How Dangerous is Hiking the Appalachian Trail?

The #1 question everyone is going to ask when you tell them that you are going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail is "Is it safe" or "Are you going to bring a gun?".
There are many fears out there about hiking such a long trail and we're going to talk about each one. Additionally, I'm going to give you advice of how to properly prepare and eliminate 90% of the threats that are out there.
Our Merch shop➜ teespring.com/stores/follow-b...
Links to Gear mentioned in this video:
Garmin Delorme inReach explorer: amzn.to/2oyplSC
Spot Gen3: amzn.to/2p4QDRY
Sawyer Permethrin: amzn.to/2pp4t4u
Sawyer Picaridian: amzn.to/2oh2bUN
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: amzn.to/2p8DbhY
Aquamira Water Treatment: amzn.to/2oALm2l
Duece of Spades Trowel(poop holes): amzn.to/2p4Hitp
Bear Spray: amzn.to/2pRuiqT
Links to mentioned videos:
Dealing with TICKS on the AT: • How to deal with TICKS...
Delorme inReach Explorer vs. Spot: • Delorme InReach Explor...
Do you need a gun on the Appalachian Trail: • Do You Need a Gun on t...
Planning a Thru-Hike Playlist: • Planning an A.T. Thru-...
Links to Weather and Guide Apps:
AT weather app: play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Guthook's AT Guide App: appsto.re/us/SvMfK.i
AT weather.org website: www.atweather.org
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Equipment I filmed this video with:
- Camera -
Olympus O-MD E-M5 Mark II- amzn.to/2o8wyIn
- Lense -
12-50mm - amzn.to/2oZptyo
- Sound -
Rode Videomicro Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/2oZiqWC
- TriPod -
MeFOTO Carbon Fiber Roadtrip - amzn.to/2opZFbz
*************************************************************
Link to my Finalized Appalachian Trail Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=38365
Link to my $1500 Complete Ultralight Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=40442
Link to my A.T. Affordable Gear List:
www.geargrams.com/list?id=38142
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➜ Become a Patreon for as little as $1 a month and earn cool rewards:
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[@an0ana]

I'm never going to be able to hike the AT; I am just here to live vicariously through others and I enjoy watching videos like this

[@adm6785]

Hate to tell you, but I live along the BR parkway at 2,500ft. Ticks are a HUGE problem at my elevation too. Besides bug spray, we also use a product called Zote soap. It's an old time laundry soap bar you can get at Walmart. It has citronella, and has worked well for us just by rubbing the dry bar along the outside of our clothes. ;-)

[@off2kurebeach]

Audrey M thank! Will be buying some asap

[@lukemccardle2379]

I know if you bathe with Zote it will also keep mosquitoes off you.

[@contentgoddess7218]

I make my own laundry soap with a combination of Phels Naptha and Zote Soap, using the Zote for bug repellant properties, but I never thought of bathing with it or doing a wipe-down with a dry bar. Thank you for that gem.

[@baroneb5043]

I did the AT... carried a .45 hollowpoints.... rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6

[@bigmac7101]

This video is definitely gonna help me while I start to prep and research my hike. This advice is timeless!

[@bernadette3241]

This was one of the best videos I have watched for preparation. It was really encouraging to address the actual low mid and high level dangers. Thank you!

[@marktwain368]

Extremely informative and relevant, Bigfoot. I have no plan to do it, but you make it more appealing and secure with your candid chat here. So, thanks, buddy!

[@SYZYGY0554]

Excellent information! Not just for the AT but in many other. Very well presented with no bias. Thank you!

[@johndolby3472]

add another danger, slipping on the rocks and falling down the mountain or off the cliff. Go slow and be careful people.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+John Dolby Very good point. Funny you mentioned it because I actually talked about that in here but pulled it out because the video was just way to long. I am going to be doing a segment on the White Mountains soon and plan on talking about that one in there. Thanks for sharing John, you are very right

[@johndolby3472]

I slipped off the trail once and fell during a steep descent on the Inca trail in Peru. Fell 30 ft and was stopped by a tree. Lucky for me, one of the hikers in my group carried a rope. I was able to pull myself back up to the trail with only minor bruises and scrapes. Lesson learned. Every year someone falls and dies on the trail. Hikers be careful, especially when descending next to a drop off.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Yes, depending on the area, it can be really dangerous. I almost took a fall on the AT last year going through Connecticut. The rocks were really slick from the rain the night before and I was in the middle of doing the 52 mile state challenge. It was scary.

[@b-square8140]

I started the AT on April 12th at Springer - hiked 11 miles to just before Horse Gap. Setting up a stealth campsite I slipped and fell backwards on wet leaves and landed on my wrist. Thought it was a bad sprain, but wife convinced me to go to ER, where I found out it was broken and required surgery (pins and plate). I'm rehabbing and hope to be back on the trail within a week. Who knew wet leaves were that dangerous?

[@loveme77527]

@@FollowBigfoot I broke my wrist hiking in the Santa monica mountains literally just slipped and fell n broke my fall with my wrist... OUCH!!!!😢😢

[@drp551]

Dude, this is the first of your videos that I have watched. You are absolutely TREMENDOUS! I could make a long list of the qualities that you have as a presenter! You should be very proud of your accomplishments and the educational information that you have provided!!! WOW!

[@JessicaontheAT]

Thanks for the advice! I saw this video awhile back and it came up again as a suggested video again. Ever since I first watched it I have tapped my hiking poles every so often when I’m out on the trail.

[@weird8twiggy]

Fantastic video! I learned so much for hiking in general (not just for Appalachian Trail) and am seriously considering that GPS you recommended. Subscribed.

[@kathypotter4627]

Thanks for the gear lists! Super informative and helpful!

[@HikerBiker]

Looks like things are changing a bit on video info for AT thru-hikes. This is so much better than what I watched when prepping for my 2018 thru-hike, and I'm a 40+ year experienced backpacker. In 2017 all the videos showed/talked about was nothing but the all time great adventure of hiking the AT (or other long trails) and/or "go totally ultra light". Having been there now, there are a few things I would say different but i'm not going to nitpick, you did a great job with this video. Thank you Bigfoot for info you provided back then and keeping it up today for the future hikers.

[@russhendrix9674]

Great video! Really enjoying all of your posts.

[@drewgilmour3489]

As a Chief Ranger with the National Park Service, your threats on the AT are right on. Ticks scare me more then any thing, else I plan on hiking the AT in 2018, I have worked in 10 parks incuding , Shenandoah and the Great Smokeys . I grew up in NJ and have hiked many sections in the state. Bears have reboundeded and ticks you should always look out for.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Im hiking in 2018 too, Hope to see you on trial :}

[@baldeagle7604]

I will be starting either March 1 2018 or sometime in April 2018 depending on the weather! See you both hopefully!

[@antoniabaker7770]

im hoping for march 1st too. Time restrictions as an aussie.

[@justinschultz9183]

I bet he won't have his gun... because he's probably a rationale human with experience and knowledge of the trail...

[@off2kurebeach]

Antonia Baker I wanted to go in a few weeks..are you out there now I really didn't wanna do it along the first time😊

[@tddurrin8902]

Great video. I plan on hiking AT once I retire in 3 1/2 years. Doing a lot of research and testing all of my equipment. Going to start doing some section hikes in the fall.

[@alangarrett1181]

Probably the best video on backpacking the AT or any other trail. Good job!

[@LittleChena]

I also would recommend to take a map with you and learn how to use a compass and basic navigation skills using the position of the sun. Geraldine Largay died only 2 miles from the trail because she didn't know how to navigate back in the direction where the trail was. I have always a whistle with me, if you need help, this little tool is way better than shout out for hours.

