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It seems that many hikers—even experienced ones—may not know or always remember this, but hikers going uphill have the right of way. This is because in general hikers heading up an incline have a smaller field of vision and may also be in that “hiking rhythm” zone and not in the mood to break their pace. Often an uphill hiker may let others come downhill while they take a breather, but remember that’s the uphill hiker’s call. If you’re about to pass another hiker from behind, a simple “hello” is often the best way to announce your presence. Remember, many of us can zone out on those long, steep inclines! When passing, always stay on the trail to reduce erosion. Trail etiquette is even more important when you’re hiking in a group. Always hike single-file, never taking up more than half the trail space, and stay on the trail itself. Over time, those off-trail boot prints can badly erode switchbacks and destroy drainage diversions. When a group meets a single hiker, it’s generally preferable for the single hiker to yield and step safely to the side. Remember, when in doubt, just treat other hikers, bikers and equestrians the same way you’d treat the trail itself—with respect. Then get back to enjoying that solitude. https://bit.ly/3i2CqAy
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#AdventureSmartTN #Tennessee #MadeInTN #SouthEastTN #GetOutsideTN #TrailSmarts #LitterSmarts #WaterSmarts #ExploreResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #Hiking #PlanAhead #litter #WaterSafety #InstagramTennessee #TNStateParks #SafeTravel #onlyintennessee #VisitClevelandYall #Hiwassee #Ocoee #TennesseeStateParks @hiwasseeocoeerivers @VisitClevelandTN @SoutheastTennessee @ocoeecountry @TNVacation @keeptnbeautiful @keeptnriverbeautiful @TennesseeStateParks

Since mountain bikes are considered more maneuvera

Since mountain bikes are considered more maneuverable than hikers’ legs, bikers are generally expected to yield to hikers on the trail. However, because those mountain bikes are often moving considerably faster than said legs, it’s usually easier for hikers to yield the right of way—especially if a mountain biker is huffing and puffing up a tough incline. A biker should never expect a hiker to yield, though. Because mountain bikers move faster, hikers should also be aware of their surroundings on shared trails. Conscientious mountain bikers will call out as they come down steep slopes or blind switchbacks, and should also let you know if there are other bikers following them. https://bit.ly/3i2CqAy
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#AdventureSmartTN #Tennessee #MadeInTN #SouthEastTN #GetOutsideTN #TrailSmarts #LitterSmarts #WaterSmarts #ExploreResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #Hiking #PlanAhead #litter #WaterSafety #InstagramTennessee #TNStateParks #SafeTravel #onlyintennessee #VisitClevelandYall #Hiwassee #Ocoee #TennesseeStateParks @hiwasseeocoeerivers @VisitClevelandTN @SoutheastTennessee @ocoeecountry @TNVacation @keeptnbeautiful @keeptnriverbeautiful @TennesseeStateParks

Please note that it's considered rude to enter or

Please note that it's considered rude to enter or pass through another occupied campsite without the occupant's permission. Likewise, you should not set up parts of your campsite that encroach on your neighbor's site. 😊 https://bit.ly/3klkmVt
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Most campgrounds do not have regulations regarding

Most campgrounds do not have regulations regarding lights in your campsite, but consider how your lights affect others who may be trying to sleep or enjoy the darkness a campground can provide. Keep lights shielded and pointing down. You may want to turn it off completely so you can enjoy that beautiful night sky. 🌟 https://bit.ly/3klkmVt
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Quiet hours are posted in most campgrounds, typica

Quiet hours are posted in most campgrounds, typically for a range of time (such as 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.). While some people like to stay up late, others like to get up early. Be courteous to your neighbors and observe the quiet times. Use the time to enjoy a symphony of natural sounds. However, courtesy does not end when quiet hours do, so keep in mind that others are sharing the campground as well, and see that your fun does not get in the way of others' fun. https://bit.ly/3klkmVt
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Be Respectful of the Land and Other Hikers! 😊 A

