For off-trail hiking, a hiker relies on tools such as topographical maps, a compass and a GPS unit, rather than following a trail.
[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] This article about outdoor recreation is a stub.
You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.