[@FollowBigfoot]

A map is a good idea. I always brought a paper version of Awol's guide with me on the Trail and had a whistle on my pack if I needed it.

[@Loathomar]

The truth is that Geraldine Largay died from the last risk, poor decision making. She not only died two miles from the AT, but less the 2 miles from 2 different roads. Hiking 10 miles in ANY direction would have got her to a road. She was not in a wild area where she could hike for days and just become more lost, 10 miles in any direction would have got her to a small highway at least. Her death was sad, but preventing it was not something most people need to learn to avoid. Learn not to just give up and hope the help comes to you when lost in the woods...

[@LittleChena]

Yes, you are right that was poor decision making. She gave up but if you are able to read a map and knowing where your last point was before you got lost you could have figure out that there a roads in hiking distance. I guess she simply didn't know that and even so if you are not walking straight in one direction you can end up going in circles for days. Its mostly the same scenario when people get lost. The second they find out that they are lost, panic sets in... and they start going fast, hoping to find something that they recognize. They keep going until they are tired, desperat with no orientation. I learned to stop, to sit down and take a few minutes to get my panic under control and make a plan. You can find tons of videos here where you can learn how to go straight in a forest, using the sun as orientation and how to stay calm. People relay on their electronic device and when something goes wrong they die a few miles from the next McDonalds.

[@DedJezter]

LittleChena The fact she died because she didn't know how to use the compass she had with her is very sad. Now, while she was not far from a sign of civilization, do not think it was that easy to get out. The area she ended up in is extremely dense. The military uses it for jungle training because of how dense it is and for its ease of disorientation. Soldiers with compasses have gotten lost in that area. She also did not give up according to her journal, she ran out of food and energy and just couldn't physically pick herself up.

[@LittleChena]

I didn't say it easy to get out there. I live in Alaska, behind my backyard I have wilderness for hundreds of miles, no trails, no civilization. To make camp was the right decision to do, for the first days but after that you have to try to get out there. I guess she was to scared to do that. I feel very sorry for her. What I wanted to say when you go on this trails take the time and learn the basic survival skills. To make a fire, signal, read a compass or the sun, have a map. I see gear reviews and people saying I got a new sleeping bag because it 20 oz less weight. That is all what counts, going light as possible. Only a few people are caring tools that would help in a emergency situation. People feel safe because there are so many other people on the trail and towns around the corner. Take a look how many people going missing every year in National Parks and National Forests. People prep for months to go on this trail, just add a few hours of survival training to it and you are way better off in a emergency situation.

[@SirJohnny9999]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. Thanks for all the phone app information. Really interesting. Am seriously thinking of doing a northbound thru trip in the next year or two. Just one of those things "you just gotta do." Again, thanks for the info.

[@someday7491]

Sharing this with my family to ease their minds !!! Thank you SOOoOOOOoOOoOOoo much !! :D

[@coyotetacticalsolutions]

I had to rescue a lady after I crested Blood Mountain. There was a rocky outcrap there where it was very hard to find out where the hell to go. I ended up hearing her screaming and ended up helping her off the side of a rock face. It was a little wet and she had slipped downhill and bumped her head. She told me there was a sign about 25 yards down that said something like "NOT THE AT" lol. I ended up taking care of her since Im also a Nurse and we ended up finding the correct way together. We ended up staying at Helen after making it to Neels Gap. You mentioned Norovirus, definitely dont touch the books or pens at the shelters hehe. If you do, definitely sanitize your hands.

[@williambranham6249]

Coyote: I am familiar with the spot, the Georgia AT Club could do a better job marking the trail at that spot. I had trouble with it 2003 and again in 2016, although I was more aware. In 2003 (Sept) a lady day hiker passed our group about 4 miles south of Blood Mt. We were setting up for the night. She had gotten off on a side trail but with the help of another hiker 2 miles off the AT she made it back to the AT. Somewhat hysterical, she said she had to make it to Neels Gap to be picked up by a friend. We told her she was on the AT but she didn't seem to believe us. She had no map or any other guide. She had only a bottle of water. She could have stayed with us but she insisted on going ahead. I was concerned about her losing the trail in the area we are referring to. It was getting dark. She went on, and fortunately we saw her the next day. I was really frightened for her.

