There are paths, routes, and trails in every state in America. The paths are enjoyed in national parks, nature preserves, and riverside parks. People hike, walk, and bike these trails nearly every day. Regardless of the type of path, location, or mode of transportation, it is important that everyone stay on the trail when they travel. This should be done to protect the people, plant life, and trails themselves.
Hiking and walking paths in national parks are regularly maintained to ensure they are clean and safe for those that wish to enjoy them. Areas that may become washed away are repaired and rocks that might sprain an ankle are removed. There is no guarantee this is done in areas off the trail. The ground can easily become slippery or covered in harmful plants and rocks. A hiker injured by a hazard off the trail would be more difficult to find and assist than someone having difficulty on a marked, known trail.
In areas free of rocky terrain, it is still important to stay on the trail. A number of people wandering randomly through the woods can damage vital plant life. Broken branches and snapped limbs are only the most obvious signs of the damage that can be done. Young sprouts may be stepped on or run over and prevented from developing into the new plants that keep the beauty of the area alive.Hiking and riding off an established trail may also cause damage the trail itself. Footprints and tire tracks compress the topsoil and compact the earth underneath. This can change how water flows during a rain and wash out previously safe sections of trail. Boots and wheels can also dislodge rocks that become impediments to other hikers on the trail.
For the safety of others and preservation of the parks and preserves, you should always follow the path. If not out of consideration for them, then for your own protection, please keep your tracks on the well-traveled paths.
Featured Image from Juliane Liebermann/Unsplash
