Leave No Trace: Hiking with Respect for Nature and Ourselves
We go into the wild to find peace, beauty, and sometimes a bit of challenge. But with great adventure comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to protecting the places we love. That’s where Leave No Trace principles come in.
Let’s Talk About Orange Peels. 🍊
You might think tossing an orange peel into the woods is harmless. After all, it’s biodegradable, right?
Well… not exactly.
🍊 An orange peel can take up to 2 years to decompose in the wild.
During that time, it becomes an eyesore for the next hiker, attracts wildlife to human food (a bad habit), and disrupts natural ecosystems.
When we throw out food scraps like banana peels, apple cores, or orange rinds, we’re not “feeding the forest”—we’re littering.
And Then There’s the Water Issue…
Another Leave No Trace principle is “Plan Ahead and Prepare.” And yet, I still see people hit the trail with no water—or one small bottle on a hot, humid Texas day.
🚫 A few examples I’ve witnessed:
- A family with kids brought a single 16 oz bottle for a 4-mile loop in 90° heat.
- A solo hiker ran out of water halfway and had no idea where the nearest refill station was.
- A group left their snacks behind, thinking “we’ll be fine,” only to turn back early from fatigue.
This isn’t just poor planning—it’s dangerous. Dehydration, fatigue, and heat exhaustion are real risks. And in remote areas, help may be hours away.
So, What Does Leave No Trace Actually Mean?
Here are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, simplified:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly (including food scraps!)
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
These aren’t just guidelines—they’re a mindset shift. When we hike with intention and awareness, we help protect the trails for future generations.
Let’s Be the Kind of Hikers Who Inspire Others.
Nature gives us so much—it’s our job to give something back. That means carrying out what we carry in (yes, even peels!), being mindful of our impact, and showing others what good stewardship looks like.
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About the Author
🌲 Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM
Stretch & Flexibility Coach | Eco-Therapy Guide | Hiking Enthusiast
Founder of Just Hyke, Melanie helps women 40+ build strength, confidence, and love for the outdoors through fitness, nature retreats, and empowering hiking adventures. From Kilimanjaro to the Lone Star Trail, she’s on a mission to help others hike strong, stay safe, and thrive in nature.
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