The Pacific Crest Trail, on the other hand, was originally an equestrian trail, and pack animals still take priority over hikers in terms of right of way and etiquette. I did find that I got confused while leaving the trail to pee, so I always left my pack beside the trail. It is all perspective. Although relatively safe, the same is true for hiking the Appalachian Trail. If a bear comes sniffing around at night, you don’t want your food near. Why does everyone think I should carry a gun?! You all have heard that before I’m sure! You want to be able to hear. I get horrified looks from so many people, and the big “Isn’t that dangerous?? Follow your first instinct. The Appalachian trail winds through areas that have abundant wildlife. If you see a bear or snake, back off and let it be. I tend to travel much emptier spaces than the AT and may not see people for days at a time if my luck holds out. Not you. Our Tax ID number: 526046689. In the morning, two hikers came along and found him. There are many considerations, such as climate, terrain and wildlife. It can take up to 7 months of your life to complete the Appalachian Trail, and there are not a whole lot of people out there willing to sacrifice that much of their lives to a hike. Robbery / Rape / Murder: Indeed there has been some violence on the Appalachian Trail, including murders, which I outlined in this post about murder on the Appalachian Trail. Snakes will normally only attack a human if they are provoked. There’s really no magical way to reassure family members other than to just go hiking and come back in one piece. Another hiker on another day may attempt the same section in atrocious, wet and slippery conditions, meaning that their perception of that section will be different. Coyotes don’t want to get close to you either. Attacks on humans are extremely rare. Be aware of this feature if you ever do get lost. Two years ago I met the love of my life on the Appalachian Trail. It may not be a case of: should you do it alone. If you have any advice on safety please let me know! Contact | Privacy Policy. If you naturally gravitate toward these people because it feels safer, then by all means do so. In North America, one mountain range which has a long history steeped in the inexplicable and bizarre is the... Read more » People all across the nation enjoy hiking and one of those trails being the Appalachian Trail. But the things you should protect yourself against fall into a different Venn circle than that of mom’s concerns. Appalachian Mountains - Appalachian Mountains - Plant and animal life: From Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Mountain system was once almost totally covered with forest. The nonpoisonous snakes that inhabit the Appalachian Trail include garter snakes, black snakes, corn snakes andwater snakes. To be out on the trail without navigational equipment or expertise, and to be inadequately prepared for rapid changes in weather are the biggest dangers you will face (along with ticks, although preparation takes care of them as well!). I’ve never even shot a gun! It was brightly colored and easy to spot. (Backpacking FAQ). https://trailandsummit.com/how-dangerous-is-hiking-the-appalachian-trail Many backpacks have a safety whistle built in on the clip of the sternum strap. It is estimated that close to three million visitors are hiking the Appalachian Trail to some degree. You’ll have gnats swarming your face, mosquitos biting your legs, spiders creeping around while you sleep. One of the most tragic cases on the trail involved the case of Rebecca Wight and Claudia Brenner. According to … Then to make things even harder, you will need to be aware of the different federal gun regulations relating to the different national parks. However, the incidence of such crimes is quite low relative to the millions of people that hike the trail each year. 7 Appalachian Trail Facts You Probably Don’t Know (but should) —————————— 1) How Does One Poop on The Appalachian Trail? I said YES! Most campsites are not very far off of the trail or they are on a side trail. Business ... “I knew that it was getting dangerous for people on the trail, and it was getting dangerous for him,” Norman said in a telephone interview Sunday. I’m writing this to show support to all you newbie hikers who have doubts filling your heads and want literally anything to say to your family and friends to make them shut up. So, it can be very confusing about whether or not you are fully cleared to carry your firearm on the trail with you. I wouldn’t worry too much. If you do surprise one of these poisonous snakes, do not freeze. It would then disappear without a trace into the night. I started to think there were maybe monsters in the woods that people weren’t allowed to tell me about…you know, like in the horror films there’s always someone who tries to warn the kids off before they go to the cabin/camp/whatever. The first did not occur until 1974, when a man was killed in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. It's more like a mini Appalachian Trail (I mean it's a tree tunnel) with the maximum height of 930 meters, (3050 ft.) and the maximum distance to walk is 25 km (15.5 miles). Be vigilant, and do not share your plans openly with strangers. You will likely encounter bears and snakes, and probably hear a pack of coyotes. However, every year many people die doing an activity they love, and it can be all too easy to overlook the dangers that you can face out on the trail. Animals. Just sweep your hands through your hair and over your body. Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Final thoughts on thru-hiking and safety…. Despite the almost playful nature of these reports, the Snarly Yow has been known to be violent and attack people without provocation. So if anyone talks about things that happen in scary movies I’d laugh at them and ask how “blonde are those roots!” (No offense to blonde haired folks. While her story is certainly a tragedy and I hope that her family finds solace one day, I would say that female solo hikers are not necessarily in very much danger while hiking. Bestselling author Jen Beck Seymour thru-hiked the trail in 2017, and she … The trail takes in the 6,289-foot summit of Mount Washington, heading up and down for about 100 miles of tricky, steep and rocky terrain. That being said, it is not surprising that hikers take from 5 to 7 months to cross it. Contracting Lyme disease is unlikely if you find the tick early. Practical, not alarmist – really fine work. These wild hogs are a growing threat and can live in a wide range of habitats. Last updated:January 6, 2021 Sharing is caring! While these species of bear are generally timid around humans and tend to avoid confrontation, there are some things you should be aware of for your own safety. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are far too many mammals, birds, reptiles, … Even in the late 19th century, the furthest east the grizzly bears were found were the present-day states of North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. Like all the other animals you will encounter, these poisonous snakes will only be dangerous when surprised or cornered. It’s not an ideal way to navigate back to safety, but it’s better than nothing. This weekend we took it back to where it all began on day three of my thru hike. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) One case of the rare but dangerous rodent-borne disease hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has been reported on the Trail. But I’ve never felt like I was going to be the victim of a violent crime. You will go off the trail a short ways to camp and pee. Another common cause of snake bite is human unawareness. Threat Level: Your gut is your best guide. Appalachian Trail Animals The Appalachian Trail traverses the habitat of 74 species of amphibians, 233 species of birds, 83 species of mammals and 45 species of reptiles. It adds extra weight to your pack, and as a thru-hiker, you are going to be scrutinizing every single ounce you take with you. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely been times when I’ve been sexually harassed on the Appalachian Trail and that sucks. Related: How To Hike The Appalachian Trail Alone Safely; Remember that, especially if you’re a newbie hiker, the Appalachian Trail is arduous – whether taken in sections or as a multi-month long thru hike. There are numerous species of tick in every single state the trail passes through, and the most common disease they carry is Lyme disease. And it has become so popular that 3 million people a year step foot on it, in some form or another. It takes particular joy in frightening hikers on a remote trail. Learn more about me here. When I did my Wilderness First Responder certification, my instructor told us that most snake bites happen to intoxicated young men. If you feel threatened, try to connect with another group of hikers as quickly as possible. Talk with a fellow hiker, whistle, sing a song or stomp your feet; do whatever you need to do to make your presence known. Animals . It is an old perception that it is not safe for women to be alone, but there are countless adventurous women who hit the trails everyday as solo travelers. “Are you bringing a gun?” “A gun?! You’ll probably just meet lots of friendly people who want to chat and hear about your trip. The Appalachian Trail is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including 2,000 rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species. This Complete Hiking the Appalachian Trail Blog has some of the best Appalachian Trail thru hike tips and information you will need to successfully complete your AT thru hike 2021. Dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail. With snakes and spiders, that‘s another story. First, we should cover ticks – as tick-borne diseases pose the largest risk to human health while hiking the Appalachian Trail. This is a bit of a subjective one, based upon different hikers, their experience and prevailing conditions at the time of the hike. The latest killing happened on the 11th of May, 2019, when a deranged man attacked a group of four hikers with a knife. However, these animals have no interest in being around you. The chances are good that you are going to stumble across a black bear or two while on the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail (or the A.T.) is one of the longest footpaths in the world. The creature sometimes chases cars down the road before disappearing. Lyme disease is a real danger in many regions along the Appalachian Trail. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. I sincerely appreciate you sharing it. While visiting Franconia Notch in New Hampshire's White Mountain State Park, I saw a young lady hitchhiking near the Appalachian Trail. 