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Hiking today is more popular than ever, with an unprecedented number of outdoor enthusiasts taking to the trails. Heavy use is stressing the carrying capacity of trails, facilities and parking and challenging the ability of land managers to deal with the enormous and often adverse impact.

It is incumbent upon all of us — that’s you and me — to be good stewards and neighbors by following a few simple guidelines (in the spirit of Leave No Trace) to ensure a safe, healthy, enjoyable and environmentally-friendly outdoor experience.

• Stay on the trail. Walk through the muck, not around it, to avoid widening the treadway. Don’t cut switchbacks; doing so causes erosion and creates extra work for trail maintainers. Trampling off trail starts herd paths and can damage fragile vegetation; this is especially important when hiking above the treeline.

• Hike quietly and be present. Enjoy the sounds of nature and stay aware of your surroundings by keeping your voice at a respectful volume. Put your cell phone on silent and leave Bluetooth speakers, radios and headphones at home. Please don’t be the person who makes a phone call at the top of the mountain that annoys everyone within earshot.

• Limit your group size. Many public and private land managers cap the size of hiking parties to 10 or 12 persons. Any more than that is unwieldy, hard on the environment and a nuisance to other hikers. Designate a lead and a sweep to help keep the group together, and monitor well-being and behavior.

• Know how to pee and poop in the woods. Go at least 200 feet from any trail or water source and dig a proper cathole. Six to eight inches isn’t always possible but do the best you can (a backpacker’s trowel helps). Cover your waste when you’re through. Some areas now require you to pack out your used toilet paper.

• Respect wildlife. Help keep the wild creatures wild and healthy by keeping your distance and never, ever feeding the animals. Critters large and small can also be dangerous, so be aware and keep yourself safe by enjoying that magnificent cow moose from afar.

• Carry a plastic grocery or zip-close bag to pack out your trash and that of other less-considerate hikers. If camping, be sure to carry out any food waste. Don’t be the hiker who leaves oatmeal on the stream bottom or orange peels in the fire pit. Burying food waste will only encourage animals to dig it up.

• Leave nature as you found it — pristine. Just like the old advertisements used to say: “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Don’t take any souvenirs, build rock art (rock stacks) or leave painted rocks behind. And no graffiti anywhere, ever. We’re just visitors to our beloved backcountry, so let’s be the best possible guests.

• Yield to other hikers climbing uphill; they have the right of way. If you’re overtaking others, let them know you’re there to avoid any surprise. When taking a break, move to a trailside log or rock to allow others to pass by comfortably.

• Greet other hikers along the trail. A smile and a “hello” are friendly gestures and courtesies too often forgotten these days. Be quick to offer help if needed. Praise the work of trail crews and trail managers when you see them, they’re human gold.

• Park responsibly at the trailhead, as space is almost always limited. If the parking lot is full, consider returning a little later, or better, have a second choice hike in mind just in case. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. And if you see anything suspicious, report it to authorities.

• Not all trails are dog-friendly, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. A leash is usually required to keep your pet under firm control and avoid being a bother to other hikers and a threat to wildlife. Keep Fido out of the spring and downstream at stream crossings to avoid fouling the water. Clean up your dog’s waste immediately and pack it out.

A few more things. Be an ad hoc trail maintainer and push aside branches and small blowdowns. At shelters and campsites, remember there’s always room for one more person or tent. If there’s a privy available, use it, and keep it tidy for the next person. Adhere to all posted rules, and gently remind others if they’re not.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is the author of Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast, Beer Hiking New England and the Maine Mountain Guide. Follow more of Carey’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram.