Western Kentucky University
Appalachian Trail Hikers and Self-Reported Outdoor Ethics Practices
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Raymond Poff; Fred Gibson; Tammie Stenger-Ramsey
Abstract
This research was conducted during a five-month southbound hike of the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail (AT). The questionnaire included seven demographic items and 34 items related to the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles of outdoor ethics which are: 1) plan ahead and prepare, 2) travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3) dispose of waste properly, 4) leave what you find, 5) minimize campfire impacts, 6) respect wildlife, and 7) be considerate of other visitors. The 104 completed questionnaires were administered in the evening at trail shelters and campsites to avoid interference with hikers’ progress. Respondents included 36 females and 68 males comprised of 41 overnight hikers, 33 section hikers, and 30 thru-hikers. The mean number of weeks on the trail was 4.98 with an SD of 7.075 and a Range of 0-32. The respondents’ ages (N=101) ranged from 18-70 with the mean of 33 and SD of 15.53. The race of the hikers (N=102) included 94 white, 2 black, 2 Chinese, 1 Other/Asian, and 3 other. Results related to outdoor ethics skewed toward appropriate behavior as prescribed by LNT principles. The responses for all items related to principles 4, 5, and 6 appeared to more closely follow recommended LNT practices than the other four which received considerably dispersed responses. In considering the seven LNT principles, one finds differences in recommended practices and the behaviors of AT hikers. The Appalachian Trail with its mix of backcountry setting, front country access, culture, and established recommended practices provides an interesting study of outdoor ethics.
Appalachian Trail Hikers and Self-Reported Outdoor Ethics Practices
This research was conducted during a five-month southbound hike of the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail (AT). The questionnaire included seven demographic items and 34 items related to the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles of outdoor ethics which are: 1) plan ahead and prepare, 2) travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3) dispose of waste properly, 4) leave what you find, 5) minimize campfire impacts, 6) respect wildlife, and 7) be considerate of other visitors. The 104 completed questionnaires were administered in the evening at trail shelters and campsites to avoid interference with hikers’ progress. Respondents included 36 females and 68 males comprised of 41 overnight hikers, 33 section hikers, and 30 thru-hikers. The mean number of weeks on the trail was 4.98 with an SD of 7.075 and a Range of 0-32. The respondents’ ages (N=101) ranged from 18-70 with the mean of 33 and SD of 15.53. The race of the hikers (N=102) included 94 white, 2 black, 2 Chinese, 1 Other/Asian, and 3 other. Results related to outdoor ethics skewed toward appropriate behavior as prescribed by LNT principles. The responses for all items related to principles 4, 5, and 6 appeared to more closely follow recommended LNT practices than the other four which received considerably dispersed responses. In considering the seven LNT principles, one finds differences in recommended practices and the behaviors of AT hikers. The Appalachian Trail with its mix of backcountry setting, front country access, culture, and established recommended practices provides an interesting study of outdoor ethics.