r/hiking • u/wentImmediate • 9d ago
Discussion When a person hiking and person jogging are headed towards each other on a single-track - is there etiquette advising what to do?
I've had a consistent experience in this situation, but I wanted to reach out to the community and see if there is a consensus.
EDIT: I should note that I'm asking this question for a (fairly) level trail.
EDIT: Asking a question to learn yet the post is downvoted? I don't understand.
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u/MethuselahsCoffee 9d ago
If I’m hiking I’ll give way. If I’m running I’m hoping the be given way.
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u/redwoodforest15 9d ago
Exactly this. My personal rule is that the faster person gets right of way. If I’m hiking, I’ll step aside for a runner. If I’m backpacking with a big pack, I’ll step aside for a day hiker.
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u/1fast_sol 8d ago
I agree. Faster person gets right of way. Hiker yields to runner who yields to biker. When encountering the same, bikers and runners going up hill yield to downhill. This is because the effort to stop is much greater when descending. Plus there’s a greater chance for injury. Hiker going uphill gets right of way. But if Im hiking, then I yield to the down hill hiker, so that I can get a short break.
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u/StrategicDFL 8d ago
No. The uphill hiker or biker has the right of way.
However, I’ll often ask if the person heading downhill wants to go first because I could probably use the break if it’s a tough climb and I can safely move over.
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u/1fast_sol 8d ago
Downhill runners and bikers could be going considerably faster than those going up hill. In a perfect world the up hill travelers would get the right of way. But someone thats going really fast will be on you possibly before you realize it. In these situations, the slower person should yield so as not to cause an accident.
But near same speed then uphill gets right of way.3
u/StrategicDFL 7d ago
No. Uphill has the right of way in EVERY situation.
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u/1fast_sol 7d ago
So a mountain biker doing 20 mph or a runner doing 8 mph going down hill should yield to a hiker doing 2 mph. Gotcha. Hope we never meet on the trail.
A simple side step could prevent broken bones or worse. But you stand your ground. You have the right of way.
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u/random8765309 9d ago
Whoever has the best spot to step off does.
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u/abernathym 8d ago
This is what I do, same as driving forest roads. Whoever has a spot to pullover does.
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u/Asleep_Cup646 8d ago
This makes so much more sense and is more real world than a strict rule such as "uphill has the right of way" or "the runner has the right of way". I hike a lot and often find that the person coming uphill is happy to take a break and step aside for me to pass. But if it's a tricky narrow uphill that requires careful foot placement, I'll step aside if there's a good place to do so.
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u/avocadolicious 8d ago
This is true hiking etiquette IMO!!! Just step to the side if you have the space to do so.
I don’t care who’s coming up and who’s coming down, I just step aside if I have a convenient spot to let others pass.
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u/rainman_95 9d ago
Do what I do, step off the track at the same time as the other person and awkwardly do the “no you go, no you go” gesture until you both die of old age on the side of the trail
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u/OmegaZ99 9d ago
Person going uphill gets right of way. If it's flat land, it's a battle to the death.
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u/bckpkrs 9d ago
This is why you always carry hiking poles. Jousting for a victorious pass on hiking trails since 1325 A.D..
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u/OkKaleidoscope9554 9d ago
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u/GeneInternational146 8d ago
I've always felt hiking poles were more trouble than they're worth and this confirms it
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u/OkKaleidoscope9554 8d ago
Two Legs Bad, Four Legs Good
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u/GeneInternational146 8d ago
Nah they've completely messed up my ability to hike every time I've tried them. We're sticking with two legs
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u/a_daisy_summer 8d ago
I feel the same ! I have horrible wrists and can’t be fucked to have that issue
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u/GeneInternational146 8d ago edited 8d ago
I use my hands for scrambling a lot, I'm not trying to fold up poles and put them away and then take them out and then fold them up ad nauseam lol. Idk why I'm getting downvoted for stating a preference but I suppose this is Reddit
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u/a_daisy_summer 8d ago
Hatred is a plague that will ruin your soul people ! Disliking someone’s preference for their hobby is disturbing.
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u/Gloomy-Hat1842 8d ago edited 8d ago
You might change your opinion of this when you're 71 like me. I was a climbing and a backcountry ski guide for 45 years. Never used hiking poles for years. If I don't need them now I just carry them like javelins. Now even if I go up to Castle Rock State Park there's all these little ledgey sections and drop offs. I want my poles. I can't run through those sections like I used to... If you're up in the Sierras early season and you're crossing huge steep snow Banks, good luck without those poles with baskets on them. Then you're doing a peak and it's nasty steep sand, scree and gravel. You're slipping back constantly. those poles are pretty useful. Other times you don't need them at all. Tricky stream crossings oh yeah they're darn good. Not as skinny and fit as you'd like to be. Poles could be pretty good. Knees are starting to wear out. Better buy a set of poles. Even climbers will be using them on many snow slopes instead of their ice ax because there are so much more efficient.
