Im sure many of us have read the concerns of future thru-hikers to possible dangers while on the AT. I remember one such thru-hiker, a female who said that she was followed up the trail by a strange man after crossing a trail head parking area. She was able to out hike him even with gear.
Can any of you Thru-hikers give us any advise or trail wisdom as to Safety issues while out there, and what to avoid?
Cross
Screamer was the first really weird guy we met with one high top tennis shoe on one foot and a leather work boot on the other without laces. We said three words…we blew the pop stand. Found out later that he was just a drifter, but cool. Apollo and Man in the Moon passed a dead guy in the trunk of a car…one girl I know got stalked, she ditched him. Hike in small groups or with a friend. Camp off trail if you think you are vulnerable. Just use common sense and avoid anyone you think to be not your type. You’ll be fine. The magority of “odd” people are just like you, a little off in there own way and when you get to know them they’re fine. You will meet some groupies also. Just out hike them or change pace. It’s like college or Animal House. One biiiiig party. Enjoy it 'cause it won’t last long.
Bushwhack
I think the best thing to take with you is a large dose of Common Sense. Just a few do’s and don’ts that I aspire to are:
(1) Don’t camp near roads where vehicles can get in close. The closest I’ve ever camped to an access road was a mile or so and maybe that’s too close…I usually pick up the step when I cross these areas as well.
(2) Keep signing the logs and books that you come upon on the trail and in the shelters. God forbid you’d have an injury …but you’d be easier to track if you left a record (but not a lot of info on where you’re goin…just where you’ve been).
(3) Leave an intinerary with someone you trust…I actually have more fun by myself…you do run into AT crazies…but it’s usually the good kind of crazy…the kind of crazy I am…the other scary crazies you can dodge and stay away from…camp is eay to break…and for the most part you can hide and do stealth camping when necessary.
See ya on the trail.
Doc Holiday
Here are some note worthy trail safety stops for new solos and for pairs and groups as well. The trail functions as a grape vine of sorts. Messages travel between hikers and other hikers watch out for each other sometimes fiercly. Establish a small “pod”, or “Howdy Train”. Just a group of hikers that you trust that have the same relative speed and plans. If you like it quiet you don’t have to camp WITH them but you will pass eachother during the day and that often helps others to know where you are. We hung with about ten thru hikers and some section folks and by the half way point everyone in the chain knows you and where you are. If you don’t show on time they will come and find you. Unless you slept in the ditch in the rain, I-40, then you get what you deserve. Make your town stops in small groups and also returning to the trail so someone doesn’t follow a single person back. And don’t be afraid of asking a stranger in a car for help, or to go get help. Pretty much all people, except for the NY area, will recognise a hiker. If you have trouble you’ll get more help than you need. Even passing a message to a faster hiker. You could have help at your 20 faster than you think. Also watch your topos. Plenty of side trails and roads to take if you want to loose a person. Above all, listen to your little voice that says something isn’t right. Your new friends will come to your aid, as they did for me. sniff
Bushwhack
Seems to me that the greatest defense of women out on the trail was an unwritten code amoung the menfolk of the trail. I can remember being obtuse and misinformed if I felt someone was trying to get too close to a female hiker.
I think that this unwritten code of conduct greatly enhances the safety of women.
I pray it continues.
Mr. Boo
I know what your saying Boo and your right. We males have been culturally learned to protect the opposite gender only Im sure many women out there can handle most situations on there own. It seems that women have an added fear of solo hiking the AT but I wonder if this fear is totally unreal.
Considering the social bonds that exist withen the AT community.
Cross
Cross
I certainly agree with Mr Boo that the males hiking the trail tend to lookout for and support the females. If you feel unsafe or need support of any kind just ask another hiker and they will willingly help you. When hitching you should try to ‘link-up’ with another hiker. I wouldn’t recommend that females hitch alone.
Downunda