Global outdoor ethics & recreation rules around the world (Leave No Trace isn’t one-size-fits-all)

If you’ve spent time hiking, camping, or backpacking in the U.S., you’re probably familiar with the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT): a set of outdoor ethics meant to minimize our human impact on nature. But what happens when you venture beyond the boundaries of the United States or consider an Indigenous perspective? What if the “rules” change? What if there are no trails to stick to, or the flowers you see aren’t native, or that little rock pile isn’t just a helpful cairn, it’s sacred? The rules of ethical outdoor recreation vary depending on countries (and even regions within each country), and it's on us as nature lovers to do our due diligence to understand and respect those rules.

As my platform has grown and my social media following has stretched across the globe, more of you have asked how Leave No Trace principles apply beyond the United States. I’ve come to learn and appreciate that ethical recreation isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist. What works in American forests doesn’t always translate elsewhere. It’s a flexible framework. And just like ecosystems, cultures, and land access laws vary by region, so do the ways we recreate responsibly.

So, here’s a deep dive into how to honor both nature and nuance.

Choose your own adventure of how you'd like to continue: Read the full blog post below, watch the video below, or listen to the ad-free audio podcast episode here.

Disclaimer: This is all from research I've done independently and anecdotes I've collected from my followers (validated by research as well). However, I might still get some of this wrong, considering I've never hiked or camped anywhere outside of the United States. If anything below is factually inaccurate, please let me know!

Wandering off trail vs. staying on trail

The heart of Leave No Trace remains the same no matter where you go: respect the land, minimize harm, and consider your impact. But depending on the environment you’re in, applying those principles might look very different.

In the United States, especially in our National Parks and popular wilderness areas, we often stress the importance of staying on designated trails. That’s because our trail systems are well-developed, and stepping off the path can damage fragile vegetation, cause erosion, or create "social trails" that lead to habitat destruction.

But head to parts of Alaska or Canada, where formal trail systems are sparse or nonexistent, and you’ll hear different advice: Hikers are encouraged to spread out (especially when in groups). This is because concentrated foot traffic in those environments can create long-lasting scars on the tundra, so distributing impact is the more ethical option.

This is just one example of how “ethical” hiking behavior can flip depending on the context. The universal rule isn't "always stay on the trail," it's instead "try to minimize harm," which looks different in different places.

Respecting wildflowers and meadows

Another great example of the global nuance of outdoor ethics is wildflowers (visiting fields, photographing them, etc.). In places like the United States, stepping into an alpine meadow for that perfect photo-op could earn you a hefty fine. That’s because these meadows are incredibly delicate, often housing rare or endangered species.

Now contrast that with places like Iceland, where sweeping fields of purple lupine have become Instagram-famous. While it might look like a dreamlike native bloom, that lupine is actually invasive and non-native. Since it was introduced to Iceland in the 40s, it’s spread aggressively, threatening native species and altering entire ecosystems. In this case, walking through or photographing yourself in a lupine field isn’t damaging native flora in the same way. That said, it’s still important to tread lightly and stay on designated paths if they exist. Conservationists are trying to limit the spread of lupine in certain regions, as well, so it's encouraged to clean off your shoes and clothes to prevent this.

Or, take the flower meadows of Switzerland. When you see pictures of people frolicking in fields of flowers, it's often just privately-owned farmland that has a lot of very picturesque weeds which will be mowed down soon or eaten by cows. In these instances, it's very different than fragile alpine meadows, and frolicking is often encouraged.

Bottom line? Understanding the ecological context of where you're visiting is part of recreating responsibly.

And if you want to take photos in wildflower fields, be sure to follow these general guidelines (regardless of where you are):

• Stay on official trails when possible: Avoid social or game trails—unofficial paths created by foot traffic or wildlife—that can damage habitats. Instead, use established trails or designated pull-offs for photography.

• Don’t pick the flowers (for the most part): Removing wildflowers disrupts pollination and can permanently harm ecosystems. The only exception here is for invasive, harmful flowers like lupine in Iceland (you can pick them, but please don't move them to other areas).