Be Respectful of the Land and Other Hikers! 😊
Almost every group of people have some unwritten rules to help make things more pleasant for all those participating. Hikers are no different. Following a few unwritten rules can help make your hike and the hike for others more pleasant. Among some commonly observed practices are:
😊 Hike quietly.
😊 If taking a break, move off the trail a ways to allow others to pass by unobstructed.
😊 Don’t toss your trash! If you packed it in, pack it back out.
😊 Hikers going downhill yield to those hiking uphill.
😊 When bringing a pet on a hike, be sure to keep it on a leash and under control. Don’t forget to pack out pet waste as well.
😊 Don’t feed the wildlife. While many animals stay hidden, others are not so shy. Giving these creatures food only disrupts their natural foraging habits.
😊 Leave what you find. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories. (And maybe an improved fitness level!)
😊 When relieving yourself outdoors, be sure to do so 200 feet away from the trail and any water sources. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
😊 Walk through the mud or puddle and not around it, unless you can do so without going off the trail. Widening a trail by going around puddles, etc. is bad for trail sustainability. Just because it looks easy to cut the corner off of a switchback doesn’t mean it is a good idea. Help preserve the trail by staying on the trail.
😊 If hiking in a group, don’t take up the whole width of the trail; allow others to pass. https://bit.ly/3AQ8i4f
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Few things can break the natural feel of Tennessee

Few things can break the natural feel of Tennessee's outdoors quicker than passing someone on a trail that's blasting the latest hit single through a tiny speaker. Don't be that person! If you enjoy listening to music while you’re hiking and camping, try to monitor how loud it is. When approaching other hikers, turn it down, so that you’re not creating noise pollution. Particularly, please refrain from carrying and blaring portable speakers in the woods. Headphones or earbuds are an alternative, but using them means you will be less aware of your surroundings.
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If you’ve ever stuck your hand under a school de

If you’ve ever stuck your hand under a school desk or accidentally placed your new shoe in a giant wad of sticky gum, you already know that spit-out bubble gum can be pretty gross. What you might not know is that it can also be pretty bad for the environment. Gum litter, along with cigarette butts have become a major source for litter. 80–90% of chewing gum is not disposed of properly and it’s the second most common form of litter after cigarette butts. Chewing gum is made from polymers which are synthetic plastics that do not biodegrade. Littered gum can also make it’s way into the food chain.
Here are some handy tips to help dispose of your gum properly:
🍥 Save the chewing gum wrapper for when you have finished chewing. Use this wrapper to enclose the spent chewing gum until you have access to a trash can.
🍥 Carry a small packet of tissues along with your chewing gum pack. If the chewing gum pack does not have individual wrappers, use a tissue to enclose the spent chewing gum. Dispose of the tissue and spent gum at the next nearest public trash can.
🍥 Most importantly, do not spit gum onto any trail, pavement, sidewalks, streets or parking lots.
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#AdventureSmartTN #Tennessee #MadeInTN #SouthEastTN #GetOutsideTN #TrailSmarts #LitterSmarts #WaterSmarts #ExploreResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #Hiking #PlanAhead #litter #WaterSafety #InstagramTennessee #TNStateParks #SafeTravel #onlyintennessee #VisitClevelandYall #Hiwassee #Ocoee #TennesseeStateParks @hiwasseeocoeerivers @VisitClevelandTN @SoutheastTennessee @ocoeecountry @TNVacation @keeptnbeautiful @keeptnriverbeautiful @TennesseeStateParks

Be Polite and Considerate! Don’t cut through som

Be Polite and Considerate! Don’t cut through someone’s campsite to save time, especially at the wee hours of the night. Many campers have motion lights and dogs that will wake the parties. A good idea for moving around a campsite at night is to bring a red light. A red light omits enough light to see, while not enough to wake someone trying to sleep.
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#AdventureSmartTN #Tennessee #MadeInTN #SouthEastTN #GetOutsideTN #TrailSmarts #LitterSmarts #WaterSmarts #ExploreResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #Hiking #PlanAhead #litter #WaterSafety #InstagramTennessee #TNStateParks #SafeTravel #onlyintennessee #VisitClevelandYall #Hiwassee #Ocoee #TennesseeStateParks @hiwasseeocoeerivers @VisitClevelandTN @SoutheastTennessee @ocoeecountry @TNVacation @keeptnbeautiful @keeptnriverbeautiful @TennesseeStateParks

