My SCARIEST Mistake on the Appalachian Trail [Please Don’t Do This!]

[@drivingmissmolly]

For anyone who comes across something like this in the future here’s some advice from a swiftwater rescue operator: DONT string your line across the river at a 90° angle to the current vector. Angle your rope at least 45°, or more, with the side you’re trying to go to being downstream, and the current will actually help push you toward the other side of the riverbank, rather than the current trying to rip you away from/off of the rope and then having to swim for it (you can see the line forming a steep “v” shape when the first person is trying to cross and this is very dangerous) You will never be stronger than a river, ever. Also, with any water deeper than knee high, it’s highly recommend to float rather than walk to avoid foot entrapment (something ranger may have dealt with when she said she was stuck, and the current can and will push you to the river bottom and drown you) Also, always stay on the downstream side of any rope, the first person across did at least that correctly. Another option (not available here) is if there are multiple eddies in the water (formed by rocks or stationary objects blocking the current) you can send your best swimmer to the first one, downstream of the eddy NEVER upstream, and then do a human chain with each person catching the next swimmer and then repeat until everyone is across. Also, before attempting to cross, appoint one person to call SOS with a device if anything goes sideways. Good luck adventuring and stay safe!!!

[@Terraducky]

Such great advice! Thanks for posting!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Great advice, thank you for sharing!

[@franksvechota2047]

Very helpful, appreciate the expert advice!

[@teresapeabody2746]

Great idea.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Thank you for posting this advice! 🙏🏼

[@jamesadams2334]

"I don't have any rice because I ate it last night." Has to be the best line I've heard yet in an A.T. video. Doing great Ranger, keep it up!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

7:20 I crossed that river last year in the morning all alone. It was up to the tops of my thighs. I took my time by carefully placing each step and never lost my footing. It was scary how strong the current was. I think this river should be the number one priority for a bridge across it by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club!!! It's ridiculously that you have to ford such a wide and strong river! I'm glad you all made it across safely! ❤

[@jaapongeveer6203]

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. You've proved you're tough enough to finish because you've made it this far.

[@TurtleMyrtle12]

I was so nervous for you!!! 🥺 Dozer is a good guy to be able to read the room and come down to help you out. Glad he was there!

[@TheSpiralLab]

Oof that was hard to watch. So glad you’re all ok. ♥️♥️♥️

[@aandpforme]

I’m so glad you are okay… and everyone else too

[@nancysatori4744]

I was so stressed out watching you cross the river, I think every muscle I have was contracted!😂 You all did great, but that was so dangerous! So glad Smoke showed up! 💜Hope you had more than one beer after that day!

[@Terraducky]

This was a scary post- so happy you made it over that crossing! And- Smoke! He's safe too! You guys got this! I am like a worrying mom watching this progression- good job both of you!!!

[@nymph40]

RIP steady Eddy who drowned crossing a stream on AT in VT07/23

[@DistractedDaisy]

Definitely stressful watching you. So happy you’re good!

[@wildflowersadventures]

This video made me tear up. Not because you struggled, but how everyone worked together as a team. 🙏🏼💙

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah that was pretty cool!

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

I am extremely proud of you. Congratulations for conquering your fear and getting it done.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Very scary, glad you, smoke, and your friends are okay. Hang in there the end is near!

[@abigailjames7989]

Swimming across was genius to get the rope across, but the swiftwater rescue guy has the best advice. You could see people fighting the current, but working together was the answer. Thanks so much for the reality of the situation.

[@kathleenmichalek3126]

Wow. Thank heavens you are safe.

[@tennesseeyaya3315]

That rope looked more like string. That was scary, so glad y’all made it. I bet that burger and beer was the best thing ever. Hike on girl!

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

So glad you're all okay. I wouldn't have crossed, and I'm a good swimmer. Just glad you were with a group and made it to Shaw's

[@bigbranch1]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@Popeye.74]

I don’t usually comment, but you cracked me up with the comment about eating the rice! I really needed that laugh today. Thank you for keeping the humor!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@The_T-Man]

You rock! You got this!

