OVERCROWDING on the Appalachian Trail | environmental impacts & solutions

We analyze the rise of popularity ( 1:40 )on the trail along with studying the impacts ( 5:21 )that result from crowds. Then we finish with solutions to this problem (9:24 ).
Sources:
appalachiantrail.org/
www.americantrails.org/resources/studying-impacts-of-visitor-use-on-the-appalachian-trail
appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates/georgia-to-virginia-food-storage-order-national-forest-land/
appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/marketing-the-trail/overcrowding
thetrek.co/is-there-a-sustainable-future-for-appalachian-trail/
thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/2017-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker-stats/?ref=embedded_post
#appalachiantrail #thruhike
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Candy Mama here! yes this used to be a couples account with my husband named "THE DOWER DUO". We have since rebranded it to feature my individual adventures.
a little about me~ wife first, adventurer second! I have thru hiked the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-To-Sea Trail. I am the fastest lady to ever hike the Mountains-To-Sea Trail spanning the length of North Carolina. 1175 miles in 29 days! As well as being the fastest person to complete the Benton MacKaye Trail enjoy creating wanderlust content and trail running!
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(This video is about: tara dower, overcrowding on the AT, overcrowded, appalachian trail crowds, thru hike 2023, thru hiking, backpacking, appalachian trail thru hike, candy mama, appalachian trail, appalachian trail 2023, thru hike, thru hike 2019, thru hiking, tara treks, backpacking, maine, virginia, vermont, new hampshire, thru hiker )

[@tacohiker]

As a Certified Environmental Scientist who happens to live close to the southern terminus of the AT, BRAVO! This has needed attention for quite some time. The combined amount of people (all types of hikers) and resulting erosion/trail damage is not ideal. My personal experience...I hiked to Blood Mountain from Neels Gap last year... there were so many people and the trail just looked trampled and eroded, so sad. It really took away from the solitude and beauty the trail has to offer.

[@chriskelly6559]

That short hike is one of the busiest day hiker parts on the trail. Sorry to say but a lot of day hikers are known to ignore "leave no trace", or cut thru switchbacks. Too many hikers has also kept wildlife to stay away from the trail. The changes on the trail since '17 have not been good. The trail is relatively safe, but the more people out there, the more of a chance to run into a nutcase.

[@Jenna08848]

Great video good content. I took care of a shelter in Pa and was a trail maintainer. It was a really drepressing time lugging out other people garbage. Off season hiking up to the shelter and finding a small pine with ornaments on it and thank yous was just awesome. Leave no trace needs to be part of all pre hike planning. Its not the maintainers job to be cleaning up after you. Jenna🦊

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

It's impossible to "leave no trace." The trail itself is a trace. In fact, trails used to be called "traces". I know, it's an issue of semantics. Decades ago, "pack it in, pack it out" and "take only pictures, leave only footprints" were how outdoors folk said the same thing. Regardless of how the concept is worded, there is always the dichotomy of attitude and behavior. On one side, we have those pick up after themselves, carefully observe rules for dealing with human waste and personal hygiene, and don't litter. On the other side, we have careless, entitled slobs who don't believe that rules apply to them and besides, it's someone else's job to clean it up. What ends up happening is the experience is downgraded for everyone, and the regulatory authorities begin to impose fees, require permits, and then severely restrict access. Some or all of that is happening on the "big" trails already. To put it another way, "This is why we can't have nice things."

[@scottybintn3061]

I grew up in Greene County. TN (currently live near the Laurel Fork section) and have spent A LOT of time section hiking the AT in the area. I'm blown away by how many inexperienced/clueless hikers I have seen over the years, and it's only getting worse. So as it continues to explode (thanks KZbin hikers) I've surrendered to the fact that there's nothing anyone can do. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many through hikers I've confronted at Laurel Fork Falls alone that were bathing in the creek with the likes of Irish Spring soap. I used to do trail maintenance and would act as a trail angel every year, but I'm to the point where I currently view it as a lost cause. I simply avoid the AT during peak times and enjoy/clean it after everyone's passed through for the season.

