~*~ Trail Concerns &
Issues ~*~
There are
numerous issues and concerns that backpackers face when on the trail. This is
meant to be a brief overview and is by no means an all inclusive list. The
picture to the right was taken out of the window of the Doyle Hotel in
Hiking
with Your 4 Legged Friend
Although hunters are rarely an issue for
NOBO hikers on the A.T., SOBO hikers need to be aware of the seasons, which can
being in mid-October. Hunting is legal along many
parts of the trail so wearing bright orange during hiking season is an absolute
must. You can find pack liners, vests and bandanas in the signature neon orange
on the ATC
website in
their store section. The ATC website also has a listing of local hunting
seasons which you should familiarize yourself with prior to your hike. (back
to top)
While more and more people are taking off
into the woods to get away from the daily grind, it does put a strain on the
natural areas that we all love so much. In order to preserve and protect the
wilderness, it is best to follow the Seven Basic Principles set forth my Leave
No Trace, Inc. By practicing these principles, you will decrease the negative
effect that you have on the areas in which you love to hike.
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire effects.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
A complete and more detailed explanation
of these principles can be found here on my
website or by
visiting the Leave No
Trace site. (back to top)
Sometimes you will need to get into a
town, only to discover that it is 5, 7 or maybe 13 miles from the A.T. In this
case you can either keep walking or try and hitch a ride. The good news is that
folks in trail towns are more accustomed to the ragged and worn looking
thru-hikers and know that you are not a vagrant, but someone just trying to get
a lift. When at all possible, for safety sake, hitch with a partner and always
follow your instincts. Never accept a ride from someone who makes you feel
uncomfortable. While most drivers don’t expect to be paid, it is common
courtesy to at least offer something. I’ve only read of a couple thru-hikers
who experienced bad rides, but the possibility is always there. Just be smart
and be safe. (back to top)
Hiking with Your 4 Legged
Friend
This
can be a very controversial topic in the backpacking community, drawing heated
arguments from both sides of the spectrum. If you do decide to bring ole Rover
along, treat him as though he is just another member of your hiking party. Bury
his waste and carry a water dish so he isn’t slurping out of nearby streams.
Ultimately you are responsible for your companion and will be held accountable
for any of his actions. A dog should be kept in control and on a leash at all
times. Remember, not everyone likes dogs (shocking, I know). He will need to be
checked for ticks, cuts and sores. There are some parts of the trail that do
not allow dogs so Rover will have to be kenneled or left with someone you
trust. Also keep in mind that many hostels do not allow them. (back
to top)
Personal Safety
I can’t tell you how many people have
asked me “aren’t you afraid?”, “are you going alone?” or “how will you protect
yourself?” Although wildlife does pose a potential threat, most of them were
referring to a more threatening beast. People. It is
all about using common sense when on the trail and being aware of your
surroundings. There have been violent crimes on the A.T. but at a very low
rate. Some tips for staying safe on the trail:
ü
Be
careful about who is around when you are discussing your camping plans for the
night/itinerary. Especially in trail towns where strangers can easily overhear
your conversation.
ü
Follow
your instincts. If someone seems suspicious or dangerous, keep moving on to
another location.
ü
Leave
an itinerary with your family and friends.
ü
If
you have a trail name, be sure to tell your family and friends what it is.
Finding you in an emergency could be difficult since most thru-hikers only know
each other by these names.
ü
Avoid
shelters and campsites that are in close proximity to trailheads.
ü
Always,
always, always trust your judgment and your instinct. (back to top)
Town Conduct
Just
because you are out for a 6 month walk, does not mean that you are exempt from
rules and regulations and behaving in a respectable manner. The way we act and conduct ourselves along
the trail directly affects the services, treatment and goods being offered by
local trail communities. If a sign says “No Trespassing” then you don’t trespass.
Ignoring posted signs on no camping and no drinking is not acceptable.
Thru-hikers are not “special” and should not be permitted to pick and choose
which rules they think they should follow. Don’t “take a shower” in a
restaurant sink or get belligerent in a public setting because you think you
are owed something. You are representing every hiker and backpacker on the
trail and it is important to act like it. There is a time and place to cut
loose, be loud, obnoxious, whatever. Just use your common sense and be
respectful of local trail towns (rules, people and services included). (back
to top)
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