I got raided by racoons, once. Did you know their sharp little teeth puncture heavy retort packaging? Well, they can, and, I thought I was prepared. Food containers for bears aren't only for bears.
My racoon strategy? I don't want racoons scampering all over my campsite, or, chewing on my gear for "salt".
I had a tiny can of fancy cat food. I "pop" the lid, and, tossed it far away from my campsite.
Next morning, I found the empty can.
i have never seen a racoon on the AT. Car camping places, yes. was this in Maryland?
I'm so confused, I'm not sure if I lost my horse or found a rope.
No racoons? In Detroit, MI we had racoons.
I am in Montana, but that "experience" was in California.
You would be perfectly safe hiking in Maryland anytime any year. The only thing I could say is be careful of the homeless hikers. You can tell who they are because of the gear they carry it's usually bought at like Walmart. Just tell them you got somebody to meet soon and you got to go and go and find a place to stay elsewhere. I met one last winter just over the border in Pennsylvania and that's what I did. I'm sure he was harmless but they got nothing to lose and I'd rather not take the chance.
I've been section hiking alone seven years and only spent two nights alone.
I hope that folks that hike on the AT don't rely on ridgerunners for their safty. I have thru-hiked and have spent many hours on the AT and have never ncrossed paths with a ridgerunner.
As far as the safty in hiking alone, it would depend on the individual. Some folks have the confidence to be out hiking alone and others don't.
I hiked quite a bit of my thru alone. My feeling was that if I needed assistance, I could depend on someone to come by that could help.
In general; the AT is safer than your average city street.
Grampie-N->2001
Yes it's safe, just use your common sense. I have completed the AT three times and I prefer to hike and camp alone.
+1
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