Crime rate - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

all this talk of cell phones and protecting oneself… what is the crime rate on the trail? seems i’ve heard it is safer than the town i live in - fondly referred to as “happy valley.” am i under a wrong impression?

hephzibah

#2

Hey Hep, From everything I’ve read and heard the crime rate on the trail is extremely low. And your traveling during a time where you’ll have a lot of company.

BearKat

#3

Generally it is low, there have been 10 murders in last 30 years on the trail. And most of those involved COUPLES not single hikers. The one exception is that vandalism to cars is VERY HIGH if left at trail crossings on a road. Simply don’t do it for day or section hikes. Repeat, don’t park you car near a trailhead if you are dayhiking or section hiking unless it is well protected. They were having almost every car vandalized on PA Rt 16 where the AT crosses it. Park your car in a very public place and get someone to take you to the trailhead instead of parking your car along the road or in a isolated spot.

schikerbiker

#4

Hephzibah, we discussed this over at WhiteBlaze. You might find the discussions helpful. I hope it’s okay to post a link to the threads. http://whiteblaze.net/forum/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=18173&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

Wander Yonder

#5

Don’t know how to edit my post, so will add that I’ve researched it pretty carefully. If you stay away from shelters near road crossings, and don’t camp alone within sight of the trail, I consider it very safe.

The best advice is follow your instincts, and if you get an uneasy feeling about staying somewhere, don’t question it. Just move on. :slight_smile:

Wander Yonder

#6

Hey Hep,

You live in the “happy valley”? Perhaps there are many happy valleys, but I also live in the “happy valley”… in Massachusetts. Maybe it’s just a coincidence.

-b

boot

#7

There would be a dramatic rise in crime on the AT if; You could charge rain and snow with assalt, convict vermon of theft, or fine hikers for vegrancy. Until then your pretty safe from everything but the stench.

heald

#8

yeah boot - mine is the happy valley of collegedale, tn. =)

thanks wander yonder - i’ll check out that link!

hephzibah

#9

Whats up Heald! I am in Damascus, home of the Felonius crust. It started with the snow today. Big Fat wet flakes. Guess your at Neels still.

Whatsupppppppppp!

bono

#10

you slackin’ again? Seeing if you can make more hero days than trail days? Wait 'till May and you can help set up the booth. We have dinner for Friday night, bring the Gas-Ex and your hunger.:smiley:

Bushwhack