Ridge-Runner
Overview
A ridge-runner is a staff member or trained volunteer who patrols popular trail sections to assist hikers, promote Leave No Trace ethics, and report conditions to land managers.
Key points
- Educates hikers on regulations and best practices.
- Monitors trail conditions and reports damage.
- Acts as a liaison between hikers and agencies.
- Common on heavily used long-distance trails.
- Enhances safety and stewardship.
Details
Ridge-runners interact with hikers to encourage responsible backcountry behavior, answer questions, and provide updates on trail conditions. They help reduce impacts through education rather than enforcement.
Many programs operate during peak hiking seasons. Ridge-runners also assist in identifying maintenance needs or environmental concerns for trail organizations.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.