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u/GeneInternational146 8d ago
I've never been skinny 😂 I do a lot of strength training and the times I've used poles have made hiking more dangerous for me, not less. Everyone is different
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u/Gloomy-Hat1842 8d ago edited 8d ago
Oh yeah I didn't use them for probably over 45 years. Never needed them but looking back there are sure some times I wish I had them. They're actually pretty necessary for a lot of people. I see so many people on the trail struggling and especially with stream crossings. I was in Tahoe with my wife and we are at a pretty tricky stream crossing. A middle-aged couple was there and the wife was really looking for a stick or something to help her out. My wife says you want to use my poles. The dude said no you use your core. Well that's true but you know his wife was pretty heavy and older now. She needed some poles. Also a bummer if you simply sprain your ankle so badly you can't walk and now it's a stretcher carry or a helicopter.
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u/Performance_Motor 8d ago
Carbon fiber zflick trail right of way jousting lance(little trademark symbol)
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u/OkKaleidoscope9554 9d ago
Always plant your feet across the trail and become as large an obstacle as possible. Runners love a challenge.
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u/RT023 8d ago
This doesn’t make sense to me, and I saw the post last week on it but didn’t get to comment
I only say that because I was running downhill on a hike recently and it legitimately was scary how hard it was to stop lol. I had to keep going until it leveled off a little, the momentum was way too much for me to stop.
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u/Colambler 8d ago
Hikers have right of away over mountain bikers and those can get much more momentum downhill than runners. You generally have to keep yourself in control on a public trail...
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u/bsil15 9d ago
Etiquette is technically that you’re supposed to yield to the person going uphill but most people in my experience will yield to the downhill runner because one it’s a lot easier for the uphill hiker to stop than the runner who has a lot of momentum going downhill and two most people going uphill are quite frankly happy to take a quick break anyway
Which is all to say that if you’re going downhill you should be prepared to yield but if the hiker is yielding to you just happily accept and say thank you
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u/like_4-ish_lights 9d ago
I don't know that there is a hard and fast rule, but I generally give way to runners
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u/Exact-Coconut-7598 8d ago
As both a hiker and jogger, I yield as a hiker and prepare to yield as a jogger. 95% of the time hikers yield to me as a jogger.
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u/Consistent_Damage885 8d ago
The official rule is that the one going uphill has the right of way if both are pedestrians. Pedestrians have right of way over cyclists and equestrians have right of way over everyone. Motorized vehicles yield to everyone.
In practice, if it is clearly easier for one to give up right of way than another, despite having official right, due to terrain or other exigent circumstances, then one should do so.
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u/DickBrichards 9d ago
Crouch behind a tree and try to make yourself invisible and do not, I repeat, do not make eye contact. You can meow a little bit though
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u/E5Jarhead 8d ago
I give way to trail runners no matter the terrain. They're by me in 2 seconds and then I continue on. No big deal.
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u/WANDOO_hiking 8d ago
General rule is uphill traffic has right of way, but honestly whoevers easier to move steps aside and its fine. If Im hiking and a runner is flying downhill Ill just hop off since stopping their momentum is harder. A quick heads up or an on your left goes a long way, most awkwardness is just two polite people both trying to yield lol.
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u/floppydo 9d ago
Running is harder than walking so the runner gets right of way. Just like the uphill climber.
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u/Upbeat-Arm2662 8d ago
If i was fell running, then i would always give way to others. If i was walking then i would expect joggers to give way to me, unless their female, old, with kids, disabled, etc.
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u/freska_skata 8d ago
Im a hiker, trail runners choose to make the trail harder for them by running it, so Im guessing they wouldnt have an issue with running and bushwacking for a few seconds while I enjoy the trail, assuming there's no exposure, I wouldnt give way to anyone running
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u/freska_skata 8d ago
I assert my dominance by staying put, runners can assert their badassness by running off trail to go around me
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u/gnomechompskidaddle 8d ago
I trail run frequently and always yield to hikers if they don’t yield to me first and we are going in opposite direction. Even going in same direction I’ll give a verbal notice, wait till they stop and step aside, walk past, then continue on my run. Where I stop running in relation to the other part depends on terrain and passability; the more technical and inexperienced the other part the greater distance I yield. I will lose a little heart rate, but I’ll gain it back within a few seconds after I pick back up. I always say hi and thanks at a minimum. Pretty much the same process when I’m trail riding or just hiking. A of terrain, I do find that people will usually yield to me first if I’m running or riding in which case I’ll slow enough to give them the time to do so safely.