Follow these five simple rules of dog hiking etiqu

Follow these five simple rules of dog hiking etiquette to help your dog showcase his best manners on the trail. Our pets are a part of our family and we love including them on our outdoor adventures. Remember when hiking with your dog, you’re responsible for your dog’s behavior just as you are for your own behavior. 🐶 Choose A Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail ~
Research the best places to take your dog hiking, and go online or call the ranger station associated with your hiking destination to find out if dogs are allowed on the trails there. 🐶 Abide By The Leash Law ~
Know the leash law for the trail you plan to hike, and honor it. 🐶 Yield Trail Right-Of-Way To All Others When You Hike With Your Dog ~
Simply put, this means get your dog out of the way—beyond the “sniffing” range—of other hikers, horses, and cyclists. 🐶 Tread Gently On The Trail With Your Dog ~
The best rule of thumb: leave all plant and animal life exactly as you found it for others behind you to enjoy. 🐶 Pack Out The Doggy Doo ~
You are responsible for cleaning up your dog’s waste—nobody coming along after you wants to land in it!
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When hiking on our beautiful Tennessee trails, a s

When hiking on our beautiful Tennessee trails, a simple thank you to someone who has stepped off the trail for you to pass can go a long way. Be courteous and thank other hikers for thinking about your safety!
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Most of our parks have designated areas for campin

Most of our parks have designated areas for camping. There are some areas deeper along the trails that are not designated. Please be mindful that your camp is far enough off the trail to not block others. Also please do not camp close to a ridge as accidents tend to happen more often at dark when it’s harder to see.
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When the fire dies and it’s still dark, or the t

When the fire dies and it’s still dark, or the tent flap whips up from the wind, it’s great to have a handy flashlight like a headlamp! A headlamp frees up arms to collect more firewood or tie town that tent! Just remember to pack extra batteries!
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#AdventureSmartTN #Tennessee #MadeInTN #SouthEastTN #GetOutsideTN #TrailSmarts #LitterSmarts #WaterSmarts #ExploreResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #Hiking #PlanAhead #litter #WaterSafety #InstagramTennessee #TNStateParks #SafeTravel #onlyintennessee #VisitClevelandYall #Hiwassee #Ocoee #TennesseeStateParks @hiwasseeocoeerivers @VisitClevelandTN @SoutheastTennessee @ocoeecountry @TNVacation @keeptnbeautiful @keeptnriverbeautiful @TennesseeStateParks

Even when you are hiking on wooded trails, it is i

Even when you are hiking on wooded trails, it is important to not forget sunscreen! Those UV streams beaming down through the wooded canopy are exposing your skin to dangerous levels of UV radiation which causes premature ski aging and skin cancer. To make sure you are protected, consider a few tips. First, proper SPF should be selected. Most people opt for 50 SPF for full coverage, lower SPF will need to be re-applied more often. Finally, look for Broad Spectrum SPF which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. When you are hiking you will more than likely be working up a sweat, so consider waterproof/sweat proof SPF.
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It’s very important to always tell someone when

It’s very important to always tell someone when and where you are going on a hike. It is also important to always go with someone. By letting a party know the exact trail you are taking and approximately how long you will be gone will allow time tracking in case something goes wrong. Hiking with someone not only gives a second opinion on trail decisions, but also provides security in case of a fall or injury.
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Hiking is fantastic exercise and a perfect way to

Hiking is fantastic exercise and a perfect way to enjoy nature. So, it’s understandable that you would want your dog to join you on the trail. However, just as you wouldn’t head out for a hike in dress shoes, there are considerations to be made for your dog. It pays to practice the National Parks B.A.R.K. rule wherever you hike with your dog. B.A.R.K. stands for:
🐶Bag your pet’s waste
🐶Always leash your pet
🐶Respect wildlife
🐶Know where you can go
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When nature calls….. Remember to check your surr

When nature calls….. Remember to check your surrounding and make sure you are relieving yourself in an isolated place. Also, remember to check for poison ivy and oak! The best practice is to go 200 feet off-trail when making a pit stop.
As a rule of thumb, in Tennessee State Parks you must:
Deposit solid human waste in “catholes” dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.
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Alcohol is not permitted in Tennessee state parks

Alcohol is not permitted in Tennessee state parks and can carry a hefty fine if found. Keep alcoholic beverages at home. Park rangers are on the lookout for alcohol while on the trails.
"Possessing alcoholic beverages in an open container or consuming any alcoholic beverages in any state park area is prohibited. Exceptions include: Designated campsites, Cabins, Inn Rooms, Group Camps, and Other accommodations designated by the Division of State Parks."
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