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

Great video. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@mortyk1]

Thank you for sharing. It has been a tremendous help. Wish you all the best in your future hikes.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Mike Del Rio Thanks Mike!

[@hhottsfishing]

great video brother! I'm planning on doing half of the AT starting next month.

[@MonkeyNAround]

Great video. This is packed with lots and lots of great information.

[@BushCampingTools]

I'm from another country but your advice sounds pretty damn good for any one contemplating a serious hike anywhere. I subbed too!

[@longrider42]

Good video. I hike the Rocky Mountains, so I'm used to odd weather even in the summer time. I hope to be on the AT in 2019.

[@Flashahol]

I learned something, mostly on ticks. Great info, man! +1 on map and compass... saved me from ending up in the valley east of Mt. Washington... so many trails criss-cross there and the indications are not always clear. It's also fun to be able to track your progress and be able to estimate how long before you get to destination. It saved me a lot of grief, despair and useless miles in the whites, like ending up in the valley East of Washington or fear of having missed a trail crossing on Webster. GPS is not fail-safe.

[@ginlyn39]

Really good job on this one!

[@theoilyorganic5992]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@janicechiaretto7082]

Wonderful lecture. I have learned a great deal about preparation without being deterred.

[@timothyeubanks32100]

D. I just like hiking videos and enjoy watching people talk about their experiences

[@CaptainSpaulding]

what great information here. thanks for making this video.

[@DragonRoams]

Great discussion and approach to it.

[@paulsmart5199]

Great video, Nicely explained and presented. We are planning g the west coast trail in Canada next summer. The AT is something my wife and I want to do but we have small kids so it won't happen for a long time but we are gathering as much information as possible, just in case we get the chance to do it soonet

[@universalsoldier2293]

Lyme disease is no joke. Protect yourself.

[@johno3888]

My mothers family still living that is live in Minneapolis. I believe your vid was concise, well prepared, relevant and informative. You seem sincere and forthright in the delivery of information (good) and not injecting opinions, but not soft selling dangers. Authoritative as you clearly speak from experience. Good overall Job and I was impressed.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+john o Thanks John

[@professorsogol5824]

"Have your headphones in . . . ." You don't need headphones to listen to the "Sounds of Silence" and all the ambient sounds that are there for your edification and enjoyment.

[@williambranham6249]

Excellent points. Very well presented.

[@NoloPrime]

Great info. Just finished my first hike. Total Am. 😎 Florida Trail NOBO, Juniper Springs to Gold Head Branch State Park. Learned alot there and plenty from this video as well. 50llb, 14 miles a day. Was tough but one of the best times ever. AT prepping.

[@FredArd1954]

Excellent, Rory!

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Really great advice! Thank you!

[@sstritmatter2158]

This was a GREAT video and I don't often say that. It's funny - the way you explain the threats starting low to high - the low ones are the ones many people would say high and the high ones are the ones they would think are low, haha. So good job with that - it makes a lot of sense. Thanks for posting this.

[@3004andy]

Thanks for the informative vid!

[@melidalopez8646]

Thank you for great information, I have plans on doing it in 2022

[@TheNoobHiker]

answered a few questions I had, thanks for the vid.

[@Voodoo8648]

Thank you for addressing the being alone part. That was my biggest fear. I have panic attacks when I'm in a remote location and there's no one else around. doesn't sound like this will be a problem.

[@FollowBigfoot]

It's far and few between until you get into the more dense areas like Maine. By then you may be hiking in a group if you choose. But its a very common fear that many have.

[@rebeccacaspers3925]

Excellent video!

