That moment you see a tempting shortcut on a brutal incline

Logan Campbell · 2026-03-03T03:15:42.497467+00:00

I was halfway up this insane ridge and spotted a game trail that bypassed the main path. Maybe it's just me, but taking it felt like cheating and damaging the route for future hikers. How do you deal with that urge to cut corners when you're wiped out?

paulw667mo ago

Yeah, patb12 has a point. It's a game trail, not fresh dirt. Animals pound it down daily. One tired hiker using it isn't causing erosion. That "cheating" feeling is just your brain being hard on you when your body needs a break.

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patb127mo ago

Honestly, is it that big a deal? Game trails exist because animals use them all the time, so your one hike probably won't hurt anything. That "cheating" feeling is just pride talking when your legs are screaming. Sometimes the smarter move is to just take the easier path and save your energy.

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harper_gibson27mo ago

But isn't @patb12 right that one hiker won't ruin a game trail? Why stress over a shortcut when you're already wiped out?

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