Things I've Learned

1) Don't yell in the woods unless you are hurt or lost.
2) Sleeping at the trailhead gets you close to the trail but doesn't guarantee a good night's rest.
3) Rocks are hard, slippery and abrasive.
4) Leash your dog when other people and other people's dogs are around.
5) Yield to the hiker coming uphill.
6) Let people pass if they are faster.
7) Be quiet at the trailhead early in the morning.
8) Poop before you go.
9) Read the trail description but be flexible enough to improvise.
10) Carry a map.
11) Make your route a loop!
12) Offer words of encouragement.
13) Don't fall face first.
14) 14ers are all uphill.
15) There is no such thing as an "easy" 14er.
16) When in doubt, take the high road (on the trail and morally).
17) Seek out ways to bank good karma.