Most dangerous part of the trail

[Bearpaw]

Darting across the parkway in New York is pretty bad.

Amen! Playing Frogger trying to get across Pallisades Parkway was by far, the most dangerous part of the AT for me.

[JAK]

HMMmmmmmm......so some people are admitting that there are dangerous parts of the trail? Would you mind repeating that on the hiking with a one year old thread?

So you take precautions,
just like people do when they put their toddlers in car seats, and drive the speed limit, and stay alert.

[Gray Blazer]

So you take precautions,
just like people do when they put their toddlers in car seats, and drive the speed limit, and stay alert.

Amen, Brother Ben!!

[Blissful]

Other than that, there are a few no-fall zones, disease-bearing ticks, lightning, heat and cold, and the ever-present danger of tripping over your own feet.

That about sums it up.

[saimyoji]

The absolute hands down MOST dangerous part of the trail.....is the ride to the trailhead.

[JumpInTheLake]

Roasting marshmallows around the fire. You can burn the roof of your mouth really easily. Be careful!

And don't drop a flaming marshmallow on the top of your bare foot.

[TIDE-HSV]

Getting the hang of lighting an alcohol stove...

[Dogwood]

The most dangerous part of the AT occurs while crossing roads.

[DaSchwartz]

ReaDy2G0, it's a shame this forum has declined so bad that you can't get a straight answer. The legit posters have pretty much left.

Mt Washington and that area is the most dangerous. Just google Mount Washington + deaths. Due to the unstable climate and people underestimate it in summer.

[buff_jeff]

road crossings

[Blue Jay]

ReaDy2G0, it's a shame this forum has declined so bad that you can't get a straight answer. The legit posters have pretty much left.

Mt Washington and that area is the most dangerous. Just google Mount Washington + deaths. Due to the unstable climate and people underestimate it in summer.

You're also not legit. Compare the number of deaths on Mt. Washington to almost anything on the AT or conventional society, dog bites, peanut butter allergies, falling in holes and on and on. Mt. Washington does not even make the top 100. Your answer is ludicrous.

[SunnyWalker]

When you neglect your feet (blisters) and your feet become infected.

[flemdawg1]

Getting the hang of lighting an alcohol stove...

Building alchy stoves or experimenting with pot stands.

[TIDE-HSV]

LOL! I guess we're talking about danger of minor injuries with the stoves. Road kill still tops the list of being killed or morbidly injured. Serious, but non-life threatening is still busting your butt...

[wacocelt]

Hitching to town for resupply. Had an old fella that was really lustin for my bootay. He didn't want to take no for an answer, then when he finally let me out burned off with my pack. Unfortunately I was making a grab for it, got caught up and dumped off his van doing about 30.

Nine staples in my head, bunch of stitches in my leg, some nerve damage in my thigh which is still numb...

I'm still kickin though!


Puck Fu

[saimyoji]

Drunk belligerent ******** are dangerous too. Locals often get mixed in with partying hikers. Stay away from shelters close to roads.

[MOWGLI]

ReaDy2G0, it's a shame this forum has declined so bad that you can't get a straight answer. The legit posters have pretty much left.

Mt Washington and that area is the most dangerous. Just google Mount Washington + deaths. Due to the unstable climate and people underestimate it in summer.

What is dangerous, is scaring people into believing that the AT is dangerous. If that tactic works, they'll sit at home on their couch near the refrigerator where it is REALLY dangerous. As far as long distance trails go, the AT is a walk in the park.

[saimyoji]

What is dangerous, is scaring people into believing that the AT is dangerous. If that tactic works, they'll sit at home on their couch near the refrigerator where it is REALLY dangerous.

gotta disagree......the freezer is MUCH more dangerous. those damn freezer packs are like bricks.

[wacocelt]

I'm not at all trying to deter people from attempting any hiking, be it day, section or Thru... but it would behoove many folks to know what risks there are that can be avoided.

As for the Whites, I did them SoBo in 05 with a broken foot. It's all relative to what you're expecting and what you're ready for. Too many people get too hyped up about things of little consequence. If you're thinking and worrying about THE WHITES while you're still in NC/Tenn then of course it's going to be incredibly scary and difficult.

The more energy and anxiety you give a fear, the harder and deeper it bites your soul. If you aren't imminently facing it, forget about it until you are. Be well!

Puck Fu

[Marta]

None of it is dangerous; it's all dangerous.

Both things are true, of the AT, and of life in general.