[@jennifercocharan4526]

Respect is earned with water.

[@resourcefulqueen5109]

Such an adventure Ranger Reporter. I am glad that a group of you were to together. Plus the rainbow greeted you, and the cotton helped your phone. Sleep well. This will all work out.

[@bobhamulak3646]

Geez Maddie, if your Mom & Dad see this video, they're gonna' have heart attacks! That was scary! I'm glad that there were a bunch of you trying to cross. There is strength (and safety) in numbers. (NOTE: I never wanted to mention this before, because I didn't want to worry you...I had been watching another young woman hiker on Y.T., Taylor from New Hampshire. She is about your age, but a little bit taller. She looked very fit and strong (athletic?), and was solo (NOBO) hiking. I'm guessing she started the AT about a month or so before you. Well, she came to a situation exactly like this, but she was alone. She hesitated to cross. Wisely, she decided to postpone her hike! She made the decision not to try to cross a fast flowing river and endanger her life. SMART GIRL! The Northeast has received more-than-normal rainfall this summer and fall, and there are ALOT of swollen rivers!) You've come a long way, and Mt. Katahdin is less than 100 miles away. Please, be careful! On a lighter note, I always enjoy when you do your mock 'interviews'. You're a natural correspondent! Glad you're doing well...keep at it! Stay safe (please!!!), warm and dry, and ENJOY!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s good that she didn’t cross! I’m glad she was able to find a way out

[@bobhamulak3646]

Yeah, me too! She wasn't too far from home, and I think her Mom came and gave her a ride home. She made a wise decision, and is able to hike another day! I'm glad that your friends were there to help you across, and give you support! Good friends like that are priceless!

[@gwenwallace6175]

Maybe I missed something…but I would have jumped in the water to give you assistance! I did notice that packman took one arm out of his backpack. Smart!! Glad you made it!

[@saskhiker3935]

This is what thru hiking is all about. Leave no one behind.

[@rubyhollowadventurer]

Wow! Incredible ... this is your best video yet..frightening, brave, emotional, strong. Good job 👏

[@krissmith2004]

So glad you got to experience that. Unforgettable.

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! The whole time I was watching this I was screaming at my screen “ NO DONT DO IT!!” So FREAKING SCARY 😳😳😳 I just so very glad you all are ok!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! Sorry to scare you like that!

[@jimmymalone3494]

I am relieved that all the hiker are okay.Ranger good luck you all.

[@NYDaughter1972]

Yay! Another Maddie video

[@Overtheseathroughthehill]

Oh my gosh I started tearing up hearing the panic in your voice.😢

[@deglerja]

So glad you are ok. That was a very scary ford.

[@scotbotvideos]

You're brave, Maddie. I couldn't have done that for love nor money. A pro-tip for other viewers is to put one's backpack into a dry bag which can then be used as a floatation device, then you can swim across. Of course, it's easy for me to say; I wasn't there. Anyway, it's all good. You survived and you strengthened your mental fortitude even more.

[@jackcakeblack]

Wow that was too deep to cross! Good to see that you made across safely, the water was getting deeper and deeper quickly...

[@khadijahmuhammadkebe9062]

I love the support you guys are giving to each other 🙏🏾❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I wish it was under different circumstances, but it was a very “team-building” moment!

[@_andy_gibb_]

Oh my fairy godmother! That was terrifying! I honestly don't know if I could've done that crossing. So glad you made it safely and hope you and Smoke gave each other a giant hug when you reunited. And yay to a burger and a beer after that ordeal 🍔🍺!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Just after he arrived at the hostel, I came outside and saw him. We ran to each other and hugged without saying anything for a while. :)

[@nadezhdagavrilyuk2878]

It made me so nervous watching this river crossing. Glad you made it. Be safe 🙏

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

Good job getting across. Glad you didn’t panic and had good people helping you.

[@adrianajones7181]

So glad you are ok. Applause 👏🏽 to you for getting back on.

