nope

All the time. I think it's because I hike outside of my small town, though. I might not do it as much if I start hiking in the city after I move.

Haha you can tell this is an American based web site. In Canada no one would even bother to make a poll like this, I have yet to go for a run and not say hi or get a hi back from a fellow runner or walker. Though I assume small towns and what not in the US are the same.

Saying hello doesn't mean you're trying to make friends, but if you're in the woods for six hours and encounter ONE other person the whole time, it seems a bit rude to just completely ignore them. I always smile and say hello!

I started hiking when I was living in Japan and EVERYONE is a "trail talker" as you put it. It's just a never ending string of Konnichiwas when you're going up the mountains. I loved it so I kept the habit (^_^). I think generally people like getting acknowledged, no?

i don't i can't say hello, its just in my nature, as someone walk by like that.

Halfbakedjake - that is SO not true about Canadians. I'm from Toronto and I'm the world's most anti-social jogger! I never acknowledge other people because I'm too consumed by my music and movements. Canadians really aren't that friendly in my opinion. Or at least not that much friendlier than Americans!

I always make fun of my father because he stops to talk to EVERYONE when he walks the dog. I think most people find him a little TOO friendly and social.

no, it feel wierd. and don't think people would understand. i would. i'd think what did she want? cause i'm usually wearing my headphones. i'm whole other world.

Lo Lo,

My apologies, and I really don't mean to sound rude, but in the eyes of many Canadians (certainly us east coasters) Toronto is not "typical" Canada haha...I've lived in Halifax, New Brunswick, Vancouver, Victoria, and traveled a lot of place in between, and have to say on a whole we're a pretty friendly bunch. Anytime I've visited the states (mind you, usually to the bigger cities) I've found them a lot more alienating and unwelcoming. But again, thats just one person's opinion.

I don't usually say Hi unless they do, but I will nod some sort of acknowledgment.

if i were out hiking & came across just a few people in a few hours, i'd probably say hi. but i run at a lake near my house & there are just too many people to say hi to. there's always someone running the other way every few seconds, people ahead or behind me. it's pretty crowded. if i said hi to everyone i came across, i'd never be able to catch my breath.

When I lived in santa barbara I hiked, but now I live in 'beautiful' los angeles, and not so much any more...

I always say hi or at least smile, and nothing ruins my run/walk/bike/whatever faster than when you do smile or say hi and the person just looks at you coldly and doesn't respond. I love friendly joggers!

I love friendly people and I always try to be friendly myself.

I know what you mean kadams, I hate it when I say Hi or smile and the person looks at me coldly for being friendly!

I usually say hi or wave to other people that I see running when I'm running. Or if I'm out walking my dog, I say hi to other people that are out in their yards while I walk by. Then again, I live in a small, friendly city. When I lived in a bigger city, people weren't generally as friendly.

of course! why not?

You gotta at least nod to acknowledge someone else when you are out of breath. I love talking people up especially on hikes if they are curious about the flora and fauna.

Sometimes. If we happen to make eye contact, yes, I would politely nod or smile.

If there's eye contact involved, yes. If the other person flies by or has their head down I don't shout after them. I don't make it a point to say hi to every.single.person I cross. But if we happen to see each other then I'll give a smile or hello.

I NEVER say anything, or acknowledge other people when they are exercising or walking by. I am a rather diffident fellow, so it's not in my nature to do so. I come across as being surly and do not care enough to disabuse other people of that notion. A person has to literally buttonhole me to get me to say anything to them. My father on the other hand is the byword for bonhomie. His gregarious nature lends itself to making friends easily, so outings with him tend to be protracted with all the meet and greets we end up doing. That's why I prefer to exercise alone, people don't generally expect anything out of me!

If people smile at me, nod or say hi, I respond back. If they walk by and pretend like I'm not there, I return the favor. I appreciate kindness and politeness, but I'm kind of shy, so someone else has to initiate it. I love giving smiles, though!

Always I smile & sometimes also tilt up my hand as a quick wave. Everyone's friendly in my neighborhood.

I did wave & grin across a 4-lane-with-median street the other day at a HOT shirtless jogger. LMAO I thought that was pretty funny. What can I say, his chocolate Lab puppy was cuuuuuuute!

*cough*

I agree with halfbakedjake. As an American living abroad, when my husband and I are hiking, you don't think twice about saying hello. I'm sure it actually perceived as rude if you don't give a polite hello and smile as you pass by. Why wouldn't you?

In the UK, everyone does as far as I know, whther you're cycling, walking the dog or running (in which case a nod is sometimes as much as I can manage.) It's only polite!

I agree that it's only polite! When I go hiking in France, Austria or Switzerland, it's common that you say Bonjour/Grüss Gott. Besides, maybe you get into an accident or something on the hill or mountain and you need help. Then you'd be glad you were friendly to other hikers.