[@1SquirrelHerder]

❤ I do think about the impacts I (and others) leave on the trail. I am a day/section hiker and choose less popular areas at the time and I also pack out other’s trash as well. I love that you have made a video to bring attention to this.

[@HikingWithRiley]

👨‍🎓👨‍🎓Thanks for the video! By putting this together, you’re certainly helping to address the overcrowding issue. I agree with you that there are lots of benefits to more people experiencing the trail, so I don’t think the overcrowding issue is all bad. I like your background setup in the room! It gives off a very warm and welcoming feel 🙂👨‍🎓👨‍🎓

[@jehramsey]

The number of people is why I mainly hike in the winter time. Plus, my body does not tolerate the sun and heat too well. I've talked about thru hiking the AT. IF I ever do, it would be a flip flop for me.

[@jimedson9317]

I have been hiking on the AT since the early 1970s. The number of thru-hikers has increased over the years. I thru hiked in 1990 starting on May 5th so I would miss most of the crowds. The trail was busy with hikers in the 1970s but not as many thru hikers then. Most of the thru hikers report there hikes to the ATC. Before 1980 not as many did. If you hike in Shenandoah NP. or the Smokies your going to see a number of hikers. Near the large cities near road crossings on weekends you are going to see a number of people. I have noticed that most thru-hikers start much earlier in the year now then in the 1970s . If you get out during the week or hike in the winter you are less likely to see as many hikers. In the 1970s there were many more miles of the AT on roads and through private property. I pick up as much litter as I can on my daily walks on the AT living less then a mile from the trail. The trail was busy in the 1970s but not nearly the number of thru-hikers as today.

[@JulieGayheart]

Hey Tara! Thanks for all of your research and sharing with all of us! 👩🏻‍🏫📚

[@johnl8738]

Great Job, love how you do the research and the way you present the information. Always informative. 🔬

[@Summit-Sam]

Thanks again for all you do for the AT community and this well researched and important topic.

[@petergrant9259]

Wonder how much is due to You Tube videos... so much info is available today which wasn't 10 years ago... 😂

[@taratreks]

So true

[@granitekiwis.tramping]

👩🏼‍🏫 Cheers Tara for this! Can’t wait to get over there and help with trail maintenance!

[@KrizAkoni]

Another way to look at crowding is to look at the heavily used areas. Around 30,000 hikers use the AMC huts annually and over 1.5M visitors per year visit Shenandoah National park (down from over 2.7M in the late 70s). One could say usage is way down from the 70s. As an avid section hiker, my experience is in line with your observation that through hikers are an insignificant population on the trail. That all being said, parking seems to be a way to regulate / limit day use - natural parking limits do seem to have an impact in my local area. Regardless of the mechanism used to regulate usage, we have a long way to go convincing everyone packing out trash really matters…I’ve noticed a big increase in microtrash on the trail. Late 2024 I’ll be attempting my through hike. Love all you’re doing to create awareness for these issues.

[@jamesadams2334]

Reducing the crowds is about the only way to reduce impact. Even if everybody followed LNT principles the shear number of people walking, eating, sleeping on the trail causes a major impact. My first hike was 1990. There were only about 450 people that started the trail and 261 completed the trail. Even then, I had to go out of my way to spend 2 nights alone on the trail. What if you started your hike on March 15 in Damascus and hiked to Delaware Water Gap. Then go to Springer and hike to Damascus. Then go to Delaware Water Gap and hike to Katahdin. You would be starting early enough to definitely finish on time. You would be hiking the Mid Atlantic states before the drought days. You would be hiking the south before it gets too hot. You would be hiking the entire time with all the hostel / hotel amenities that you would normally have and you would be hiking New England after Black Fly season, with the bubble that is left which would be considerably smaller and you would still get to finish on Katahdin. The start would probably be less cold than starting at Springer in January or February. You would still finish between September 1 and October 15. Just some thoughts on dispersing people. geek A.T. '90 & '02, PCT '08