[@Dalethe1]

That is absolutely one of the best safety videos about the AT I’ve seen. One topical I wished you would address is dealing with the fear of heights. That is the only thing that I feel would affect an AT TH for me. Ledges & cliffs can they be avoided?

[@Teresa-ch3og]

I have the same question.

[@randzopyr1038]

Actually I'm D: stumbled across hiking videos on youtube and have been binging for three days straight.

[@jerdog333]

Great info! Thanks!

[@billybareblu]

Thanks for this. it was a great presentation

[@ernstgenzs7456]

I recently encountered a black bear very close the city in New Jersey. It was right at the Palisades interstate park. It was just about 20 feet in front of me. I hid behind a rock on the trail and backed away. The bear didn’t notice I thought. Your insights on these level risks are very helpful and very professional. Thank you.

[@misscandy84]

I just like appachlian trail video bloggers so amazing watching people hike such a long long trail

[@cosmicsans3275]

Hey I'm just high schooler and I was thinking about doing this after college but after I watched this vid, I feel so much more prepared and determined.Thank you for inspiring me :)

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Cosmic Sans Go get em'

[@nancybingham5487]

Another great video! I enjoyed your summation about maturity and decision-making. Will hikers stick to what they have learned in their research when the going gets tough, they are tired, or it is inconvenient, etc.? It is helpful to see someone like you who is modeling a disciplined and organized approach.

[@NickSerritella]

Most of what I read turned out to be a bunch of crap by people who didn't know what they were talking about. Do what works hike your own hike

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Great video 👍

[@MrSrtman18]

Good video man! Thanks!

[@UnclePaul]

I'm going to share this with family and friends and hopefully put their minds at ease. Thanks.

[@FollowBigfoot]

+BlessingOfAdventure Awesome, that is one of the major reasons why I made this video.

[@jimdaniels926]

Very professional talk!!! Thanks

[@AmandaBess]

great video! Now I can save my breath and refer people to your video when they ask if it's dangerous. Also, love your shirt!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Thank you Amanda. When I saw the shirt I had to have it!

[@superrrrliz]

D. I have asthma and live through youtube videos when it comes to hiking, and also I just like to know stuff about stuff. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheJaneo7]

Great video. Thank you.

[@megamantim2120]

I like how it summed it up, "....I had more risk in my everyday life back home than I ever had on the AT..." Of course there a natures risks but they are very manageable....Very good info, good vid...

[@melissatodd4616]

Ur awesome Bigfoot so much knowledge I loved it

[@StevenTorrey]

A great video... Very helpful...

[@garylowery6216]

Very professional, Thank you.

[@micjam1986]

Outstanding video!! ty!

[@alexwbanks70]

Great advice!

[@drakeclifton5625]

Appreciate the last point man thanks that helps!

[@canoelew2288]

VERY interesting/informative and top level presentation........

[@Tali-Khammael]

I live in Minnesota downtown st Paul by the capital. It's cool to see another minnesotan!! Thankyou for a good video. I'm planning on doing the PCT. That's my type of nature that I want to hike thru. Can I ask why u chose the AT over the PCT..the PCT is way more majestic and powerful to witness I feel. The AT looks very social which is cool and fun looking but the PCT is sooo mind blowing. I was born out west southern Cally San Diego. And I love the west. And no humidity!! I'm just so interested in hearing why the one trail over another. Thankyou and be blessed and be well!!!

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Good advice !!

[@marktomasko7863]

I have to say....of all the videos Ive watched from previous thru-hikers giving advice, yours are top-rated. Ive had 2 complete thru-hikes...3rd one coming up the end of next month......Ive gone from springer to harpers ferry,... springer to Kent, CT,... springer to Pearisburg 6 timers..., springer to Monson---=---Yup, twas sittin at the Hostel and just didnt feel like doing the 100-mile wilderness that year so upped and went home, lol-----and dozens of hikes along the AT over the past 30 years (my first thru-hike was right outta high school in 1983)---last time I added them up was over 19,000 actual hiked miles-----you have NO idea how different the trail was then compared to now---and for someone who has thru-hiked only one time you really have great knowledge, memory and advice. Some things I disagree with but that's just me. For the vast majority of your comments, outlook and advice you are doing a great job. Hopefully some of these folks will learn from you. Its a wonderful thing to share what you know with those who have NO clue.....;The tales of idiocy that I could tell you, lolol....

