Etiquette Tips
As many continue to flock to the trails for fitness and find respite, demand for these spaces has surged, which is why it is especially important to take precautions before you go and while you’re on the trail—including knowing and practicing proper etiquette.
Before you go, please:
- Check with the local trail management organization to learn the status of trail facilities. Contact information is available when accessing individual trail records at TrailLink.com.
- If you plan to visit a trail, be prepared that some trails may have limited services, including closed facilities such as bathrooms, depots and visitor centers, and limited or no staff.
When you’re sharing the trail, please:
Keep Your Distance
If a trail has a posted speed limit (on the ground or online), please regulate your speed accordingly. If not, the standard speed limit for many trails across the country is 15 mph. Above all, please prioritize safety and the comfort of others when moving along the trail—we’re all in this together!
Keep Right, Pass Left
When using the trail, stick to the righthand side unless you’re passing another user—which should always be done on the left and be led with a friendly “on your left!” call, bell ring or other notification. Trails have all sorts of traffic, making predictability and courtesy critical to ensure great experiences for all.
Standing Still? Stand Aside
if you’re stopping to stretch or any other reason, allow space to maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others. In the case of a bridge or tunnel, we recommend taking that pause off to the side directly before or after passing through.
Mind Your Pets
When it comes to pets on the trail, some rules vary, but all ask for you to be mindful of others. Always maintain control of your pet and clean up whatever their behinds leave behind.
Be Alert
With many trails hosting more visitors (including wildlife), being alert and attentive to your surroundings will help you be prepared for any surprises you encounter. Understanding when to yield is another important part of being alert; it generally follows that wheels yield to heels, and heels yield to hooves.
Know and Follow the Rules
These tips will ready you for the majority of trail scenarios, but most trails have their own unique set of rules. Be sure to know before you go. Rules will often be posted online or at major trailheads. Get more tips on recreating responsibly when visiting the trail or other outdoors spaces.
