10/21/2026
Many thanks to Aaron Rogers with his article in this week's Trails and Open Space Coalition newsletter on Trail Safety
More Than a Greeting:
The Power of a Trail “Hello”
(By Aaron Rogers, TOSC Program Coordinator)
Most of us don’t think twice about it. You pass someone on the trail and offer a nod, a wave, or a quick “good morning.” That small habit does more than keep things friendly.
A greeting is also a safety tool. A quick “three more behind me” from a mountain biker on singletrack can prevent a collision. A casual “we spotted a bear a mile back” gives the next hiker something useful to know. And a simple “on your left” lets someone know you’re coming before you pass.
Meeting a horse and rider is a good example. Step to the downhill side of the trail, say hello in a calm voice, and ask the rider how they’d like you to pass. Your voice helps the horse recognize you as a person.
A hello is only useful when it’s heard. That’s why headphones and portable speakers matter on the trail. If you wear headphones, keep the volume low or leave one ear free, and consider leaving the speaker at home. Music playing out loud can drown out a greeting, a bell, or a warning from someone behind you, and not everyone on the trail wants to share your playlist.
Not everyone greets or responds the same way, either. A spoken hello lets someone who is blind or has low vision know you’re nearby, while a wave or a smile may be the best way to connect with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Some people may not be able to speak or wave back at all. Offer your greeting anyway, and don’t worry if the response looks different than you expected.
A hello also says something bigger. When you greet someone on the trail, you’re telling them they belong there, and you’re showing that you belong there too. These trails aren’t owned by any one group of users. They belong to the whole community, from runners and hikers to riders, families, and neighbors out for a walk. A simple greeting is one of the easiest ways to remind each other of that. It tells a first-time visitor they’re welcome, and it tells longtime regulars that the trail is still shared.
That feeling extends to the people who care for these spaces. When a volunteer says hello, it carries a quiet thank you for respecting the places they work to maintain. When a Park Ranger offers a warm welcome, it adds to the feeling that someone is looking out for you. And a quick “Hey, how are you?” can lead to a tip about the trail ahead, or a heads up about a fox family tucked just off the path.
However brief, your voice is part of what makes our parks safe and welcoming. Next time you’re out on the trail, say hello.