[@onwardwithOmi]

Wow! A lot of great information!! I can confirm that space can be at a premium at some shelters. Some days I see lots of hikers and some very few. Thanks for putting some much work into the video!!❤

[@bobv7753]

Thank you Tara for the excellent content on a growing concern with trail overcrowding. It's a difficult and easily avoided subject to address. The AT is a National Treasure for all to enjoy. In order for this trail to continue to be the outstanding natural experience for all we all need to protect it. Thank you again for focusing our attention on this issue. I hike & cherish this trail. Best Always.....Bob 👌 👍

[@taratreks]

Thanks for watching Bob!!

[@Summit-Sam]

👩‍⚕️I commented earlier, I think educating more with videos like this, ridge runners and by example we can get people to adhere to the leave no trace! I personally am going SOBO this year so I am interested to see the impact in that direction, Thanks again ❤

[@wendyswanders2023]

Great video Tara, thank you for doing this. I hope we all can help minimise the impact ❤

[@websurvivor]

The numbers have declined now for the second year in a row. There was a jump during the pandemic, and now that it has (allegedly) ended, the numbers are going back down. I think the awe of many from social media is also wearing off as people have gotten out and seen for themselves it isn't the same as what they see online. Not to mention, we've finally hit a point of reversed population growth, especially in the demographics (white people) who tend to hike/backpack.

[@tacklebill4835]

What a great and informative production Thank you "Candy Momma" !

[@christopherch7307]

Lots of love.... I'm here to listen & learn.

[@vshybeej8756]

Thanks for the video Tara! 🐾🐾🐕

[@taratreks]

Thank you for watching!

[@andyshaw8605]

🪕🎤💿well done, love that you care so much!

[@BonaFideWildLife]

Here's a BIG THANK YOU to the unsung trail angels who pick up litter on trails!!

[@maggie7008]

🎵🎵🎵 Thanks for the research you have done and for your time spent to share it.

[@taratreks]

Thank you for watching 😀😀

[@eddieb3328]

👨🏽‍⚕️ Thank you for helping spread awareness to past, present and future AT hikers. I was researching about Thur hiking as I am planning to do it next year and I was not expecting this video. I’m going to add educate myself on the points you made in order to assist in leaving the trail in healthiest condition possible. Ty

[@taratreks]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Embrace the Flip Flop. Easier terrain to start on, the best weather, no big crowds to compete with for on and off trail resources. Statistically the percentage of successfully completing a thru for flip floppers is over twice that of NOBOs.

[@taratreks]

Flip flop is the way to go!

[@CircusStellaShow]

📚 thanks for the video :)

[@direwolf_adventure]

In planning my 2024 thru hike, I have been thinking a lot about my potential impact to the trail. I have been thinking about SOBO and Flip Flop itineraries, but I know, due to personal circumstances, I would not be setting myself up for success. I don't think I can keep others from practicing 7 principles, other than yelling "LNT" and my friends every time they kick a rock. Your video has inspired me to come up with a plan, that I want to share, in case it inspires anyone else. I promise to the Trail that every day I am walking into town, I will pick up all the trash I see and dispose of it properly.

[@dougholmes8468]

Hey there! My first time seeing your channel and I really enjoyed this episode. The AT has always been on my radar. One day…. Thank you for your informative and well produced episode. You gained a new subscriber! I’m from Greenville SC and Hot Springs NC is a place I go to escape. It speaks to me for some reason. If you still are there or nearby maybe you would consider being a backpack guide for me and my girlfriend some day?

