Non-Motorized Trails

1. Be courteous and respectful of fellow trail users and the surrounding environment.

2. Stay on designated trail – don’t create new trails by short cutting switchbacks.

3. Develop a relationship with your land manager. Find out how you can help.

4. Share the trails. Cyclists yield to all other trail users, and hikers yield to equestrians. Slower traffic should keep to the right of the trail; faster users pass on the left.

5. Be aware. Do not pass on narrow bends; pass only when you can clearly see the trail and traffic approaching from the opposite direction. When passing other trail users, provide adequate warning and reduce speed.

6. Watch out. Wildlife is wild -- keep your distance. Horses and dogs on the trail may act unexpectedly. Before approaching these animals, ask the handler for guidance.

7. Tread lightly. Stay off muddy trails. This causes erosion. Please allow 24-48 hours for the trail to dry.

Safety Tips

1. Have a pre-planned route, carry maps and a compass, and always tell someone your plans.

2. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and hypothermia. Wear or bring appropriate attire, including a hat and sunscreen.

3. Stay within the limits of your ability. Avoid overexertion.

4. Take plenty of water. Make sure to boil or treat stream or lake water before using it.

5. Carry first aid supplies and know how to use them. Be aware of insects and poisonous snakes that may present hazards on the trail. Protect yourself against tick, mosquito and chigger bites.

Motorized Trails

1. Know where you're permitted to ride. Respect closed areas and private property.

2. If you must cross water, ride carefully and only at designated spots.

3. It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is trail-worthy and reliable.

4. No alcohol on trail rides. Open container laws apply on the trail.

5. Noise annoys. Maintain your exhaust system. Remember, noise doesn't equal horsepower.

6. When meeting oncoming vehicular traffic, vehicles traveling uphill have the right of way.

7. When meeting oncoming non-vehicular traffic, slow down and yield the right of way.

8. Ensure you have the minimum mandatory equipment — full-size spare, recovery strap, frame-mounted recovery points (front and rear), jack and lug wrench, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, area maps, and trash bag.

9. When traveling in a group, keep the vehicle behind you in sight at all times. If it falls out of sight or seems to need help, slow down or wait, and inform the vehicles in front of you.

10. If you feel uncomfortable about an obstacle, please ask for a spotter. The driver should designate who the spotter is, and follow the spotter’s direction. To avoid confusion, there should be only one person spotting a vehicle over an obstacle. As a spectator, if you wish to help, talk to the spotter, not the driver.

11. If you stack rocks to help clear an obstacle, put them back where you found them.

12. Give the vehicles around you plenty of room to maneuver on the trail. Do not tailgate. If the vehicle is going up/down a steep hill or through an obstacle, wait until they are clear before you start.

13. Be considerate of the drivers behind you. Do not spend an excessive amount of time trying to conquer an obstacle. Not only does it make everyone wait, but also deteriorates the trail, and increases the likelihood of vehicle damage. Three attempts per obstacle is a good rule of thumb.

14. Safety always comes first. Please know your vehicle limitations and think of your safety and the safety of others. When traveling in a group, please respect your trail leader’s direction.

15. Keep your vehicle as level as possible, allowing all tires to be in contact with the ground. This prevents wheel spin, digging holes and trail erosion.