Leave No Trace Principles Overview

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a framework developed to help outdoor users think through their actions and reduce unnecessary impact on natural and cultural resources. It is presented as a set of principles rather than a fixed rulebook, allowing hikers to apply the ideas in different environments, climates, and activity types.

The most commonly referenced formulation includes seven principles: plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors. Each principle highlights a general theme, which is then interpreted in context. For example, the specifics of durable surfaces or waste disposal differ between desert, alpine, forest, and coastal settings.

For thru hikers, Leave No Trace is relevant over a long period of time and many locations. Small decisions about campsite placement, trash, food scraps, and noise can accumulate across months and thousands of steps. Applying LNT principles on a thru hike often means understanding regional guidance from land managers and local organizations, adjusting behavior as conditions change, and reflecting on how personal routines affect the places being visited.

This article introduces the general concept of Leave No Trace as an educational framework. It does not describe legal requirements, which are set by land management agencies and other authorities, and it recognizes that practices evolve as new information and conditions emerge.