If only the world was like hiking...

[JoeWras]

We only do day hikes. Because of that, people do not need to relieve themselves, and we are spared of the "scary TP sight".

I've seen a surprising amount of crappy TP, or just plain piles, on the trails in the Great Smokies national park, mostly on trails less than 7 miles in length that are very much populated by day hikers. Granted, this is usually just beyond the typical turn back point (usually about 3 miles) where there's a waterfall, so the crap point is usually only from pass-throughs or hardy day hikers.

 

[Ronstar]

I've hiked parts of the AT, PCT, CDT, and several dozen other trails across the US and I have not yet seen human feces or toilet paper from other hikers. But I very seldom leave the trail. I suspect (and hope) that those who relieve themselves do so a ways off trail and bury it.

 

[MuirWannabe]

I've hiked parts of the AT, PCT, CDT, and several dozen other trails across the US and I have not yet seen human feces or toilet paper from other hikers. But I very seldom leave the trail. I suspect (and hope) that those who relieve themselves do so a ways off trail and bury it.

Campgrounds and tent sites are notorious. Watch where you pitch your tent [emoji90]

 

[NW-Bound]

^^^ Another reason I have never camped in tent. Motorhome for me.

 

[JoeWras]

I've hiked parts of the AT, PCT, CDT, and several dozen other trails across the US and I have not yet seen human feces or toilet paper from other hikers. But I very seldom leave the trail. I suspect (and hope) that those who relieve themselves do so a ways off trail and bury it.

What I've seen a few times in the Great Smokies is people with their legs on the trail and their butt just off the trail. Well, at least forensically that's what I imagine. I.e. the TP and stuff is just off on the trail side. Lots of trail areas are cut out from the mountainside so there can be miles without any decent off-trail excursion possibilities.