I've done a bit of that myself.
Parts in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maryland.
Posted on 07/31/2022 8:30:34 AM PDT by Republicans 2016 2020
Dozens of hikers on the famed Pacific Crest Trail have been located and evacuated as the McKinney Fire explodes along the California-Oregon border.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, at least 60 hikers were found on the trail in the Klamath National Forest and escorted to safety. A spokesperson from the sheriff's office told NewsWatch 12 that although no hikers were in imminent danger, the remote nature of the trail and the quickly changing wildfire conditions made search-and-rescue the best option.
The Pacific Crest Trail is over 2,600 miles of varied, stunning hiking from the California-Mexico border up to the Washington-Canada border. It's believed that hundreds of people attempt to complete the full hike each year, but it's estimated that hundreds of thousands of people enjoy some section of the trail annually.
In response to the fire, the Forest Service has closed 110 miles of the PCT. The emergency closure order is in effect through August 30.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Ironically, I’ve been watching YouTube videos of people attempting to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
The Pacific Crest Trail based on some of the videos has really unbelievable scenery along the way.
I probably could not make it, but I’ve wondered if I was a little younger and in better health, how much fun it would be to hike the entire trail.
When I was young I twice hiked a small portion of the trail, from north of the Three Sisters to South. of the peaks. That’s the Three Sisters in Oregon, in case there is any other.
Stunning scenery, basically traverseable only from early to mid-July, after the snow drifts melt away from the trail, to late August or early September, whenever the snow storms begin.
I have done about 1/4 of the AT in section hikes, mostly day hiking. Not a backpacker, although I was talked into doing a 10-day backpacking trip on the AT by some friends. If you do backpack, multi-day, even week long ‘section hike’ trips add up - a dear friend of mine completed the AT this way. He was working on the PCT & the first year, had to quit due to forest fires, similar to what is going on now. The next year, he went back and tragically died while trying to finish. I have no intentions of hiking any parts of the Continental or PCT - I’ll stick with the eastern part of the country.
For something ‘different’ and challenging, I’ve done some organized marathon hike events as well - longest was 40 miles ... one day. As long as you don’t have physical issues (being ‘tired’ doesn’t count) such as blisters, turned ankle, a fall where you get hurt, it’s a mental challenge with yourself, one I very much enjoyed winning. :-)
Bigfoot migration pending
One thing I’ve wondered is personal protection, some of the videos I’ve watched are of women hiking all alone in the middle of nowhere.
I know plenty of other hikers are out there, but hiking alone seems like a decent amount of risk.
I’ve wondered how many might be packing a weapon, even though it might be illegal in many areas, protection against other people but also from bears, mountain lions, etc...
It starts with the First Step FRiend!
I’ve spent days at its Trail Head in Campo, California-—ten feet from the Mexican Border fence. Say HI to the Border Patrol who are the Friendliest of
Of All Law Enforcement!
There is a clause that states you may be Armed when Camping in California.
That’s what I understood till recently.
I've done a bit of that myself.
Parts in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maryland.
I did the Shenandoah section of the AT the year I turned 60; I did it with two friends whom I’d known since grade school back in California.
Beautiful.
We used to backpack in the Sierras, as well.
I’ve heard that of the three, the AT is the “easiest,” and the Continental is the hardest (because of the extremes).
I’m in my 70s now, and I pretty much stick with day hikes, though maybe a three-nighter on occasion.
The knees just aren’t what they used to be.
As a woman who frequently hikes alone, my biggest risk on any trail is weather. I’m currently hiking the AT, and my most valuable lesson learned is be prepared for torrential rain, sub-freezing temperatures, hail, lightning, and combinations of those weather events. I carry something for personal protection, but it’s for the human predators, not the wildlife.
Is that the Highlands of Roan? Me and my buddies hiked from Springer mountain Georgia to the Highlands in stages.
I would say there is a decent amount of risk. I’ve been in what I would call potentially dangerous situations, if not actually dangerous, as a lone female hiker (when my friend died, I then hiked alone for a couple of years). I carried spray where it was very handy (fast release on my belt, right side) & yes, I’ve had it discretely in hand, safety off on occasion (human critters, not wildlife).
In general, as I understand it, as long as you are legally allowed to possess a firearm in the state where the national park is located, you are allowed to carry the firearm. You can carry your firearm in the actual park itself, as long as the state laws allow it, but you cannot bring the gun into the ranger station, visitor center, or any other federal building — even with a recognized CCW permit. Do your own specific research for where you want to carry, if you do.
Most hikers (that I know) do not carry a weapon (as in a firearm). Those that do, often have them in their packs ... if you need them in a hurry, being in the pack is not going to be helpful (and then you need to be a decent shot). Bear spray, where you can easily reach it, is more often a better option for animals - if used properly, it does work (bears, mountain lions, bobcats, stray dogs).
Human critters .... long subject. You never know who might be out there. Most trouble occurs in/near parking areas and shelters within easy access/short hike for people. Often, locals will party at shelters that aren’t too remote. The trails also seem to attract a good number of people who are mentally ill & personally, I am more concerned with this category than just those with criminal intent. You take your chances every day, even doing seemingly mundane things (just listen to some true crime podcasts), but although there are risks in hiking (alone or with companions), it’s not enough to keep me off the trail.
The Shenandoah, including the AT & other trails in the park, are some of my favorites. I used to lead hikes in Shenandoah all the time. I have done all the trails in the park, but two ... both are only a couple of tenths in length. I always said one day I’d go up there to do those two trails (they are a pretty good distance apart) & then I’d have 100%. Many hiking adventures and much wildlife in the SNP! :-)
From a friend who has done all 3, I think the Continental was the most challenging for him for a variety of reasons.
Beautiful pic!
I’ve done all but the very northern (30-40) miles of PA, all of MD, & I would say 3/4 of VA ...everything north of Troutville & a few sections here & there to the south.
“From a friend who has done all 3, I think the Continental was the most challenging for him for a variety of reasons.”
Yes, that seems to be the consensus.
I know a couple people who have done the whole length, and they both said the extremes are what got to them most. They said it is not for the timid.
Best commute I ever had!
In the early mornings I sometimes would have to dodge the random deer -
but I didn't mind one bit!
.
It sure beat the Schuylkill Expressway in Philadelphia -
I used to knock around Thornton Gap most weekends, done just about every trail that crosses Skyline Drive. I’ll be knocking out the Georgian part of AT come Fall. AT north of Pennsylvania is difficult to arrange as it’s still mostly private land up there. I’m eyeing the OHT these days. They keep adding to it.
I love the BRP! I maintained a section of AT (actually 2 sections, at separate times) along the BRP for an AT trail-maintaining club - 16 years total. One section crossed the BRP, the other was accessed from a parking lot off the BRP.
One of my favorite things to do was to hike the BRP when it was closed for snow/ice. With no cars, nothing but the wind and views, sometimes ‘nature’, it’s a wonderful experience. I was standing at Raven’s Roost overlook on one of those hikes and heard a sound that was new to me ... couldn’t see anything, until I looked up. There was a raven above me “on the wind” ... had his wings angled so he was virtually stationary & the sound I heard was the wind going across his wing feathers. :-)
I'm not what I used to be either.
12 years ago I was injured - and spent 22 months in a wheelchair.
I do not need or use a wheelchair now - but I still do walk with a cane.
So no more hiking for me - I'm not steady enough on my feet for it.
A lot of fun memories though!
(I'm currently 58.)
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