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Outstanding a what type of hiking boots do you prefer? I adore the Asolo Fugitive GTX by the way.

[@jermainegage2026]

Very informative. Thank you for the video bro. I am a poor decision maker. I have to work hard on this one.

[@petermarshall582]

Wow, you are very good at teaching on the AT

[@kaiul2967]

Biggest threats I think are up in the White Mountain area where sudden weather changes, especially when above tree line on long ridgeline sections can put you in a bad situation (wind, cold, rain, visisbility, etc.). Also there are some pretty steep and sketchy parts of the trail that might intimidate the feint of heart and can pose some serious danger if you fall. Lastly I think dehydration can be a threat as water sources may be scarce and few and far between especially in the dry summer months. All of these I have experienced hiking the AT in the New England region.

[@richardbagley8626]

Thanks for the info man

[@lovingatlanta]

👍This is super helpful! Thank you. 🤗💞🤗

[@steveanderson7304]

Thank you! great video!

[@CarianneRHixson]

biggest fear is Lyme Disease

[@FollowBigfoot]

+Carianne R. Hixson Very legitimate fear.

[@GinaRJumper]

I live in Ga as does my neice who contracted Lyme disease here. It can be a very debilitating disease. She was in a wheelchair in her 30 s, oxygen, bedridden..went to the mayo clinic in Florida, glad to say after a few years she is now active..still has long term complications from it though, damages your organs.

[@janefromtennessee]

Ticks are all about in my yard in South TN. I had to get one cut out my of my thigh by a nurse practitioner not long ago. I was outside only a small amt of time that day. I got okay soon. Thank God

[@janefromtennessee]

Gina Jumper I'm so sorry to hear that.

[@patsyl8935]

I got it twice it's not very fun

[@tenhats6573]

Great information, !

[@timenglish9996]

Great video! Especially regarding ticks. I don't think hikers pay enough attention to that threat.

[@ecoforceone8240]

Thank you for all the informative content. Hiking activist and your new friend here. Liked and subscribed. Please keep in touch.

[@agrey8110]

Great info, Thanks

[@raulzuniga4382]

Wow. Very powerful emotionally! The AT is on my bucket list.

[@ref78stewart20]

very in formative thanks bro

[@seymorejames1909]

Thanks for the tips

[@sylviapineda8491]

Very informative. Thanks

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hi sweet channel ☺ Keep it up!

[@anthonysmith7280]

Love the common sense brother - thanks for doing what you do.

[@vegasjaydon1aauditstrump2024]

Good video. Thank you

[@rexhargrove5172]

Excellent video

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@KeeFrHikes]

I had my first rattlesnake encounter this summer (Doughton Park, NC). It was an awesome experience; I'm just thankful I didn't step on him. It was a little too close (narrow, primitive trail, didn't see him until last second).

[@dianebays5484]

I know a girl that lived on the trial for a year or so, eating only stuff we found on it. Plus, she said she ate paper, too, yuck!! I would think it dangerous for a young lady alone. I lived right by it had an access in Troutville, va. People were always coming out and going in. Personally, I couldn't do it. I admire anyone who does.

[@chumccurry1765]

Great advice

[@TheScoobysnack08]

Love the shirt ❤️😎🤜🏼

[@faautobahna9416]

Very useful, thanks.

[@EarlyMist]

FYI I'm D): interested in the dangers and experiences but live in another country and I just like watching the stories and info you guys put online.