You're ready for an adventure. You want to explore nature. Good for you. But hiking is not always about you.

It might sound harsh, but it's a fact.

You are stepping into a beautiful area you didn't create, so treat it with respect. You are sharing the hike with others, including wildlife.

So here's some tips on hiking etiquette. I live by these, when I go on a trail.

Do not leave ANY trash. I can't tell you how many times I've been on a hike, and people leave food, water bottles, Kleenex, etc. Bring a plastic bag, and pick up after yourself. I also try to carry a plastic bag, so I can pick up other people's trash.
Do not carve into trees, or write on rocks with pen, marker, or chalk. Preserve the outdoors. Do not leave your mark on something that isn't yours.
Keep music low in headphones. Do not play music loud on bluetooth speakers. Do not talk on the phone (if you even have service). Hikers enjoy the sounds and sights of the outdoors, and want to get away from the city. Blaring your music is disrespectful.
Bringing your dog? Clean up after them. Simple as that. You will ruin a hiker's day if they step in your dog's poop because you're too lazy to pick it up.

Lastly, these are tips on how to share the trail with other hikers.

Hikers going uphill have the right of way. Every time. If someone going up needs to take a breather and rest, it's fine to go first. But, hikers climbing back down should stop for those going up the incline. Remember how tough it was to go up a difficult hike, so let them go before you.
Slower hikers should let others pass them. This is just something I started doing, because I like to move slow and steady. I also don't like to feel pressured by more experienced hikers. Some like to time how fast they complete a hike.