3 comments . Even before the arrival of humans in America, grizzly bears did not populate the eastern side of the continent. The nonpoisonous snakes that inhabit the Appalachian Trail include garter snakes, black snakes, corn snakes andwater snakes. I agree, for every tragedy, there are thousands of happy, cheerful hiking stories of people who went out there, had a great time, and came back safe. Do not move through the forest in ninja stealth mode. Verizon has good service along the Appalachian Trail, and I recommend using them as your service provider. Another tricky section appears in the form of Baxter State Park and the ascent of Katahdin, the longest continual ascent on the whole trail. Utilize the bear boxes and bear hangs at the shelters. However, on average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day. You will spend time hiking with people you have met, and there will be other groups around the place. Check in often. It is estimated that close to three million visitors are hiking the Appalachian Trail to some degree. Hello! If you are in rattlesnake country, then it could be a good idea to remove your earphones. Postholer.Com Resource for Hikers. Once you’re in the woods, every thing sort of looks the same and it’s difficult to get your bearings in relation to anything. The Appalachian Trail stretches more than 2,000 miles along the US East Coast. I think women especially have concerns about hiking solo, particularly in regards to running into creepy men while we’re hiking all alone. The iconic end of the trail for Northbounders and the beginning for Southbounders. Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions. Parking at trailheads on the Appalachian Trail. Driving to the starting point is probably the most dangerous part of any expedition. I’ve never even shot a gun! You are going to pass through some areas (particularly in Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) where there are large black bear populations. You might see a Rattle Snake or Copper Head on the trail, and it will take it’s sweet time moving along. Between the hikers and the rescuers they got him out. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Getting injured in the backcountry means that you likely have to hike out to a road to get help or wait for rescuers if it’s a big injury. Whether you are just going for a quick two-hour jaunt or are hiking the Appalachian Trail, there is always plenty to see. A willingness to trudge, in Bryson's case, the full length of the Appalachian Trail, some 2,160 miles, from Springer Mountain, in Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, in Maine. It’s not Leave No Trace anyway if you’re walking around off the trail. The PATC maintains trails, shelters and cabins, and they make maps and guidebooks for outdoor adventurers. The FT often traverses ranch lands, and hiking season is also calving season. Acts of kindness and "trail magic" are so common on the A.T. that it's easy to forget you could encounter someone who does not have your best interest at heart or who may even seek to harm you. I may just print a bunch of copies of this post out and hand them to people when they ask Thanks for this! And as far as your water filtering equipment goes, I didn’t treat my water ever and I was fine. Dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail. It is not an easy trail. I have learned not to camp too close to babbling brooks because my ears will play tricks on me. You just have to get out there and see for yourself that it’s not scary. Henry David Thoreau famously climbed it in the 1800's. Here’s what you’re working with: Venomous snakes (NOT POISONOUS- venom refers to an injected toxin, poison is used for topical, ingested or inhaled toxins) Timber Rattlesnake; Northern Copperhead; Water Moccasin (aka Cottonmouth) Venomous spiders Whether you are just going for a quick two-hour jaunt or are hiking the Appalachian Trail, there is always plenty to see. You will also be forced onto some not-so-hot sections of eroded trail with high exposure. Sometimes the completion of such an undertaking can be a life-changing experience, giving people the confidence to go about their lives in a more determined manner. If you are still being kept awake by the prospect of a bear attack, then maybe it is time to invest in some bear spray. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54wY04A8b5Y, 1 dead, 1 injured after knife attack on Appalachian Trail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54wY04A8b5Y), What To Do If You See A Coyote While on the trail, Are Freeze Dried Meals Healthy? Give animals space. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes inhabit Georgia and North Carolina. As long as you are competent and confident in your own abilities, there is no reason at all why you shouldn’t hike the Appalachian Trail alone. There are lots of people on the popular trails in Nepal, or you could hire a guide or join a guided group…you would be providing money to the local economy and would meet interesting people. The site includes articles, news and updates and hiking forums. Bring along a. Although the Appalachian Trail is safer than most places, it is not immune to criminal behavior-including crimes of violence. Does anyone have any fears I didn’t mention? With snakes and spiders, that‘s another story. It’s always helpful to keep a few Benadryl on hand in case you have an allergic reaction to a spider bite or anything else. So, just how dangerous is hiking the Appalachian Trail? 4 out of 5 crimes against women are by someone you know. At night on the trail we have heard coyotes hunting calves. 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