5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety
Trail cleanups can be a powerful way for families to give back and connect with nature at the same time. With little ones in tow, safety and simplicity are key. Whether joining a group event or picking up trash on your usual stroll, this guide offers practical tips to help make your next cleanup effort safe, age-appropriate, and meaningful for everyone involved.
Winters can be hard on trails. Many will need both cleanup and maintenance come springtime. You can contact your local or state park system to see if they have anything planned, or you can plan your own trail cleanup hike with your Hike it Baby branch! Hike it Baby offers lots of information on organizing a trail cleanup, and safety is a consideration when participating in a trail cleanup. Some of these things may seem like common sense, but it’s always nice to double check your preparedness whenever you try something new (or for the first time in a while).
5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety
1. Bring proper cleanup supplies Certain supplies will come in handy during a trail cleanup. This would include gloves, trash grabbers and bags. It’s a good idea to have the littles carry the trash bag instead of picking up trash. They may not know what they should and shouldn’t touch.
2. Work in pairs or groups Sticking together and staying in communication with the organizer are very important. Make sure you have a charged cell phone or walkie-talkie with you. A compass could also come in handy if you're off the beaten path. Make sure someone knows exactly what area your group will be working in. Check in often with the organizer and stay close to your partner or group. Or, if you're hosting the hike, help the group stay together and communicate the meet up locations and times.
3. Bring your normal safety supplies All normal hiking injuries can occur on a trail cleanup. In fact, after winter, the trail will likely be in worse shape than usual, so be prepared. Make sure you pack your typical first aid kit, plus plenty of water and snacks.
4. Give the kiddos simple tasks The concept of trail cleanup is super important to share with our kids beginning at a young age as it teaches them to be stewards for our trails and parks. It’s even better to reinforce as they get older. That being said, not every trail cleanup is organized with young children in mind. If attending a hike organized by another group or parks department, speak to the cleanup organizer before deciding whether or not you will bring young children.
Make sure there will be tasks suitable for their age and ability. With supervision and proper gloves and grabbers, tiny people are great at holding trash bags, spying trash, and they love to use trash grabbers! Older kids can also be great to pair with younger kids. If hosting your own hike, make sure you communicate what supplies to bring and provide safety tips during Welcome Circle.
5. Use caution Don't ever touch anything sharp or lift anything too heavy. While you will typically feel totally awesome after participating in a trail cleanup, you might not if you cut yourself and get an infection. After winter, there could be trees or large branches across the trail. Don’t try to be the hero and lift something too heavy on your own. Even professional bodybuilders use a spotter to lift.
Bring a notepad with you and document anything you can’t handle. Then give this list to the trail cleanup organizer so that the proper crew can address it. (Or, if you're hosting, contact the parks department with the information.) For toddlers and little kids, have them spot the trash ("I spy!") instead of picking it up. This will ensure they aren't picking up anything dangerous or unsanitary.
What are your safety tips for trail cleanup? Have a question about safety while participating in a trail cleanup? Leave a comment or a question below!
Read More:
11 Tips for Safety on Trail
3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know
Photos by Vong Hamilton. Hike it Baby hikes are hosted by volunteers who have no professional training and are not experts to guide families on hikes. They are people who want to raise a generation to love the outdoors and they accomplish this by facilitating outings for all to join. Our tips are gathered from collective experience. As with any physical activity, please be sure to check with your healthcare provider and other experts when hiking with your children.
About OutGrown
OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org.
Editor’s Note
Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families.
Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions.
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This past year has wrought a lot of change in my life. Last September, I had just read about Hike it Baby and joined the group, but considered myself too much of a novice to participate in a 30-mile Challenge. Growing up, I had been an outdoor kid. However, I found that life as an adult was sedentary and lived indoors. My kids changed all that. I knew that staying sane would mean getting outside and often.
My very first HiB30 Challenge was November 2015. I wasn't even sure if I was capable of walking 30 miles; let alone adding two children into the mix. Graham had just turned 2 and Warren was barely 4 months. I didn't care how I acquired the miles. We strolled a lot. I avoided having to tandem carry. We walked to the grocery store or library. I conned my child into his snowsuit for outdoor play. Approximately a quarter of our hikes were kid-led. Graham walked about 7 of the 30 miles. I was ridiculously proud of him. I was also hooked.
January and April led to a shift in my way of looking at the Challenge. For the January challenge, we focused on minutes outside. Snow play was the order of this challenge. Graham and Warren were both increasing their desire to move independently, and I wanted to encourage that. We played outside a lot and ended up only acquiring 12 miles. 
April was similar with the exception that our mileage dramatically increased. We topped out the month with 27 miles. What made me happiest, however, was seeing how much more Graham had wanted to walk. He walked 16 miles that challenge. The miles that I was most proud of were the ones he had conquered for himself. By April, I was no longer focused on stroller walks or avoiding tandem carrying the boys. The majority of our hikes were kid-led or on the trail. I recruited family and friends to hike with us if I thought I would need help. I was more confident, both in my children and in my abilities.
As September challenge kicks into gear I'm focusing more on tailoring the Challenge to each kid. Graham, now 3, is becoming a powerhouse walker. We just hiked a segment of the Ice Age Trail with our Hike it Baby family and he walked all but a smidgen of the 3 miles. Warren, at a year, is also walking part of this Challenge; Graham and I will be adjusting our pace for some of our walks. This means that our mileage will probably drop, but even if we don't make 30, these two little dudes will be empowered to get out there.
I really think that as parents we balance our needs and our children's needs in order to make sure that everyone has enough. As my kids have grown I've taken the HiB30 Challenge and focused on what works best for each of them. I know that if I need to acquire miles for my own health and wellness, I can do that while encouraging their health as well. Each challenge that I've participated in has been different, difficult and exhilarating in its own way. Find a way to make this one your own.
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