safety

How to Safely Post Your Thru-Hike on Social Media

How to Safely Post Your Thru-Hike on Social Media

Many people are astounded when I tell them of my and Alex’s plans to thru-hike Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this summer. Their astonishment stems from a few areas, and is usually...

Jan 20, 2020 : Maggie Mitchell
Four Hitchhiking Scares and What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Four Hitchhiking Scares and What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Like it or not hitchhiking is a part of trail life. Most of the time hitching is easy, people are kind, and the ride is uneventful. Trail towns know the...

Apr 11, 2019 : Leah
Let Us Transcend

Let Us Transcend

I'd love to write today about the transcendence to be found hiking the wooded path, but I can't. Recent events in Orlando cast a shadow over my thoughts. After the...

Jun 16, 2016 : Joe Schmidt
Interview with an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner

Interview with an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner

It's no secret that the Appalachian Trail (AT) survives in large part due to the thousands of hours of labor put in by willing volunteers each year. Yet, there are...

Jan 12, 2016 : Kenny Howell
Getting Over And Around Personal Speedbumps

Getting Over And Around Personal Speedbumps

“No babies or weddings from April to October!” I half jokingly stipulated. Well. It turns out the joke is on me. I have now learned that I, too, have a...

Nov 29, 2015 : Katina (Arachne) Daanen
Seven Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Guns and Bears

Seven Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Guns and Bears

Weeks ago I had suggested to some hiker friends that I might write a blog weighing in on discussions from social media regarding the Scott Jurek controversy. But today I'm...

Sep 10, 2015 : Joe Schmidt
Wilderness Safety: The Whistle

Wilderness Safety: The Whistle

I have one of those bright orange plastic whistles clipped to the shoulder of my pack. It's been there for years. I give it a quiet little puff every couple...

Aug 17, 2015 : Gary Sizer
Pamola’s Wrath: Hiker Safety During Summer Storms

Pamola’s Wrath: Hiker Safety During Summer Storms

Summertime along the Appalachian Trail means frequent thunderstorms, an occasion to experience terrifying beauty, but especially, to engage in safe practices. Every year, according to the National

Jul 16, 2015 : Joe Schmidt
Keeping Food Safe from Rodents While Backpacking

Keeping Food Safe from Rodents While Backpacking

We know about bears. They are strong, crafty, hungry, and potentially very dangerous. Though I consider bears to be a huge threat to be treated with respect, I also hold...

Jan 4, 2015 : Courtney
11 Black Bear Safety Tips

11 Black Bear Safety Tips

The Appalachian Trail has many bears roaming it and anyone who wants to hike it should know what to do to protect their lives and the lives of those bears.

Dec 26, 2014 : Sara Douma