[@joankline343]

That was one scary situation 😮 I've seen what flood water can do in the past and there's no way I'd want to try that. Thats one scary situation but I'm glad you all made it safely. I bet Smoke, the burger and a beer was a nice surprise and blessing. 😉 Have a great day! Be careful, stay safe and enjoy your Hike. 🙏

[@jennifercarmack2405]

You have no idea the relief I felt when I knew you were safe! 😮😮😮

[@markviers998]

I gotta say that was one of the scariest video's I've seen, so thankful y'all all made it across!!!

[@annwroblewski2668]

This was the scariest video yet. So glad you were in a group for crossing that river. More experience for next time! ♥️

[@tonyaburroughs3349]

The most anxiety inducing video I have ever watched!!!

[@helenarubio3371]

and your friends are rootin' for you, enveloping you with their Love & Support. Them Witnessing your growing experience, shows commraderie.🎉❤ 9:29

[@buffyxander007]

Glad you made it through. Phew!

[@Janetbringsawareness]

Extremely proud of you ❤❤❤ congrats 🎉

[@steveblake4187]

I was worried that you would hit the Piscataquis by Blanchard at a bad time. Lee made it rise 5 ft in only 6 hours. It's amazing just how quickly the rivers in Maine can rise.

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Wow ! Toughness in the roughness working those challenging river crossing together. Breathtaking!Wonderful tramily backing you up an sticking together. Nothing like the canoeing trip. Mucky muck, muck embracing the suck on the 2023 AT thru hike and tramily meeting at the end. Thanks for sharing Ranger. ✌️♥️💪🇺🇸

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

👍

[@all-to-Him-I-owe100]

Maddie! Scary but so glad everything turned out just fine! 🙏🏻 Also…my husband and I hiked on the AT near Hiawasee, Ga this weekend and hit the Blue Mountain Shelter - saw Pack-Man if that was his signature in March of this year and saw a Maddie (but it said from California and I thought you were a Kentucky gal so not sure that was you…) anyhow we were sucking wind by the time we got there with a day pack hike - good perspective for me! Y’all are rock stars! Yes! You are!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That's awesome that you saw Pack Man's name in the shelter log! It checks out that I wasn't the same Maddie because I don't think I signed the log til like Virginia

[@missionaries7575]

I too had an experience in a river in Washington state and it kinda haunted me until I thought ok it didn’t happen and I learned

[@lindabraden5723]

That was scary to watch! Glad everyone is okay. You all are too brave! 😫

[@missionaries7575]

That spot looked scary because others were there the longest trying to move:/ glad your ok 🎉

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I hope you enjoyed your time at Shaw's! It's one of my favorite memories from last year! I hitched up north to a grocery store in Greenville with a couple of friends and we split a bucket for our food drop. Meeting up with Poet in the middle of the 100 mile wilderness for our food drop was surreal. I was 3 days from summiting Katahdin on that day. The 100 mile wilderness and Baxter were just magical! ❤❤❤ Keep on doing what you do Maddie!!! You got this!!! 👣

[@28105wsking]

That was so scary! Im screaming NO NO GO BACK at the screen and its butt clenching time in my living room! LOL! Sweet lady, I was so scared for you! I hope you are warm and ok! Im glad you guys all made it and are ok. I think I would have waited till the crick went down. Remember that old saying, "Good Lord willin' and the crik don't rise!" It really means a lot more now!

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

WOW !! That was Scary.. Good News your Safe.. You have a Awesome Family of Trail Mates.. That was very risky.. One thing is to be Challenging not Risking bodily injury.. A bridge is needed more sooner than later.. Awesome video series.. Be safe..

[@whynotbekind1957]

Bless your heart…even your hairdo was having a hard day…lol. Seriously, glad you got across with the help and support of your friends

[@RafaelbySuzannah]

it seems like those are saved your life he directed you. You could hear him and he followed his instructions and it saves you. If he carried your pack of cross, did he cross twice or did he carry yours and his? I can't imagine how he did it but what a great group of people cheering you and then sharing their blankets with you that is so loving an amazing, amazing trail family. you were so tired, but you did it! Great group of people and despite danger working together = success!

