In the last few decades, we have seen a diminution of interest in stressing the environment as one of our country's biggest concerns. Outdoor Chattanooga wants to get its citizens interested in preserving and caring for our environment. We believe strongly that interest in the environment is a natural offshoot of interest in outdoor activities. After all, who wants to kayak on a polluted creek? Or rock climb in an area littered with cans? Most outdoor enthusiasts have a vested interest in keeping their activities free of the pollutants and litter that mar so many outdoor areas in other parts of the country. So, keep it clean - and come out and play!

"Leave No Trace" Principals:

In addition to personal safety and preparedness when hiking
or backpacking, protection of the natural resources is of 
primary concern.  You want to leave the area you travel through as you found it or even better. (by cleaning up trash)
There are 7 simple "Leave No Trace" principles that should be observed:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.  (The purpose of this principle is to reduce soil erosion and protect wildlife and plants.  Hike on trails.  Do not widen or create new trails.  Never "short cut" switchbacks and loops in trails. Camp on sites that are already impacted.)
• Dispose of waste properly.  ("Pack it in, pack it out."  Do not discard or leave anything that will indicate you have passed by or camped.  Do not attempt to burn left over food, food wrappers or containers, etc.)
• Leave what you find.  (Do not take or pick anything you find.  Leave them for others to enjoy.)
• Minimize campfire impacts.  (Only build small fires in previously established fire rings or if not in an established fire ring, remove all traces of the fire before you leave the area.)
• Respect wildlife.  (Do not attempt to get close, chase, or capture any animals, regardless of their size.)
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Web Sites for Additional Information:
 
National Park Service: National Parks
Cumberland Trail Conference: Cumberland Trail
Leave No Trace: No Trace   
American Hiking Society: American Hiking