Outdoor Ethics
Whether you’re exploring the Adirondacks, Catskills, or a trail local to you, every visit is an opportunity to help protect the lands and waters we all enjoy. By planning ahead, following regulations, respecting wildlife and fellow visitors, you can help preserve these special places for future generations. Explore the resources below to learn how to recreate responsibly and make a positive impact every time you head outdoors.
Know before you go
The adventure starts long before your boots hit the trail. A little planning can make the difference between a memorable day outdoors and a memorable rescue story. Before you head out, take a few minutes to prepare so you can explore safely and confidently.
- Check weather and trail conditions
- Know your route and ability level
- Download maps / have offline navigation
- Leave an itinerary with someone
- Make sure to have the 10 essentials
New to hiking and outdoor adventures? Book a Trip Planning Session with one of our Trip Planning experts. All are NYS Certified Guides and Interpretive Educators.
The 7 Principles of 'Leave No Trace'
The seven Leave No Trace Principles are the foundation of responsible outdoor recreation. They provide simple, practical guidance to help everyone minimize their impact and protect the Adirondacks for generations to come.
At ADK, we do more than promote these principles, we help put them into practice. As a recognized Leave No Trace partner, we provide education and training for outdoor enthusiasts, organizations, and educators, including Leave No Trace Trainer Courses that prepare participants to both teach and apply these principles in the field.