"The Ethics of Thru-Hiking During the COVID-19 Pandemic"

[Christoph]

Maybe they should open up the entire trail so people can disperse a bit. If you have only certain sections open, they're going to be flooded with people as that's the only places they can go (people aren't going to stay home, let's face reality. Some of you aren't either (including me)). Didn't we learn anything when this exact thing happened a few months ago upon closing areas and not others? Keep the shelters and surround areas limited to x number of people and there are plenty of other camp spots they will use. Hikers will distance themselves, they're/we're not stupid and don't need ATC or government control to hike in the woods. But this isn't really the issue is it? It's people coming from all over trying to get to places like McAfee knob and spots like that. I'd suggest maybe limit parking spaces in the lots and fine those parking on the side of the road illegally (which they shouldn't be parking there anyway). Just my soapbox thinking.

Not directed at anyone, just ranting.