[@TheOleMaineGeezer-uf9fy]

Very informative for this old geezer.🇸🇯✌👴🪚🔨🛠🧰

[@rayhadden6510]

Good content, on a needed subject. I did a small day hike in Pine Grove Furnace, while trying to introduce my family to camping. But have no experience with much more. But between the traffic we saw going for the 1/2 gallon challenge, and the hours of video I've watched I could see crowding being, or soon becoming a problem. I live near the Adirondacks, and a similar situation is happening with the peaks. I see many inexperienced attempting this challenge. I think the community, which I am not part of, might be able to help by suggesting shorter learning hikes on some of the many other trails along the east coast. To perfect their backpacking skills and LNT camping.

[@1024Pete]

Thanks for the information. To reduce overcrowding eliminate shelters. Shelters are creating the biggest impact on the trail. That is where most people congregate. That is where most garbage is produced. That is where people can get contaminated with germs/viruses. This is the place that attracts wild animals due to the abundance of remaining food scraps. Also, Shelters are attractive because hikers can reduce carry weight by not taking tents/tarps/hammocks or carrying lighter sleeping products. The expectation for experienced and non experienced hikers is the shelter will provide protection from the elements. With overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, shelters really should be considered a biohazard concern. I will never sleep in a shelter. I experienced close quarters sleeping in the military. I won’t do that again. I rather sleep alone in any type of weather or any area away from crowds.

[@scottybintn3061]

At least the shelters keep them from wild camping, which has an even larger impact. I'm with you and have never slept in them, but I sleep right alongside so as not to widen the footprint.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

"They call it Paradise, I don't know why. You call someplace Paradise, kiss it goodbye." - The Eagles (The Last Resort)

[@alicebecht859]

Thanks for educating

[@carlmeyers2937]

Thanks for sharing. Hoping to make the NOBO hike someday. Hope the trail is still healthy when I get there.🦷

[@lucindaturnis6605]

Great information Tara 👍🏻 🏕👣📸

[@yonikki]

I live in Palm Beach Florida ... One mile inland from the Atlantic. Beautiful area!! We go primitive camping every March (spring break) with the kids so that they can experience a different, outdoor environment. We travel further north as thry get older. Last year we visited Kentucky for the week ... all the locals couldn't believe we left sunny south Florida to visit their town/s. I would love to hike the AT as a newbie for a night or two one vacay in the near future. At the same time I wish our beaches weren't so overpopulated that we (the locals) don't feel like we have to leave the state to get away from the tourists. So .. I totally get it! 😢

[@theblueblazebeyond4766]

People are going to be people. Some may realize they are having a negative impact on the trail, but, others will think that you could not possibly be talking about them ... 😎. So the battle may rage on. It is sad to see popular areas over ran and over used and worse - no respect for the land. Thanks for bringing this subject to the forefront .... hike on! 👐👐👐

[@davidprovost3537]

If you think the trail is too crowded, remember that if you are on the trail, you're part of the crowd.

[@lonleyndn]

Not just the Trail; Sadly, it is everywhere now: EVERY trail I take, EVERY land-based fishing spot, EVERY boat landing, EVERY lake shore, lake front and beach, EVERY hiding spot in the woods..... I am part Cherokee and part Catawba. Most times, while standing there looking at the filth left behind by narcissistic, selfish, uncaring people, I feel like the Indian guy on his horse with a tear rolling down his cheek. Sometimes there is even a feeling of wanting to shut the whole thing down to everyone (even if it means myself) to preserve what is "natural".....This is "ours", but, "THIS" "IS NOT" "OURS". "Leave No Trace".....🛠

[@scotthansen6438]

🛠 Thank you for doing this video. It was needed. I have been wondering if the AT will start handing out permits to help out with the crowds.

[@WhiteFeather1x]

Btw. I love how you try to “not enforce” but suggest how to be a better hiker

[@youngAThart]

Great video Tara. Content research and editing- I can only imagine the time that you put into it. Definitely reminded me of how much I enjoyed being out there (even for just a few days). You are a great AT ambassador 👍. I watched the entire video but couldn’t find an emoji for ‘retired domestic goddess’ 😂.

