Off-trail hiking

For off-trail hiking, a hiker relies on tools such as topographical maps, a compass and a GPS unit, rather than following a trail. It is also known as bushwhacking.^[1]

There is some concern that off-trail hiking cause trailbraiding (creating multiple paths which can damage vegetation), erosion, new trail creation, and other negative environmental impacts.^[2] The off-trail community claims that the activity is limited to open, unrestricted public areas where it is permitted.^{[citation needed]}