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Tackling the Issue of Dog Poop on Hiking Trails: Responsible Hiking Practices

Jocelyn Gardiner

Updated: Mar 26, 2024

There's a growing concern on our beloved hiking trails that needs addressing—dog poop. Not just any dog poop, but bags of it, left behind by well-meaning pet owners. While the intention to clean up after pets is commendable, the execution falls short when bags don’t make it to the trash can. This habit not only detracts from the natural beauty of our trails but also introduces environmental and health risks. Let's delve into this issue with a clear perspective and discuss practical solutions to keep our trails clean and enjoyable for everyone.


bag of dog poop on trail

The Problem: Dog Poop Bags on Trails

Hiking trails are increasingly dotted with little reminders of our four-legged friends’ visits. Bags intended to contain and dispose of dog waste are instead becoming part of the landscape. This is not only a matter of trail aesthetics but also an environmental concern. These bags, often made of plastic, can take years to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and waterways in the process.


Understanding the Impact

The core of the problem lies with the dog owners. Dog waste is more than just an unpleasant find on your hike; it's a health hazard. It's estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, posing risks to both water quality and public health. When left in bags on the trail, these pollutants are given a vessel to persist in the environment even longer.


Strategies for Cleaner Trails

Recognizing the problem is the first step, but actionable solutions are necessary to make a change. Here’s how we can start to address the issue:

  1. Promote the Carry-Out Ethic: Encouraging hikers to adopt a strict carry-out ethic for all waste, including dog poop bags, is crucial. This practice ensures that the trails remain clean and that hikers are not contributing to environmental degradation.

  2. Use of Biodegradable Bags: While still requiring proper disposal, biodegradable poop bags are a step towards minimizing the environmental footprint of our furry friends on hiking trails. These bags break down faster and are less harmful when they do find their way into the ecosystem.

  3. Increased Education and Signage: Building awareness through educational campaigns and clear signage at trailheads can remind pet owners of their responsibilities. Messages that emphasize the environmental and health impacts of leaving dog waste behind can motivate better practices.

  4. Installation of Poop Bag Dispensers and Trash Cans: Providing convenient access to poop bags and disposal options at trail entrances and key points along the route can significantly reduce the occurrence of waste being left behind.

  5. Fostering Community Accountability: Creating a culture of accountability among hikers, where it's common to gently remind each other of the importance of packing out all trash, can lead to more responsible behavior. Community-led clean-up initiatives can also play a role in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of hiking trails.

woman and dog enjoying a hike


The issue of dog poop bags littering our hiking trails is a significant one, impacting not only the enjoyment of our natural spaces but their ecological health as well. Through collective effort and adherence to responsible hiking and pet ownership practices, we can tackle this problem. By implementing practical solutions like improving waste disposal infrastructure and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, we can ensure our trails remain pristine for generations of hikers and their canine companions to come. Let’s all do our part in preserving the beauty and integrity of our outdoor spaces.

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