It’s sad that people like this scumbag taint the AT with such actions. Here’s a link to “Man faces charges of assault on AT hiker”: http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/160510
Ozone
Another assault on the AT
system
#3
the world is going to sh&t… how about love one another and respect each other… I feel sorry the girl…
ASWAH
aswah
system
#4
I don’t think reflects negatively on the trail, I think it is more of a clash with the world SURROUNDING the trail. We might like to romanticize the AT, but it is a narrow corridor in a wide world, and we all need to exercise caution and judgment when we leave one for the other. I don’t understand the mentality of these depraved sociopaths that take advantage of others’ trust, and I am certainly not suggesting any responsibility on the part of this unfortunate woman, but I wouldn’t have hitched at the Troutville interchange. It is a busy area with a lot of non-local traffic. We should take advantage of shuttle services in non-rural trail communities where this type of thing is apt to occur, and trust our instincts. The P.O. is only a mile from the trail; if the dude is sketchy, walk it.
Dethmarch
system
#5
my heart goes out to this hiker…how i pray she’ll find the help, comfort and strength to rise above this evil…
and i continue to pray for the safety of ALL my fellow hikers…and if not safety, then at least the faith to continue to seek and find the Good in this world…it IS still out there!
maw-ee
system
#6
People make me sick. So much selfishness in society to offer an admirable thing and turn it into such a aweful thing. The trail is welcoming and friendly, you loose sight that the world isn’t. Sad days we live in. Friends be safe and keep your judgement! If you see shady day hikers/town stop local let it be known. As for the assaulter, I say make him walk the AT for the rest of his life with shackles and steel pants on. I vote for the trail name “therapist” aka “the rapist” this hummiliation for a life time on the trail would be appropriate for this guy.
Water Dog
system
#8
ladies and gents alike…
yes, i agree- this epoisode is very sick and highly uncalled for.
i also trust one exercises personal caution whenever possible…
never hitch solo.
peace.
leslie
system
#9
Leslie is absolutely right. After what happened in Georgia and now this, women should hitch with another hiker, and try to hike around someone. I hate to limit people’s rights and freedoms, but it’s better than an unfortunate alternative.
Even in the friendly south with all the good hospitality, always stay cautious!
A-Train