9 awesome national parks ethical travel tips to help you explore with the environment in mind

Ticking off National Parks is on many people’s bucket lists and this year we’re more excited than ever to discover some of the world’s best-kept parks. 

However, with so many visitors flooding into these natural regions, it got us thinking about the most responsible ways to explore National Parks.  The beauty of these tips is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time hiker, these tips can make a big collective difference. 

So, whether you’re planning a road trip to visit a nation’s national treasures or backpacking to the planet’s finest natural wonders, here are some essential ethical tips to ensure you’re doing your part and visiting the parks responsibly. 

Biggest Threats to National Parks

While national parks are beautiful and awe-inspiring, they are also facing numerous threats that can impact the environment, wildlife, and visitors’ experiences. It’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to minimize their impact when visiting national parks.

• Climate Change: Climate change is one of the most significant threats to national parks. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events can impact the parks’ ecosystems and wildlife populations. In addition, melting glaciers can affect water resources, and sea-level rise can impact coastal parks.
• Overcrowding: With the increasing popularity of national parks, overcrowding has become a major issue. The high volume of visitors can cause damage to trails, wildlife habitats, and other park resources. Overcrowding can also impact visitors’ experiences, making it difficult to find solitude and enjoy the peacefulness of the park.
• Invasive Species: Invasive species, both plant and animal, can have a significant impact on national parks. These species can disrupt natural ecosystems, outcompete native species, and damage park resources. Visitors can unintentionally spread invasive species by bringing in plants or animals from other areas.
• Human Interactions with Wildlife: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Human interactions with wildlife, whether intentional or not, can be harmful to both humans and animals. Feeding wildlife, approaching them too closely, or trying to take selfies can all lead to dangerous situations for both parties.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: National parks are vast and complex, with numerous facilities and infrastructure to maintain. Insufficient maintenance can lead to safety hazards for visitors and cause long-term damage to park resources.

It’s important to be aware of these risks when visiting national parks and take steps to minimize their impact. This includes following park rules and regulations, staying on designated trails, leaving no trace, and being mindful of your carbon footprint. By doing so, we can all play a part in preserving these incredible natural wonders for generations to come.

1. Stay on Designated Trails

One of the best ways to protect the delicate ecosystems within national parks is to stay on designated trails. These trails are specifically designed to minimize damage to the environment and prevent erosion, so it’s important to stick to them as much as possible. Going off-trail can cause irreversible damage to vegetation and disturb wildlife habitats. Not to mention, it’s dangerous and can lead to accidents.

2. Respect Wildlife

Speaking of wildlife, one of the most exciting parts of visiting a national park is the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. However, it’s important to remember that these animals are not there for our entertainment. It’s crucial to respect their space and maintain a safe distance. Do not approach or feed wildlife, as this can be harmful to both you and the animal. Always keep a safe distance and never try to touch or pet any animals you encounter.

3. Leave No trace

When you visit a national park, you are a guest in someone else’s home. It’s essential to leave the park as you found it, or even better than you found it. Always pack up everything you bring with you, including trash, food scraps, and any other litter. This helps to preserve the natural beauty of the park and keeps it clean and safe for wildlife.

4. Be Mindful of Noise Pollution

National parks are known for their peace and tranquillity. The sounds of nature are one of the most incredible aspects of a visit to a national park. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of noise pollution. Avoid making loud noises, playing loud music, or using loud equipment, as this can disturb wildlife and other visitors. It’s essential to keep the park as peaceful and serene as possible.

5. Follow Park Rules and Regulations

Every national park has its own set of rules and regulations. These rules are in place to protect visitors and the park’s environment. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules and follow them at all times. Some common rules include staying on designated trails, not feeding wildlife, and not picking flowers or plants. By following these rules, you can help preserve the park for future generations to enjoy.

6. Be Mindful of Your Carbon Footprint

When you visit a national park, you’re likely to be driving or using some form of transportation to get there. It’s essential to be mindful of your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it as much as possible. Consider carpooling or using public transportation to get to the park. Once you’re there, try to use environmentally friendly practices, such as packing up all your trash and using reusable water bottles and containers.

Another great way to reduce your impact before you get to a national park is to consider where your gear comes from. The textile industry is one of the largest carbon emitters worldwide, so choosing ethical gear can help to reduce your impact before you’ve even left the front door.

Check out some of our ethical guides below:

• The Ultimate Guide to Ethical Outdoor Clothing
• How to Find Vegan-Friendly Clothing for the Great Outdoors
• Awesome Sustainable Backpacks
• The Best Vegan Winter Coats
• The Complete Guide to Vegan Hiking Boots & Buyer’s Guide
• Vegan Synthetics Insulated Jackets & Buyer’s Guides
• The Best Vegan Sleeping Bags Compared
• All of Our Vegan & Sustainable Gear Guides & Buyer’s Guides
• All of Our Ethical Adventure Packing Lists

Already got yourself some outdoor gear that just needs a little TLC? Check out our gear maintenance guides to help make your kit as good as new. After all the greenest gear is the gear you already have!

7. Educate Yourself

National parks are incredible places to learn about the natural world and the history of our country. Take advantage of this opportunity and educate yourself on the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. By learning about the park, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for its beauty and value. You’ll also be better equipped to understand the importance of protecting it for future generations.

8. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

It’s important to be considerate of other visitors to the park. National parks are for everyone to enjoy, so it’s essential to be respectful of others and their experiences. Avoid making excessive noise, and be mindful of your actions that may impact others’ experiences negatively. This includes things like smoking in non-designated areas, blocking views with large groups, and cutting in line. Remember, we’re all there to enjoy the beauty of the park, so let’s do so in a considerate and respectful way.

For some eco-friendly adventure inspiration, these 90-plus ideas will help to keep your exploration kinder to the place you roam.

9. Support the Park

Lastly, one of the best ways to show your appreciation for national parks is to support them. Consider making a donation or purchasing merchandise from the park’s gift shop. This helps to fund the park’s upkeep and preservation efforts, ensuring that it remains a beautiful and accessible destination for generations to come.

In conclusion, visiting a national park is an incredible experience, but it’s important to do so ethically and responsibly. By following these tips, you can help preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure that it remains a destination for future generations. So get out there, explore, and have fun, but always remember to leave no trace and be mindful of your impact on the environment and others. Happy exploring!

A guest post from Jase at Roaming Vegans

Jase is a tireless traveller who has explored the world through a vegan lens. With a deep appreciation for animal rights and ethical travel, his adventures have taken him to far-flung destinations where he has immersed himself in local cultures and cuisines. You can read more from Jase and his travels on his blog.