Whether you've dreamed of a "through hike" along the Appalachian Trail or you're just a casual weekend backpacker, don't take for granted that this trail, while beautiful, is also like any other trail in the country and has its own dangers. Before you get together your gear and waterproof your trusty hiking boots, be aware of the dangers you can come across on your hike.
Keep Track of the Weather
Like any other mountainous terrain, a sunny morning can quickly turn into a frightful thunderstorm or an icy morning can rapidly turn hot and humid. Before your trip, keep track of the weather you're likely to encounter. Dress in layers that you can easily shed and pack if it gets hot or put on when the weather turns chilly. Hypothermia is a very real risk any season of the year. Synthetic layers are the best defense against a cold rain; cotton absorbs water and holds the chill against your skin.
Lyme Disease
Ticks heavily populate the Appalachian Trail, so Lyme disease is a credible threat to your health. Wear bug repellent at all times, taking care to reapply it at regular intervals. Your repellent should have at least 20% to 30% DEET for it to be completely effective against ticks. Treating your clothing with permethrin is an extra line of defense to stop these nasty little hitchikers from riding home with you.
Hantavirus
If you're planning a through-hike, you might end up shacking up in some of the cabins dotting the Trail. Because of their primitive location, these cabins often house rodents, too. If sleeping in one of these cabins is unavoidable, make sure you air it out completely for at least an hour before you hit the hay. Don't sleep directly on mouse droppings and avoid the temptation to sweep them out; the dust can easily aerosolize the virus.
Black Bears
It's not likely you'll come across a black bear unless you're at the height of pre- or post-hibernation season, but you should still take precautions to avoid a potential run in. As you're walking along the trail, make plenty of noise. Chat with your fellow hikers, whistle, or sing to warn bears of your approach. Most likely they'll scatter as soon as they know you're getting near. If you do come in contact with a bear, you should speak to it calmly and firmly and back away slowly. Bear mace is a good defense in the case of a particularly aggressive bear.
Know the Hunting Seasons
While most hunters are responsible, that doesn't make you immune to the less responsible ones. If you want to be completely cautious, avoid the trail during peak hunting seasons. If you just can't stay away, wear hunting orange and don't wander from the trail. Your canine hiking companion should also wear orange, and both of you should avoid wearing red, white, or blue to prevent being mistaken for a deer or prized fowl.
The Appalachian Trail's legacy reaches far into our nation's past. If you're looking for the unspoiled wilderness of the northeast, the AT is the perfect place for you to surrender yourself to the wild.
