BACK COUNTRY HIKING AND CAMPING TIPS

"Leave No Trace" hiking is the way to maximize your enjoyment of your favorite trails. It helps if you take a small plastic bag and take home the occasional trash you find--otherwise it piill probably be there next time to detract from the view.

Back Country Area Camping: off-trail camping is permitted.

Campfires: keep small. Do not place in trail or open grassy areas. The no-trace ethic suggests: cover with leaf litter after putting out (cold to the touch). Scatter unused wood and fire rings. Portable back-packing stoves leave fewer traces of use.

Bright Colors: Hunting is permitted in the Forests for safety wear bright colors during the hunting season, dull colors to blend in the rest of the year.

Water: Water from natural sources in the Forest must be purified before use with iodine, filtering, or boiling. Sources of water in the backcountry can fail during dry periods, so plan ahead. Always wash your dishes or yourself a few feet away from the edge of a lake or stream. This way the soil acts as a filter, preventing soap suds and scraps of food from polluting the water.

Human Waste: Please deposit human waste at least 200 feet from any water supply and camping area. To promote decomposition and sanitary conditions, dig a small hole several inches deep, and then cover.

Pets: Pets are permitted in the forest on a leash, but detract from the natural experience. Native wildlife often shies away from areas used by dogs, thus preventing the close observations hoped for by many recreationists.

Safety: Carry a first aid kit; off trail, travel with a map and compass. Travel is safest with a companion; if alone, tell friends where you are going and when you plan to return.