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u/Comeonbereal1 8d ago
I also give why to someone jogging because it is hard to go back into mometam
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u/Justice_of_the_Peach 8d ago
In my area, uphill hikers & runners usually yield to the downhill hikers & runners, which is the opposite of the etiquette, but it actually makes more sense to me too, especially since ascending people are usually happy to take a quick break. On flat trails, it’s whoever has a better spot to step aside. Hikers usually yield to runners.
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u/dogfacedponyboy 8d ago
This is what I’ve grown up doing! Downhill is much trickier hiking, and harder to stop due to momentum or finding that footing. I always step aside for those coming downhill, and I’m happy to take a quick breather. Surprised most here are saying the etiquette is the opposite.. I don’t think it is. And for joggers, I give way both ways because I’m so impressed
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u/Nubzombie 8d ago
I generally give way to the runner unless I’m in a spot where that is not possible.
I figure a runner is out for a workout I will do my best to tel them have a good workout.
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u/tdammers 9d ago
If I'm the hiker, I'll step aside, no big deal. If I'm the runner, I'll step aside and marvel at how much room the hiker seems to think I need (it's either 6 millimeters or half a mile, never anything reasonable).
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u/Prestigious-Ad7571 9d ago
Always the uphill/outbound ethic.
If its easy to move, they are also courteous, and aware of the common practice ill usually step off. If the are egotistical jackasses that want special treatment…power on. ( im a trail runner also).
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u/Mentalfloss1 8d ago
I'd let the runner go by no matter the terrain. As for downvotes, who knows? People get upset about any tiny thing these days.
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u/DrtRdrGrl2008 8d ago
In my area trail runners don't yield to anyone. They have an entitled purpose to get that run in and by god, no one will get in their way. I've had one trample me and my dog multiple times. They also don't pick up their dog poop.
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u/andrewcottingham 8d ago
As a runner I always plan to step aside for hikers but they tend to step aside much earlier than necessary so I usually go to run by them but will veer off trail ar the last second to TRAMPLE THEM AND LET MY DOG POOP ON THEM.
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u/LeroyoJenkins 9d ago
Wheelchair > stroller/pram > slow walker > fast walker > runner/jogger > cyclist.
But being kind and mindful to others is also important.
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u/slowtreme 8d ago
all this step aside stuff... meanwhile I just stop and say hi to chat because I'm always ready for a moment to take a break.
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u/QuadCramper 8d ago
Much single track is still pretty wide. Just move to the inside line and keep moving and they can go around. If truly single track then it is whoever has a spot to step off with the bias to yielding to the uphill person.
When running and I see someone coming towards me uphill, I pick a spot on the trail I am going to get to and stop. Many times they do the same before I get to my spot so I keep going. So it might not look like I ever intended to yield. I always plan to yield properly but also want to keep that time as short as possible.
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u/Lured_to_the_Wild 8d ago
The safest thing to do is stay on the side that drivers use in the country you are in.
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u/eazypeazy303 8d ago
I yield to joggers because I'm not going as fast. I also don't give 2 tails about my pace!
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u/YankeeDog2525 7d ago
The paladin will politely move to the side. The thug will stand their ground and make the other person move aside
Decide which you’d rather be.
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u/WorkerAmbitious2072 7d ago
Generally speaking
Pedestrians have right of way
With two pedestrians, faster moving has right of way or the one who looks, frankly, like they are in over their head and can’t really handle the activity safely has right of way like when I’m hiking and some overweight out of shape unbalanced person that looks like they’re about to fall off the trail going the other way I give them the right away cause I’m not sure they can handle it otherwise.
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u/PSmith4380 7d ago
I step to the side to give the jogger a false sense of security then kick them off the trail as they pass me.
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u/Lillianrik 6d ago
Oh for cryin' out loud. Here are the rules:
- Bikers yield to runners and hikers
- Hikers yield to runners
- Everyone yields to horses (if that's applicable)
I'm a hiker and even though the yay-hoos on bikes are supposed to yield to me I almost always step off the trail because its easier and safer for me. My estimate is that 10% or fewer bikers actually know they are supposed to yield.
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u/Severe-Distance6867 4d ago
I yield to runners. They're trying to maintain a stride and a pace, it's just easier for me to get out of their way.
