# Explain safe hiking rules

Part of the Tenderfoot guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/tenderfoot/guide/index.md)

*5. Hiking*

> **5c.** Explain the rules of safe and responsible hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night.

Hiking safely requires different habits depending on whether you are walking along a paved road, hiking a rugged mountain trail, moving in broad daylight, or navigating under the cover of darkness. Understanding these rules protects both you and your patrol.

## Highway and Road Hiking

Walking along roads shared with motor vehicles carries unique risks. Follow these strict safety protocols:

- **Face oncoming traffic**: Walk on the **left side of the road** so you can see approaching vehicles and take evasive action if a driver swerves or fails to see you.
- **Walk single file**: Stay in a straight, orderly line along the shoulder or as far off the pavement as practical. Never walk two or three abreast on a roadway.
- **Yield to vehicles**: Step completely off the pavement onto the dirt shoulder or grass whenever a car or truck approaches, rather than assuming the driver will give you room.
- **Never hitchhike**: Do not accept rides from strangers or hitchhike under any circumstances.
- **Cross cautiously**: Cross roadways only at marked crosswalks or where visibility is clear in both directions for several hundred yards. The entire group should cross together upon a leader's command.

![Diagram of Scouts walking single file facing oncoming traffic on the left shoulder of a road](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-1376/su-assets/scouts-bsa/ranks/tenderfoot/guide/road-hiking-position-diagram?v=cfc37a17)

## Cross-Country and Trail Hiking

When hiking through backcountry trails, forests, or open terrain:

- **Stay on established trails**: Follow marked paths to prevent trail widening and avoid cutting switchbacks on steep hillsides, which causes severe soil erosion and damage to delicate vegetation.
- **Set the pace to the slowest hiker**: The patrol leader or designated pace-setter walks at the front, matching a steady, sustainable pace to the slowest member of the group. An experienced Scout acts as "sweep" at the rear to ensure no one falls behind.
- **Trail right-of-way courtesy**:
  - **Uphill hikers have the right-of-way**: When descending, step aside onto rock or bare dirt to let ascending hikers continue their rhythm.
  - **Pack stock (horses and mules)**: When horses or pack animals approach, step off the trail on the **downhill side**, stand quietly, and speak in a calm, normal tone so the animals know you are human and are not startled.
- **Watch your footing**: Step over obstacles like logs and rocks rather than on top of them (which can be slippery or roll). Avoid loose shale and wet roots.

## Day vs. Night Hiking

Hiking in the dark transforms familiar terrain into a disorienting environment with hidden tripping hazards.

| Daylight Hiking | Nighttime Hiking |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Visibility**: High visibility of trail blazes, landmarks, and terrain hazards. | **Reduced Depth Perception**: Shadows and darkness hide roots, rocks, and drop-offs. |
| **Gear**: Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), standard water bottles. | **Lighting**: Headlamp or flashlight with fresh batteries plus a spare set; use red-light mode in camp to preserve night vision. |
| **Road Visibility**: Brightly colored clothing or patrol neckerchiefs. | **Road Visibility**: Wear reflective vests, clip reflective bands to packs, and tie a **white cloth around your right arm or leg**. |
| **Group Spacing**: Normal hiking intervals (about 4 to 6 paces apart). | **Group Spacing**: Tighter formation; maintain constant voice contact and check buddy pairs frequently. |

> **Safety First!**
>
> Before leaving for any hike—day or night, road or trail—always leave a detailed **trip plan** (route, participants, and expected return time) with a responsible adult at home.

> **Tip**
>
> When night hiking, give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes in the dark to build natural night vision. Avoid looking directly into white flashlight beams.

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- Next: [Explain hiking on durable surfaces](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/tenderfoot/guide/req5d/index.md)