I was on the trail this weekend in Mass and noticed that every thru-hiker seemed to have these ATC issued orange tags hanging from their packs. A ridgerunner passing in the other direction glanced at my friend's pack for a tag.
What's the deal with these tags? They don't seem mandatory, but do hikers starting at Springer feel like it's an offer that can't be refused?
Is this "registration" a pretext for a full permitting system? I saw that the ATC now has registration for section hikers for shelters and campsites. I am not sure how many people if any use it. I understand the trail isn't as wild and free as it once was, but I also don't want to feel like I am being policed. Are retina scans at road crossings next?
I think for my next hike I will wear a Guy Fawkes mask and use the trail name Anonymous...