What makes thru hikers quit the trail the most? Is getting sick of the trail or injury if it is injury I will never make it of Springer.
boy who wannders
Dorp out rate - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
There have been countless post on this topic. However, as someone said, “There are always new people, with new ideas, and different views, that can add to the topic.”
I enjoy reading the journals of thru hikers. I can read how some struggle with getting sick and being injuried. I can read how some look like they are going to give up and then make it all the way. I read how some of them seem in great shape, good spirits, and great attitude and then something happens and they drop off the trail. I don’t look at it from what makes most quit. Just know that everyone has a different story, a different beginning and a different end. We can only HYOH. Everyone has struggles, I hope that you do make it to Springer as a SOBO. Or make it to Springer without injury as a NOBO.
Bilko
system
#3
The drop outs I saw in 02 were many.But I think bordem was a big one for some folks. Also the ever lasting worry that they were wasting time.Also a little homesickness. But injury was there also. But then again I saw folks with injuries and deaths in the family and a lot of them returned to finish that same year.
Virginian
system
#4
I saw quite a few people that had to drop out with leg injuries of some sort.
One guy’s girlfriend had a serious fall and was in the hospital so he went home.
Other people just go tired of it and spent so much time in towns it was like they weren’t really hiking anymore. Just enjoyed the trail culture.
For me, I got bit by a tick, got Ehrlichiosis and thought I was going to die until I went to the hospital and got the antiobiotics. I was so weak, walking was not an option and home I went.
I guess these are mostly stories of the later-on drop outs (as in over 500 or 1000 miles).
The early drop-outs seemed to be totally unprepared for being in the wilderness and had packs that were way too heavy.
Tell it like it is