Keep it Simple! When planning your trail, figure out the true trail first and then decide where to put intersections and the beer/beverage stop.
Keep it Safe! Don't set a trail that requires the pack to scale fences, cliffs, or dangerous terrain. Hashing on railroad tracks isn't too bright either.
Keep it Interesting! Most hounds do not want to run long, straight trails. Set numerous ontersections, check backs, and other diversions on your trail.
Keep it Interesting (Part 2) If you're starting at a well hashed location, find a way to make it different than previous hashes. There are plenty of fields, woods, parking garages, and industrial areas in the downtown area. The Kahuna hash tries to always end up where we start.
Keep it Interesting (Part 3)! If you liked last week's trail, don't copy it this week! Wait a few weeks, and then try to incorporate the cool parts into an entirely new trail.
Keep the Pack Together! Intersections, beer stops, and check backs all force the front running bastards to slow down, allowing the slower hounds to catch up. Being part of the pack is much more fun than running alone!
Do Not Run Trail Back Across Itself! Crossing trail can lead to the hounds either getting lost or missing whole stretches of your trail because they turned the wrong way. Crossing trail tends to confuse and anger all the hounds and can ruin an otherwise great trail.
Don't Hide Your Trail Markings! There is nothing worse than wandering around in the dark (or alone) because trail has disappeared. The goal is to find the true trail and the On-Home, not spend ten minutes searching for the next pile of flour. This, too, will make the hounds very angry.
Use Plenty of Trail Markings! "When you think you've laid enough flour, lay twice as much!" Generally every 20-30 feet works. As a rule, you shouldn't run past more than two telephone poles without leaving a trail mark.
Beer/Beverage Check The pack expects to have a beer/beverage stop on trail. One is perfect for Monday nites. Include some water, soda and beer. Give non-beer drinkers an option.
Don't Screw the Pack! If your trail requires something special from the pack, let us know ahead of time! If there is a theme, a need for flashlights, a water hazard, or other special requirements; let us know a few days ahead of time so we can come prepared.
Save the Workout For the Gym! If you fancy yourself an average-to-good runner, you are probably a better runner than most of us! A quick jaunt for you can easily turn into a death march for the pack. Try to keep your trail down to a 3-4 miles, and designed so that even a walker can finish it in 1.5 hours. Generally, your trail is well set when the DFL enjoyed it as much as everyone else. If you feel you need more exercise, then go to the gym or try jogging to the hash instead of driving your car. If the FRBs need a better workout on hash nite they can do a warm up run.
Be Ready For Hares-Away on Time! You may have to wait a few minutes for the hounds to get organized, but the pack should never have to wait on the hares Hares leave at exactly 6:45, Always! Make sure you bring flour, chalk and everything else you'll need on trail. Don't forget, hares should bring enough chalk to hand out to hounds who want it!
Remember Hashers Only Have Half a Mind! If a hound has to use more than that to decipher a trail or a vlue, then he WILL get it wrong. When you think you have a really clever idea you want to use, try explaining it to a five-year-old first and see if he can figure it out.
Realize that the rest of your kennel may have different expectations and athletic abilities than you do. Try to ensure that your trails have a little something for everyone, and are not just your idea of the "perfect trail."