The Trail Blazers put together, in conjunction with the Forest Service, a brochure called The Off Trail Challenge. We’re trying to get the FS to post it at trail heads to give it a higher profile:
When you step off a wilderness trail and head out cross-country, you are leaving a path built for the convenience of hikers like yourself. Just a few feet outside the trail corridor you will enter a wild and often inhospitable landscape. Here you will find no alterations to the terrain intended to make travel and camping easier, no signs pointing the way. This is no-trace country! Don’t mark your path. In the pathless wilderness “routes” should stay in your head or on a map, not on the ground or by leaving flagging everywhere. When you go, be prepared and take essential items to survive in conditions that might not be favorable, and know your limitations. Remember you’re entering a last remnant of wild America. Treat it with respect. If we all strive to leave no sign of our visit, it will remain permanently untamed for all to enjoy.