There are a host of reasons why people hike the Appalachian Trail. Some want to build physical strength and stamina, while others want to immerse themselves in nature. But for every individual who crosses the hike off their bucket list or tackles it on a gap year, many more set their dream aside due to a proliferation of myths that surround the Appalachian Trail.
Some are deterred by the trail’s length, believing it will take six months or longer to hike all 2,100 miles — an impossibility for many professionals, parents, students, or anyone with a set schedule. While plenty of hikers completes the trek in a single stretch, others, known as section hikers, tackle one part of the trail at a time. Some section hikers take decades to complete the trail, hiking only when they have the time or during the right weather conditions.
The Appalachian Trail is often perceived as dangerous, and female hikers may be especially reluctant to make the journey alone. Common concerns include wildlife threats, isolated locations, and a lack of safety resources or emergency services. However, the trail’s popularity and size mean that hikers are rarely alone, or too far from a town to find help if they need it. Hikers are known for offering aid to individuals in need, and many people build lasting friendships with other hikers as they traverse the Appalachian Trail.
The myth of dangerous wildlife also continues to deter some would-be hikers, who fear bear attacks, coyotes, and rattlesnake bites. In truth, most of the animals hikers might encounter on the trail have little interest in humans and just want to be left alone. While rattlesnakes are harder to avoid, they give intruders plenty of warning to stay away, making it easy for alert hikers to keep their distance.
Prospective hikers can rest assured, knowing that most of the common myths regarding the Appalachian Trail are easily debunked. The trail offers a great way to get in shape, explore the natural world, and make new friends all at once. Hikers who stay aware of their surroundings and understand their physical limits can have a safe, positive, life-changing experience on the Appalachian Trail, whether they conquer it all at once or piece by piece.