As more people spend time outdoors, the need for responsible recreation becomes increasingly important. Trails, parks, and wild spaces are seeing unprecedented use—and without intentional action, that use can lead to real and lasting damage.
Leave No Trace works to provide individuals, organizations, and businesses with science-based guidance to help reduce human impact in the outdoors. Through education and partnerships, their team equips people with the knowledge and tools to enjoy these spaces while preserving them for future generations.
“In my work with communities across the country, I’ve seen how embracing Leave No Trace principles can spark real, lasting change. When individuals come together to care for their local trails and wild places, the impact is powerful. The more we align around responsible use, the stronger our collective ability to protect the natural world becomes.”
Dean Ronzoni
Director of Corporate Partnerships at Leave No Trace
Whether you’re exploring your first trail or you’ve spent years in backcountry terrain, Leave No Trace’s principles offer a straightforward, effective framework for protecting the places we all love.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Research your destination, pack appropriately for the length of your adventure and weather, and know the local regulations. Being prepared reduces the risk of emergencies, helps protect natural resources, and enhances your overall experience.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Use established trails and campsites. Traveling off-trail, even briefly, can cause erosion and damage sensitive vegetation. Staying on durable surfaces helps ensure these areas remain intact for others.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly – Everything you bring into the recreational area should leave with you. That includes food waste, trash, and pet waste. Even biodegradable items can harm local ecosystems if left behind.
4. Leave What You Find – Allow others to experience the outdoors as you found it. Natural objects, plants, and cultural artifacts should be left undisturbed so they can continue to play their role in the environment.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact – Fires can leave long-term scars on the land and pose wildfire risks. Use a camp stove when possible. If fires are allowed, keep them small and only in designated fire rings.
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding animals. Human interaction can disrupt natural behaviors and endanger both wildlife and people.
7. Be Considerate of Others – Share the outdoors respectfully. Yield to others on the trail when appropriate, and keep noise to a minimum.
How you can support Leave No Trace
Protecting outdoor spaces requires more than individual action—it depends on collective commitment. You can support Leave No Trace by:
- Participating in local cleanup projects
- Becoming a member or donor at LNT.org
- Taking our FREE “101 course” or “Share the Lands” course
Join us in supporting Leave No Trace
Learn how you can make a donation to help further their mission.
About AllTrails
AllTrails is the world’s most popular and trusted platform for outdoor exploration. We connect people to the outdoors, help them discover new places, and elevate their experiences on the trail. With the most comprehensive collection of trails in the world, AllTrails supports inclusive access to nature for a global community of millions of trailgoers. Download AllTrails in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or visit AllTrails.com to learn more.
