Camping

The use of campfires in the backcountry was once a necessity and is now steeped in history and tradition. This tradition is so entrenched in our minds that for some…

It’s that time of year again- the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the sun is beaming, hinting that summer is well and truly on its way. There’s…

In the next century, this Park could be preserved forever. It could remain a magnificent natural sanctuary within a day’s drive of 70 million people-and stand forever as proof that…

Selecting a Leave No Trace fire site. At established sites, use existing fire rings. These help concentrate the impact associated with fires and keep surrounding areas in more natural condition.…

Remote or pristine areas, often referred to as being “off-trail,” are typically seldom visited and show little sign of human use. The Northeast’s extensive trail systems provide a great variety…

Camp organization and cleanliness take on heightened significance in bear country. The primary concern here is safety, both for the visitor and the bear. Although black bears are shy and…

Arrive at your destination with time and energy to set up a good camp. If your intended destination is full, you can use the extra daylight to move on and…

Though the Northeast’s forests are very productive and vegetation seems vigorous and plentiful, damage to plants due to backcountry recreation is a widespread and increasing problem. Select routes that avoid…

Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them. Minimize site alterations. On all sites, leave the area…

Concentrating use in popular or high-use areas is a simple and effective method to reduce the impact of a backcountry visit. Main travel corridors and popular destinations usually have well-established…