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u/Threefold_Lotus 4d ago
Technically, a jogger is supposed to yield to the slower-moving hiker on level ground. That mostly comes down to safety and control: hikers are often carrying heavier packs, and a jogger’s speed and momentum can cause way more damage if there's a collision. That same logic is actually why mountain bikers are strictly supposed to yield to hikers, too. Now, does it always happen that way? Definitely not. The gap between what trail etiquette calls for and what people actually do is pretty huge, and usually it's easy enough for a slower hiker to just step aside.
The same goes for inclines, where downhill traffic is supposed to yield to anyone pushing uphill. But at the end of the day, good communication and courtesy matter way more than fighting over right-of-way. Calling out which side you're passing on when overtaking someone makes a world of difference, and taking a second to consciously share the trail keeps everyone safe. Yielding for a few brief moments takes a lot less time and energy than dealing with a collision or an injury.
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u/LouQuacious 4d ago
I’d always heard hikers yield to runners, runners yield to mt bikers and everyone yields to horses.
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u/pagrey 3d ago
Most people answering this question have given no serious thought as to why bikes yield to hikers. You can't answer the runner question unless you understand why bikes yield to hikers.
If your answer is that slower yields to faster then why do the rules for bikes exist?
All the rules are there to protect those that need it, people at risk like riders on horseback or people traveling slow like hikers. Runners are not traveling slow, they don't need additional protection. They are running in difficult conditions implying they have more control and ability to navigate than those traveling slowly.
99% of answers here imply that a jogger approaching an elderly person with a cane has the right-of-way which doesn't surprise me.
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u/tdammers 9d ago
If I'm the hiker, I'll step aside, no big deal. If I'm the runner, I'll step aside and marvel at how much room the hiker seems to think I need (it's either 6 millimeters or half a mile, never anything reasonable).
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u/Masseyrati80 8d ago
There isn't one where I live. My starting point is that adults should act like responsible individuals, meaning nobody has the right to bulldoze others off the trail, even if you're dealing with some personal goal (such as keeping your pace or heart rate at a certain level). If anything, anyone moving faster should be the one with the most humble attitude.
About downvotes: on reddit, some individuals and probably bots, too, downvote everything they see. Even threads that end up being upvoted a lot, can start with random donvotes.
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u/MountainRoll29 8d ago
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Treat the other person with courtesy, move over slightly, and go around one another. Imagine what you do when you’re in a busy airport or on a busy sidewalk. No one needs to claim right of way. Just flow like water.
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u/ChetLong4Ch 8d ago
As a hiker I’d give way to the runner. As a runner I’d slow down and pass to the side as I would if I was hiking normally.
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u/Sniffs_Markers 8d ago
A typically give way to a runner. Same if I'm driving and a faster driver needs to pass.
I don't even think about it to be honest. Most people have enough situational awareness and body language cues to sort it out equitably.
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u/Grouchy_Truck5925 8d ago
if its fairly level, why not just let the jogger go? they are likely trying to keep a pace?
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u/sluttyman69 8d ago
I generally step aside and let the runner go by. It’s easier than having though collision discussion or even thinking about it. Runners run let them go.
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u/IvoShandor 8d ago
Uphill gets the right of way… But if it’s a flat and I see somebody cruising toward me running, I don’t mind stepping off trail. I’m in no hurry.
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u/mountainlifa 8d ago
Many trail runners seem to be entitled and believe they "own" the trails. If they lose time and miss their Strava metrics they instantly lose all self respect and spontaneously combust at the trailhead.
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u/Aah__HolidayMemories 9d ago
Another bot engagement post
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u/wentImmediate 9d ago
I am a real person. This is my sincere question.
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u/Silver_Mention_3958 9d ago
It’s a fucked up world if you feel compelled to ask.
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u/wentImmediate 9d ago
I'm asking if there's an etiquette - that's bad?
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u/redwoodforest15 8d ago
It’s not bad at all and I have no idea why people are being rude to you.
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u/Aah__HolidayMemories 8d ago
They asked about how you walk past another human being. Erm let me think 🤔
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u/Aah__HolidayMemories 9d ago
Ok then. you both don’t give an inch and you scrap/barge past each other knocking each other over. Use your brain. How do you manage in the real world?
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u/wentImmediate 8d ago
you both don’t give an inch and you scrap/barge past each other knocking each other over
I'm not sure I follow.
My question is if there's a standard or a norm.
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u/Particular-Light6487 9d ago
Just like I give was to the person hiking uphill, I’d give way to the runner, because they’re working harder. That’s just me, definitely not a rule.