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Sep 6th The AT Isn’t A Walk in the Park

There’s been much interest in the AT recently.  The Associated Press, the New York Times, and a new movie called “A Walk in the Woods” have all chronicled its allure.  What none of these media mention, however, is how dangerous it can be if a hiker is unprepared or unlucky.

Rock climbs on 4,000-foot mountains, bouldering on near vertical ascents and descents, and assorted wild animals are all to be found following the white blazes. (White markings showing hikers the trail route are called “blazes.”)  Even easier stretches of the trail can be hazardous.

Here’s one recent experience I had in New Hampshire:

I had finished climbing a series of ledges and stopped at the top for a quick drink of water. Another hiker was there, so we chatted a minute, then went in different directions to continue our respective hikes.  In 30 seconds, I heard a loud “Ow!”, followed by a cry for help.

The other hiker had fallen, so I went over to see if I could help.  The hiker was sitting on a slab of flat rock, testing to see that all her limbs worked.  When she stood up, she was unable to put weight on one foot.  She worried that she had sprained or broken her ankle.  After resting a bit, she tried again.  It was obvious she wouldn’t get down the mountain unassisted.

She decided to call for emergency help.  Before she did that, we set up her tent, and made sure she put on warm clothes (in case she had to spend the night on the mountain).  She made the call.  When she reported her location, I asked her the important questions: did she have enough food and water; did she need to call someone who was meeting her; did she need a pain killer?
Another hiker got her more water, while I made sure she elevated her foot, stressing she shouldn’t remove her boot for fear the foot might swell.  After a couple of hours, she insisted we should both find shelter ourselves.  We did so, reluctantly, because we knew she was right.  We gave her our phone numbers and email addresses, then went on to find shelter.  A couple of days later, she reported that she had broken her fibula, the thinner bone in your lower leg.

I have known others who hurt themselves.  One tore tendons in his knee.  Two more suffered stress fractures in their feet.  One woman had bent her finger sideways, then just popped it back into place.

Hiking the AT is more than walking along a wide trail at a leisurely pace.  It’s finding water when you’re running low.  It’s finding shelter when bad weather hits.  It’s planning how many meals you’ll need until you can make it to the next town.

The AT is not for novices — I’ve been very lucky people taught me how to survive on the Trail. Thanks to all of you AT teachers for the help.

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