the AT as a "sucky trail"

[George]

this came up on another thread, but I think it is more a separate topic -

My slant to this is a "what if "

so what if this trail that is within a few hours of a 100 million people was well graded/ fully developed - had a huge maintenance budget/ crew - ample convenient parking, public transportation access/ bathroom, lodging, laundry, food services - had the sight lines open for every possible view - a nice wide natural corridor

so basically an "idealized" situation free of many common (present) complaints

what would it mean? - I think it would become somewhat a clone of the situation at other big volume park areas ie - south rim of the grand canyon - much of Shenandoah park

the usage would increase possibly tenfold
much of which is now free would be fee based
there would be little challenge
any sense of "community" would be replaced by administration

personally, I prefer it as it is and think the whole package of management/ maintenance level / access decisions have been damn good to keep the AT as a more unique experience

what about the rest of you?

[coolness]

I like it just the way it is.......

[MuddyWaters]

I think what it is works pretty well today.
But it already is not what it once was.

Cell phones, computers, gps, PLBs, have made our world much smaller and less exciting
The numerous hiker services, free food, and generally excellent trail maintenace, guides, and signage have made it much easier also
Its not the adventure it once was.

[TNjed]

Yep I agree with Muddywaters. If you read walking with spring and then go for a hike it has drastically changed. It's it's going to get worse I'm afraid.

[atmilkman]

The Appalachian Trail brought to you by Verizon.

[hikerboy57]

I think what it is works pretty well today.
But it already is not what it once was.

Cell phones, computers, gps, PLBs, have made our world much smaller and less exciting
The numerous hiker services, free food, and generally excellent trail maintenace, guides, and signage have made it much easier also
Its not the adventure it once was.

youre right but it doesnt have to be.go sobo. less hiker feeds, less crowds, less crap.
ps without computers we couldnt argue/debate about this stuff, nor coud we give good/bad advice to the newbies. so are we part of the solution or part of the problem?

[MuddyWaters]

Never said it was bad.
Just different.
In 50 more years, it will be more different still.

Will that be good, or bad, is the question.

[atmilkman]

I think all the trees and bushes and foilage should be manicured like Palm Beach FL.

[yellowsirocco]

The only thing that annoys me is places where the trail is obviously routed to create a false wilderness experience. You know the places, like where the trail parallels a road but the trail is thrown off in the woods a hundred yards. I just wish it would be more honest about the fact that town exists.

[hikerboy57]

The only thing that annoys me is places where the trail is obviously routed to create a false wilderness experience. You know the places, like where the trail parallels a road but the trail is thrown off in the woods a hundred yards. I just wish it would be more honest about the fact that town exists.

i dunno, the towns are marked on maps, and listed in both the at guide and the companion, as well as most of the atc guidebooks. and many of those parallel trails actually replace actual roadwalks.

[10-K]

The AT is an awesome trail - I love it.

But it's not the ONLY trail. If you're looking for another, or should I say - different, experience - hike another trail.

[Lone Wolf]

so glad i walked the AT a few times in the days before internet, cell phones, AT videos and know-it-alls

[atmilkman]

so glad i walked the AT a few times in the days before internet, cell phones, AT videos and know-it-alls

I wish I could say that. I had my chance. I'm glad I got the sections in that I did way back when. I'm gonna make the best of it the best I can.

[moldy]

So we should not make major improvement to the trail so as to not encourge more hikers to come out and enjoy what you have almost to yourself today? A might selfish don't you think? We should strive to improve the trail so more people will come out to enjoy it. It should be the ATC's job along with the trail clubs to do just that.

[Rasty]

Mostly the internet version sucks. The bad parts of everything are multiplied 1000 times.

Actually only multiplied 10 times but it's the internet.

[Jeff]

The numerous hiker services, free food, and generally excellent trail maintenace, guides, and signage have made it much easier also
Its not the adventure it once was.

The Vermont mud has not changed much.

[Deadeye]

The Vermont mud has not changed much.

True! And as far as I can tell, the Long trail hasn't changed much in the 50+ years I've been hiking on it. A few more people in the popular spots, more gadgets (I'm not fond of electronics on the trail, but they don't particularly bother me, either) and more female hikers, which I'm all for! Near as I can tell, the rocks haven't moved much.

[hikerboy57]

seems like everything was better when we were younger.
maybe were just younger

[Don H]

I think in some ways the trail is better today than it was years ago. It's been moved away from towns, road walks have been reduced to practically nothing and the corridor is protected from development almost its entire length. Also the trail is longer and better maintained. Yes there's more people hiking but I see that as a good thing. More interest means the trail will continue to get the funding it needs to continue.

[magic_game03]

so glad i walked the AT a few times in the days before internet, cell phones, AT videos and know-it-alls

...from a know it all. By the way are you on the internet posting this? No hard feelings but you know you're troll-ing to throw that out there.

P.S. call me on your cell phone any time.