[@tomellis3218]

Wow….. such an adventure. So very glad you & Smoke Master are OK. That was G&D most sketchy river crossing . You are amazing. 😊

[@JackieFarkas]

Oh my goodness I am so glad you are ok. That was a very scary stream crossing. So proud of you and your friends.

[@evanss6141]

Whoooo! So glad you are all safe. What a nerve wracking experience for you. I hope you don't let it get to much into your head. Take care and carry on.

[@bobdillon3884]

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeet. Was that a rope or a string? Now that was a long ford for sure, and having others around defintely helps. Glad you made it!

[@katfish000]

Wow the miracles that you've experienced are immense. I'm relieved 😌. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's a true lesson in safety and protecting your water gear. You're not a sad statistic. But a successful blessing through the mercy of God and all your fans prayers. Smokemaster thankyou for having smarts about you to catch up. ❤🎉😊

[@taylorbottini2758]

This video about made me cry. Everyone being encouraging and trying to help guide you then celebrating when you got there in the end after taking your pack off. Makes me so emotional. Such an awesome community of people

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

So much courage to share this! So grateful you are ok. Stronger, perhaps wiser, but still ok. 👋🇨🇦

[@jasonjones5213]

Thanks for sharing, glad you made it ok.

[@davidpineros5106]

Wao, your trip is great, quite amazing adventure, I hope everything is getting better,

[@AFloridaSon]

Glad you got through it okay. I'm glad Smoke made it. Thanks you for sharing your river crossing with us. I've been around water my whole life, but we don't have raging rivers in my part of Florida, so I'm not sure how I would have reacted. I hope the rest of your hike is a good time for you.

[@donl1846]

I am just very happy you guys are all safe.

[@Bane-l7h]

We learn the most from our mistakes, or near misses. Glad you all worked as a team. I ditto the advice from the rescue operator, drivingmissmolly. There are tried and tested ways to approach something like this, and I bet you all will be researching and pondering ways to approach this differently next time, if needed. I know there can be a bit of a subtle 'peer pressure' or 'groupthink' in play with that many people; always okay to step back and question if that challenge actually needs to be undertaken right at that moment, to re-assess. As always, I appreciate your honesty, Ranger!

[@sherryzee2634]

OMG! Girl! That was scary as *#@! You guys freaked me out trying to get across that river. I have no doubt about nightmares on that one. I'm just thankful you all are safe! God bless you real good! (Certainly did that time)

[@Barkdack1]

That was so scary, I was so nervous myself hoping that you would be okay. I guess it mentally messed me up I had a dream myself I couldn't cross the river and I had to walk in really deep. water. Following different hikers makes it really become personal to us and cheering for you guys. Thank God you are safe.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh no! Sorry about that dream! Thank you for following along so closely, but that must’ve sucked!

[@luiscontreras7030]

I hope you know that you really have what it takes to become a international Journalist, the way you faced danger is a living testament of your professionalism on the trail. After you complete this journey please look into Journalism 🙏

[@stanr5645]

Smoke take care of that young lady, she a GEM❤

[@MrPlumberguy23]

still getting stuff done

[@stewartellis353]

Glad you and everone is ok !!!!!!!!

[@dougthebigdp314]

Yesterday's river crossing had my heart in my throat, this one was SO hard to watch...even knowing you obviously got through it. Tough people doing tough things. Ranger you don't give yourself enough credit, you may or may not be slow, or too self critical or whatever but you are one tough cookie and if it had been me there was no way I could have made a second attempt. Screw the detractors and nay sayers you keep doing your thing. Glad to see Smoke got through safely. Was that Mariposa early on in the video?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! And yep, that was her!

