Is the Appalachian Trail slow this year?

[JNI64]

most people fail to recognize that ticks are still active in winter

As a matter of fact it takes several days below 10 degrees to kill ticks which rarely happens anymore. And they are active at 40 degrees. Also beware of the lone star tick especially if you like meat!

[LazyLightning]

Ticks could also survive underwater for very long periods so they don't get drowned out either.

[HankIV]

most people fail to recognize that ticks are still active in winter

At least they are moving slower, so it’s easier to get enough for a stew.

[44terryberry]

I`ve been hiking the AT since before your parents were born. Slow? When I started you didnt see ANYONE on the Trail

[TOW]

Ramdino on Youtube says hiker numbers are down since 2020...

[capehiker]

Well, on the bright side, everyone concerned about overuse can relax a little now.

[petedelisio]

most people fail to recognize that ticks are still active in winter

I’ve watched a tick sitting steady stretched out on the edge of a leaf at exactly 32* F stick right to my leg as I brushed by it purposely. Very slow moving after latching on.
Seen two at 32*F on my person, again, very slow moving
Had read they can be active down to freezing, so wouldn’t doubt a cpl degrees below.

[Dan Roper]

Y'all need to move to north Georgia, where these super ticks don't exist. Here, 99.5% of ticks become inactive by September, 99.99% by October, and we don't see the first ones of the season until the next April. Oh, once in a blue moon I'll encounter one during the dormant months, but it's so rare as to be statistically irrelevant. I've spent a great deal of time outdoors working and hiking here since 1979, so I'm comfortable putting this in writing.