• Respect traffic and accessibility: Avoid stopping roadside unless in designated areas, to prevent hazards and protect accessibility for all, including folks with mobility limitations.

• Consider impacts before sharing online: I have another blog post, podcast, and even a YouTube video about digital Leave No Trace. Regardless of where you are, we have to acknowledge that virality can lead to over-tourism and ecological harm. Consider whether a location can handle increased visitor traffic before sharing (regardless of your follower size). Also, consider how your post might encourage poor behavior elsewhere. A photo of you frolicking in a wildflower meadow in Iceland might send the wrong message to your followers if they're largely based in the United States, so be sure to add a disclaimer or share educational resources with them as well so they can understand the context.

Consider the cultural and spiritual context

Certain land practices are sacred, so the rules change. Depending on where you are (and who you are), different cultural and spiritual practices apply.

For example, in the U.S., rock cairns are often used as navigation aids, especially in areas where trails are hard to follow. If they're not being used for navigational aids, rock stacks are viewed as harmful to wildlife and ecosystems. But elsewhere, they carry deeper cultural meaning.

In Nepal, cairns are often spiritual offerings. People might encounter stacks of stones topped with prayer flags or bits of clothing left behind as sacred tributes. Dismantling these cairns can be seen as deeply disrespectful. In regions influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, these rock formations can represent balance, impermanence, or a prayer sent into the world. Knowing when a cairn is more than a trail marker takes research and awareness.

Another example is how non-Indigenous people in the United States approach land stewardship in contrast to Indigenous people. Ultimately, Leave No Trace, while incredibly helpful, stems from colonial roots. Even our trail systems and national parks are rooted in colonialism.

Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous approaches in the U.S.

• Land as relative, not resource: For many Indigenous communities, land is not a commodity; it is a living relative. This worldview drastically shifts the ethical framework from “don’t damage nature” to “respect and be in right relationship with it.” For example, the Lakota concept of Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ (“all my relations”) frames all beings—humans, animals, plants, rocks—as interconnected. Outdoor ethics, then, are based on kinship and reciprocity, not just impact minimization.

• Ceremonial and sacred spaces: Certain landscapes hold spiritual significance. Mountains, rivers, caves, or even specific plants or trees may be sites of ceremony, prayer, or offerings. Going "off trail" or collecting plants might hold spiritual significance. Mainstream LNT says to leave no objects behind, but Indigenous practices may include leaving offerings, such as tobacco, feathers, or stones. These acts are ceremonial and deeply personal—not “litter,” but sacred expressions of relationship. Some places, like sacred springs or prayer sites, might have cloth tied to trees (prayer ties). These are meant to stay and should not be removed.

• Cultural protocols vary by region and tribe: Different tribal nations have different ethics. What is allowed on Hopi land may differ drastically from what’s appropriate on Yurok or Diné land. That’s why localized research is essential, just like with ecological rules. For example, on the Navajo Nation land, it is illegal to scatter cremated remains or disturb archeological structures, and permits are required to hike or camp in certain areas. On Hopi land, photography is heavily restricted and can be culturally inappropriate even if not legally prohibited.

Where you can go and when varies by region

In the U.S., private property laws are pretty tight. Wandering onto the wrong stretch of land could get you a trespassing ticket (or, let's be honest, worse). But in many other countries, people enjoy varying degrees of public access to natural areas.

In Scotland, the “Right to Roam” is protected by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, giving people broad access to most land and inland water for recreational purposes. However, there are still restrictions, especially in high-traffic or ecologically sensitive areas.

For example, wild camping in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park requires a permit between March and October and is only allowed in designated areas. Even where camping is allowed, there are expectations: pitch your tent out of sight, away from buildings, in small numbers, and stay only a night or two.

Elsewhere in the UK, particularly England and Wales, right-to-roam laws are far more limited. What you’ll find instead is a network of public footpaths, many of which cross private land. These paths are legally protected, and while wild camping isn’t permitted, the public is free to walk, so long as they stay on the path and follow basic etiquette: leave no trace, pick nothing, and don’t disturb animals or farmland.