[@doubletimericepats]

Girl, you’re the best, my favorite video so far😂 just started watching them. Shame my ass I fucking love it you’re making me cry every step of the way he is so good at what you do and I love you love your face.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ohiogirl419]

Omgoodness please be careful as there have been many that never made it out of there. 🙏🙏🙏

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I felt especially ashamed knowing others haven’t been so lucky. It’s amazing how much you don’t think about when you’re in the moment 😔

[@sarahsiskin6780]

Damn that was scary

[@BBBYpsi]

The most important thing is your safe. Crossing that river was very dangerous. I do not think people realize the power of running water.

[@missionaries7575]

Glad for the string but I thought what if it broke? Kinda thin the other river I thought if you fell in at least if you were holding the string it could help.

[@mybuggadog15]

The most memorable part of this video wasn't that you almost lost it but that you didn't let go! Remember that for the rest of your life. 😉👍

[@1024Pete]

Bravo for your success! Thanks for the view. It was helpful and gave me pause for thought. The “Little Engine That Could” may have considered alternatives. Nevertheless, it seems the AT planners wanted to ensure hikers slogged through every possible tortuous obstacle. Seemingly, the master AT plan was to challenge hikers with all of nature’s inconveniences. Similar to the “Hunger Games” competitions without the harsh ending. There is a fine line between audaciousness and insanity. Both can be described as an obsessed desire to triumph with bold behavior. Both ignore the consequences of the actions taken. Except that the resulting outcome is either celebrity or infamy. That depends on a certain point of view. Either way, well-behaved people rarely make history. Be well. Be safe. I wish you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[@audiosaurus6511]

That was some scary shit!

[@Carcosahead]

That strange feeling you where mention was PTSD 😢

[@celestesuter1148]

Gosh, that was intense and terrifying😮😢. I am so glad you and your friends made it safely across. 😊 There’s no way I would have been able to cross that, even without a pack! For those that waited, did the stream go down? I think I would have waited until it was no more than knee deep though even that would have been scary! Here’s hoping the last sections of your hike are less eventful. ❤ Be safe and well!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, it went down enough for people to cross more safely the next day

[@thomasmcdonald4745]

That river crossing was too frightening. Please be careful! Don't worry about how fast or slow you are moving along the AT, because unlike your friends, you are filing each step of the way. Think of yourself as a documentary film maker more than a hiker. Enjoy yourself, make and share your videos and be safe! You have a lot of people out here that want the best for you.

[@edhespin4104]

That looked dangerous. I might have waited for the water to go down a little.

[@dmunman]

Good water shoes without laces or holes. Felt glued on the bottom. Won’t slip And least chance of foot entrapment.

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

Oh my goodness this was hard to watch I think I could see the water rising as it went on!

[@joankline343]

Just curious, how did Smoke get across the river and did he go alone? I've really enjoyed him in your videos and I'm glad he's okay 👌 🙏

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

He joined other hikers for the crossings. They had a harder time on the West branch of the same river, the one I called "crotch-deep" in Part 1. But luckily, they all got across everything okay!

[@davidprovost3537]

surprised nobody thought to use the help of an inflatable pad, ala Colin Fletcher

[@calex9398]

Pack Man, the leader of the pack man!

[@steveblake4187]

So, was it as much fun as sliding down rocks in the Youghiogheny?

[@polesofdestinyhiking]

I wish we had atleast used rope when we did a river crossing in the Sipsey...we just swam and floated on the bag to the other side...very very scary

[@ronnagy8118]

At least there should be a "Real Heavy Duty Rope" there, [at the 45 degree angle] not that skinny ropish thing you guys were using. And it should be all one piece not having a a knot tying two smaller piece together to make a long piece. I thought the knot was going to come apart on someone. Luckily it didn't.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

❤🎉hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦🖐🌲🚐🌳🦖🏞👍🌍❤

[@mamamuffin7170]

Kudos to whoever got your pack across…they would have had to cross 3 times? Yikes!

[@willbarton4508]

Glad you were ok and your phone. Definitely not a stream to be crossing by oneself. The guy who swam across was a great swimmer. Surprised that you all had enough rope make the crossing. Stay safe.