Just wondering how the trail is between Winding Stair gap and Hot Springs NC? How does it compare to Springer-Winding Stair? Also, will I have to worry about deer hunters between Winding Stair and Fontana Dam? If so I guess it would be a good idea to wear orange so I don’t get shot like the girl did last Feb. near Suches, GA.
Nooga
I will be continuing my section hike from Standing Indian Mountain to Fontana Dam the third week in October. I had an hunter orange pack cover last Octber but I admit I didn’t use it last year because there was a fair amount of traffic on the trail and no one else wore hunter’s orange. BUT, I think I will take a couple seconds a morning (after that young girl and another hiker further north) were both shot this past season to use it this trip.
Zydecajun
For what it’s worth, according to Wingfoot only ONE AT hiker has been shot by a hunter in the history of the AT. Considering the millions of hikers your odds of being hurt by a hunter are so low it’s ridiculous to worry about it.
On the AT, many people have been struck by lightning, dozens have died of falls, scores have died of hypothermia. (How many dozen people have frozen to death on MT. Washington alone??)
If you use your head, the AT is relatively safe. If you want to wear orange or another bright color, go ahead, it couldn’t hurt, I suppose.
Colter