Some additional UK access rights include:

• Open Access Land under the CROW Act: Allows off-path walking in designated areas (mostly upland moors and mountains).

• Dartmoor: Previously the only place in England where wild camping was legal without landowner permission—though that right has recently come under legal challenge.

• The Countryside Code: A government-backed guide for how to behave outdoors, taught in many rural schools.

Several other countries have similar laws:

• Norway & Sweden protect public access under Friluftsloven (The Outdoor Recreation Act) which ensures people’s right to hike, camp, and forage responsibly. Under allemannsretten (the right to roam), you’re allowed to camp on uncultivated land for up to two nights (or longer in remote areas), provided you're at least 150 meters from buildings and treat the land and others with respect.

• Sweden, Finland, and Iceland also have strong public access laws with similar expectations of care, restraint, and environmental respect.

Other specific examples of global outdoor ethics

As Leave No Trace has spread internationally, many countries have adopted their own versions of the framework—sometimes tweaking the principles, adding cultural context, or expanding educational outreach.

• In Canada, Crown Land (which makes up about 89% of the country) is available for recreational use and camping with few restrictions for residents. Still, LNT is widely embraced. Slogans like “pack it in, pack it out” and “leave only footprints, take only photos” are ingrained in outdoor culture. Rules also emphasize not disturbing wildlife patterns (for example, don’t toss food scraps near roadsides), and bear safety (using canisters and bins) is a top priority in many parks.

• New Zealand not only promotes a version of Leave No Trace but also emphasizes biosecurity. Visitors are often asked to clean gear upon entry to the country, including boots, hiking poles, and tents, to prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens. The Department of Conservation maintains high standards for signage, trail infrastructure, and hiker education.

• Australia blends Leave No Trace with Indigenous land stewardship, incorporating respect for sacred sites and emphasizing minimal disturbance in culturally significant areas.

• In Kyrgyzstan, local tourism companies are training guides in Leave No Trace principles. While there’s still a cultural practice of leaving trash in certain areas to signify "safe" places (like weather-protected campsites), these guides are working to bridge traditional customs with modern environmental education.

Universal guidelines for ethical outdoor recreation anywhere in the world

Even though the details vary, some foundational behaviors apply almost everywhere:

• Pack it in, pack it out: Always take your trash. And yes, that includes biodegradable items like fruit peels and wipes.

• Respect wildlife: Observe from afar, never feed or approach animals.

• Leave natural and cultural objects where they are: Whether it’s a pinecone or a prayer flag, don’t take it.

• Keep noise levels down: Avoid speakers and loud conversation in serene areas.

• Use the bathroom responsibly: Learn the local protocols—burying waste, using a portable toilet, or using designated facilities.

• Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to rock, gravel, or trails when appropriate—but be open to dispersing impact in places where there are no established routes.

• Don't geotag sensitive spots: Especially in fragile or lesser-known areas, geotagging can contribute to overtourism and degradation.

Know before you go

Showing up to a new outdoor destination without understanding the local norms is like arriving at a wedding in flip-flops—you may not mean to be disrespectful, but you are.

Before your next global adventure:

• Check official sources: National park websites, tourism boards, and conservation organizations often post specific rules and alerts.

• Talk to locals: Rangers, guides, and community members are your best bet for on-the-ground knowledge.

• Understand if you’re on Indigenous land or near sacred areas: Avoid geotagging or publicizing exact locations when appropriate.

• Follow seasonal guidance: Wildlife breeding seasons, wet seasons, or fire seasons may all change what's ethical or even legal.

Doing this work isn’t just responsible—it’s essential.

Leave No Trace is not a checklist to memorize and apply without thought—it’s a mindset. A practice. A global ethic that asks us to slow down, listen, and adapt.

Whether you're hiking in the PNW Cascades or the Italian Dolomites, camping on Crown Land or in the Scottish Highlands, recreating ethically means more than keeping nature pretty. It means being a guest—not just in the landscape, but in someone else’s culture, traditions, and home.

Recreation can be revolutionary when it’s done with humility and respect. And the more we learn, the better stewards we can be.