Adirondack Mountain Club

Adventure responsibly in the Adirondacks

ADK is proud to be an official Leave No Trace education partner. We empower hikers, campers, and families to explore nature responsibly — ensuring wild places stay pristine and accessible.

rainy day in piseco

The 7 principles of Leave No Trace

The seven Leave No Trace principles are not rules, but rather a set of tools to empower each of us to become stewards of public lands through our actions. Read below to learn more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and their importance to low-impact recreation in the Adirondack Park.

ADK is a proud partner of Leave No Trace, an organization devoted to teaching people how to minimize their impacts. ADK is one of twelve national providers of Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor courses. We also incorporate Leave No Trace principles into all guided trips and workshops.

1. Plan ahead and prepare

  • Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you’ll be visiting.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
  • Always leave your itinerary with someone at home.
  • Travel in small groups to minimize impacts.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you’ll be visiting.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
  • Always leave your itinerary with someone at home.
  • Travel in small groups to minimize impacts.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.
  • Use existing privies or dig a 6–8 inch deep cathole at least 150 feet from water.
  • Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water. If needed, use only small amounts of biodegradable soap.

4. Leave What You Find

  • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.
  • Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Use a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a fire.
  • Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and collect only downed wood.
  • Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, and hide traces of fire

6. Respect Wildlife

  • Observe wildlife from a distance.
  • Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.
  • Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.

7. Be Considerate of Others

  • Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.
  • Be courteous and yield to other users; take breaks to one side of the trail.
man digs cathole
Become a Leave No Trace advocate

Join a workshop or certification course to deepen your understanding of outdoor ethics and become a leader in responsible recreation.

Outdoor Ethics
sunrise in piesco over lake

Take the pledge

Commit to protecting the Adirondacks — one adventure at a time.

Sign the pledge