As part of our regular feature on the seven Leave No Trace Principles, we’re featuring Principle #7: Be Considerate of Others.

One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience. Many people come to the outdoors to listen to nature. Excessive noise, unleashed pets and damaged surroundings take away from everyone’s experience. So, keep the noise level down while traveling and if you bring a radio or music, use headphones so you will not disturb others. Also keep in mind that the feeling of solitude, especially in open areas, is enhanced when group size is small, contacts are infrequent and behavior is unobtrusive. To maximize your feeling of privacy, avoid trips on holidays and busy weekends or take a trip during the off season.

Groups leading or riding livestock have the right-of-way on trails. Hikers and bicyclists should move off the trail to the downhill side. Talk quietly to the riders as they pass, since horses are spooked easily.

Take rest breaks on durable surfaces well off the designated trail. Keep in mind that visitors to seldom used places require an extra commitment to travel quietly and lightly on the land. Click here for more details on being considerate of others, including campsite etiquette, how to lessen visual impacts, dog-owner etiquette and respecting the land.

Learn more about Leave No Trace Canada.

Hike Nova Scotia and its partners across the province present the Winter Guided Snowshoe Hike Series in January, February and March. Over 30 hikes are led by local folks. Participants qualify to win “trail prizes.” Hike NS thanks Mountain Equipment Co-op for it support.

As part of our regular feature on the seven Leave No Trace Principles, we’re featuring Principle #6: Respect Wildlife.

Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look”. Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. Large groups often cause more damage to the environment and can disturb wildlife so keep your group small. If you have a larger group, divide into smaller groups if possible to minimize your impacts.

 

Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed or force animals to flee. (One exception is in bear country where it is good to make a little noise so as not to startle the bears.) In hot or cold weather, disturbance can affect an animal’s ability to withstand the rigorous environment. Do not touch, get close to, feed or pick up wild animals. It is stressful to the animal, and it is possible that the animal may harbour rabies or other diseases. Sick or wounded animals can bite, peck or scratch and send you to the hospital. Young animals removed or touched by well-meaning people may cause the animal’s parents to abandon them. If you find sick animals or animal in trouble, notify a game warden. Click here for more details on respecting wildlife.

Learn more about Leave No Trace Canada.

Trail Name: Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail
Location: Coxheath, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Description: This 10-km return trail includes a steady hike up the face of the mountain. At the first rest stop there is a cascading waterfall. The trail levels off at the top with a panoramic view of the surrounding communities, including Cape Smokey and the Mira Hills. Pittman’s Lodge is another stop with a cozy cabin with a deck for relaxation and viewing wildlife. From this point you can return the way you came or continue on the northern loop to experience old growth forest with large eastern hemlocks, yellow birch and sugar maples.
Map: Find a map and directions here.

Snowshoeing is growing in popularity so Hike NS has compiled a list of where to borrow, rent or buy snowshoes in Nova Scotia. Check out the Where to Borrow, Rent or Buy Snowshoes in Nova Scotia guide here. There are 21 organizations/businesses listed from all across the province. Organizations or businesses that aren’t yet on the list can submit their info through our online survey.

Hike Nova Scotia invites individuals and groups with an interest in hiking, walking and snowshoeing to the first annual Nova Scotia Hiking & Snowshoeing Summit. This one-day event will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Maitland Bridge. The Summit is a celebration of Nova Scotia’s hiking culture, which includes sharing best practices, stories and networking opportunities. It will help us grow a hiking, walking and snowshoeing culture in the province. Check out the Summit flyer for a draft agenda, registration link, directions and more. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot. Learn more and register here.

Looking for a good gift idea for the hiker in your life? Look no further. Give the Hike NS Gift Pack for only $25 (including shipping by snail mail):

• A Hike NS T-shirt
• A Hike NS Gift membership
• A Leave No Trace Tag
• Hiker Distance Award Program logbook

Now that’s a deal! Email us at info@hikenovascotia.ca to request a Hike NS Gift Pack.

Here are some other gift ideas that might come in handy for your favourite hiker:

• Wool socks
• First aid kit
• Compass
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Snowshoes
• Nordic Walking or Trekking poles
• Reflective safety vest
• Reflective arm or ankle bands
• Pedometer
• Hiking Trails of Cape Breton book by Michael Haynes
• Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia book by Michael Haynes
• Trails of Halifax Regional Municipality by Michael Haynes

There is a growing list of perks when you become a Hike NS member. Stonehame Lodge and Chalets in Scotsburn is the latest business to join our membership benefits program. Learn more about our membership benefits including discounts and other perks at local businesses here.  Sign up to become a member here.

Trail Name: Five Islands Provincial Park Trail
Location: Five Islands, Colchester County
Description: According to the Municipality of Colchester, “Five Islands Provincial Park has 14 km of hiking trails. The trails lead to interesting natural features and spectacular views of 225-million-year-old geological formations such as the Old Wife, Red Head and the Five Islands (Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle). The park has a campground, picnic area, beach, and opportunities for beachcombing, rock collecting, clam digging and nature appreciation.”
Map: Find a map and directions here.

Hike Nova Scotia is creating an inventory of where Nova Scotians may borrow, rent or buy snowshoes. If your organization or business lends, rents or sells snowshoes, please let us know the details by filling out this survey. This information will be compiled and made available to the public. Please fill it out by December 10. Take the survey here: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DJMDTSPN2. If you know of an organization or business that should fill out this survey, please let us know at info@hikenovascotia.ca and we’ll contact them directly with the survey.