by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Memorial Day weekend across the country is usually filled with all kinds of things like parades, Bar-B-Q’s with friends and family, trips to the beach or lake, and a host of other vacation-like events.
Over the past few years, it has also become one of the premier weekends to enjoy overlanding time away from the pavement at public lands and off-road parks across the country.
This means more people filling up campgrounds. More and more people riding trails. And more and more people who could use an introduction (or refresher) on how to properly behave when leaving that pavement.
”Memorial Day is the kick-off to the summer off-road season and this time of year our trail systems can be vulnerable to damage from melting snowpack and ground moisture,” said Tread Lightly! Education and Stewardship Manager Evan Robins. “This Memorial Day please stay on trails that are open and respect season trail closures. Take the time to do your part and leave places better than you find them. Always bring water, medical, navigation and communication gear on any outdoor adventure. Remember to let someone know when you're leaving and when you plan to be back. Most importantly have fun and Tread Lightly!”
So as we approach this Memorial Day, here are some important tips that our friends at Tread Lightly! want to make sure everyone knows in order to have a great, and safe, weekend adventure.
Pack it out
Every year there seems to be dozens of stories after Memorial Day weekend about trash left at lakeshores and campsites all over the country. More people outdoors means more enjoyment of our public lands, but it also means more trash.
You can help do your part by packing out what you pack in and leaving those camping or off-road areas better than you found them. Bring a small bag on hikes and rides to pick up trash you find or pack out snack wrappers.
Even better, help support Tread Lightly! and order a Trail Trash Bag to help keep those trails clean.
Be Prepared
This can be an all inclusive tip from having the right kind of vehicle for what you want to do for the weekend, to properly packing for the trip, all the way to knowing the area and what type of weather could occur during your travels.
Besides food, water and other camping essentials, make sure to pack away safety gear like goggles, helmets and personal floatation devices if getting in water. Check the weather before you pack, be ready for changes in temperature and have proper footwear. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and food.
Fire Safety
Spending the night around a campfire is one of the first things people thing about when setting up a camping weekend. And while those kind of nights can be memorable, they can also be unsafe if you are not properly prepared.
When you are building a fire, use existing fire rings if possible. Build a mound fire or use a fire pan. Do not cut standing trees, only use fallen timber. Also, make sure to clear the area of flammable objects and let campfires burn down to a fine ash. When the night is done, pour water on the fire and drown all embers, and always take the time to ensure your fire is completely extinguished before going to bed.
Water Safety
While the may seem fun to swim in, rivers can actually be swift and cold this time of year. So if your Memorial Day adventures involve camping near a river, make sure children and pets are supervised closely if playing in water. Don’t swim or boat in high, swift water alone. And always, always wearing a personal flotation device.
Trail Etiquette
Off-roading at any time during the year should always involve good use of trail etiquette. But with off-pavement time over Memorial Day weekend becoming extremely popular these days, that trail etiquette can keep everyone safe.
Some top pointers to know on a shared trail — slow down when site lines are poor. Know who has the right of way when approaching another group. Motorized vehicles always need to yield to those passing you from behind or when traveling uphill.
They also should yield to mountain bikers, runners, hikers and horses. If you are on bikes then yield to runners, hikers and horses. Hikers and runners yield to horses.
Also, when sharing public land with equestrians, best practice is to pull over and shut the engine down out when approached by a horse so the animal isn’t spooked.
Other common sense etiquette tactics include pulling over as much as possible when you need to exit the vehicle so others can get around, and never stopping at or just past a corner.
