Our Great Outdoors are Greater with Outdoor Manners

Prior to the COVID pandemic of 2020, thought leaders were focused on the concepts of responsible tourism and sustainability.  How could communities take care of their people, economy, and landscapes while planning for tourism based economies?

When the world shut down, the “outdoors” became the “destination” for safe travel and social distancing.  Many small communities were inundated with new visitors and unprepared for the deluge of visitors.  All of sudden, the use of campsites, trails, and waterways exploded leaving residents wary of visitors who might be carrying the COVID virus; a demand on common household supplies that were already difficult to find; and significant overuse of trails without regard to weather conditions.

June is National Outdoor Month.  Here in the Tennessee River Valley, our outdoors is a vast playground of lakes, rivers, forests, grasslands, and events held outdoors in small towns and large cities.   Our southern hospitality welcome visitors, but our southern roots have an expectation for good manners and polite behaviors.  So here are some tips for outdoor manners and polite behaviors to know before you go:

• Trails- If the parking lot is full, find another trailhead. You will enjoy your hike or bike more.
• Trails-Go through the muddy sections of the trail not around.  Your boots or bike can handle it.
• River Access: Park and launch in designated areas only.
• Pack out what you pack in: This is the 911 for good behavior.
• Buy Local campfire wood- Invasive beetles do damage to native trees.
• Dog waste- Your furry friends are welcome, but their waste is not.  Bag it!