I am incredibly grateful that Maryland State Parks and county trails remain open for walkers, hikers, runners. We are frequent visitors, there are only so many loops in a parking lot one can run! Patapsco Valley (for example) is a nice change of scenery... I much prefer hitting a trail over concrete monotony.
There has always been a park and trail etiquette to follow - that is not news (to most that is). Bikers yield to runners, runners yield to walkers. Stay on your left, pass on the right. Don't litter (seriously, don't leave your trash behind). Don't annoy others. What is new are the trail etiquette signs that have been popping up everywhere reminding all to hike responsibly:
- to share the trail and keep a distance of at least 6 feet
- to call out before passing
- to practice proper personal hygiene before visiting a park (is it just me who finds this reminder a bit sad?)
- to prepare for limited access to public restrooms and water fountains
Socially distant trail etiquette... hiking during a pandemic.
Although many of the trails appear much busier than B.C., there are quiet spots to be found, where one can linger for a brief while, pull down the mask, breathe in deeply, exhale stress, and just be.
If you haven't been out for a hike lately - perhaps you weren't aware that running, hiking, walking has not been canceled - you should.. just be sure to follow the trail etiquette, hike responsibly, and postpone your outing if you are feeling sick.