[@taratreks]

Retired domestic goddess!! Yes I love it Donna

[@user-bf4hw4fg8i]

I am a PT and hope to do parts of the AT in the future. One question that I have is that at the shelters that have no latrine - I see lots of videos and photos of shelters but not of latrines. If there are shelters without latrines then all those hikers will be digging catholes like landmines. Am I just not seeing the latrines or are they like trash cans - pack it in, pack it out and trash cans are not provided?

[@jessnewville1265]

Reading these comments are making me sad. Its on my bucket list to thru hike not only the AT but the PCT and CDT as well. Trash is so much more prevalent than I wouldve imagined. It is good to know what the bubble is actually like so I can plan accordingly IF I ever get the chance to go. Love to all those that truly love the outdoors as I do and to those that maintain the trails.

[@taratreks]

Thank you for your comment Jess

[@kathycasey9153]

I don't know, it's a tough call. As A section hiker, everyone I have come across has followed the rules and been respectful and grateful to be there. I know it would help but I would hate to see a lottery system. Rerouting every couple of years does seem to help.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Have you tried the Bruce trail in Ontario? It follows the Niagara escarpment . I havent, too old now, im guessing it might be safer and less busy, with some really cool natural sites, especially in northern section peninsula into Georgian Bay. Its in my bucket list in the sky.

[@theecanmole]

😀 well said.

[@MotoVet86]

I wasn’t on the Appalachian today. I went to yonah mountain near Helen, GA. Holy smokes I will never go there again. Too many people, people going off trail with obvious signs saying not to, trash, vandalism. I’ll go further out from towns now.

[@tacohiker]

@MotoVet86 Yes, I also did Yonah once and wont go back. Graffiti, broken glass, tons of day hikers and drunken overnighters, and Ranger training. It seems the less experienced hikers don't follow the LNT principals.

[@Last_Chance.]

Candy Mama!!!!

[@gohikeme8420]

🧱 well done! Great content, and keep up the good stewardship!!

[@hikerbikerclutz8377]

Omg this is the best vid out there. Thank you for this. Queen Candy Mama 🤘

[@taratreks]

Thanks!

[@joannataylor9118]

❤

[@shebalynnx]

🏡👰‍♀️thoughtfully done! Lots to think about.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

What ya think about new law with no filming in national parks and Appalachian trail! Nps especially notes KZbinr and tik tok in the law

[@taratreks]

I haven’t done a lot of research into that but to me it doesn’t make sense

[@MGADTH]

hey, i understand the love for Appalachia and i do understand people misuse of the trail for people truly trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. but i was born in southern Virginia right on the boarder of west Virginia and i find your title and thumbnail kind of funny…but i mean…if you think there’s too many hikers, why don’t you stop yourself, it’s starts with you! kind of funny to me

[@taratreks]

Did you watch the video?

[@pilgrimbruce6475]

Every National Park is experiencing the same issue with overcrowding and over-use. Their universal answer has been increased regulations, increased restrictions, and increased fees. Leave-no-trace principles can mitigate many of the negative impacts of overcrowding and over-use. I believe that most thru-hikers put serious effort into them. However, thru-hikers are only 10% of the people who use the trail. While trail runners help inform and educate, that is not always enough. After all, every highway has speed limit signs posted regularly, yet few people abide by them. The only solution that I see is to make leave-no-trace a deeply ingrained part of culture for all outdoor enthusiasts.

[@millie8399]

Thank you for exploring this important topic🙂🎨🌻

[@EddieJoe55]

Your question: “everyone adhere perfectly to all 7 principles?” Yes, it is “possible”, but it is not likely that all 7 be adhered to-leastwise, it sure ain’t happened yet! I find there are people in this world that do not like to be told what to do-they don’t like rules, and do what they want to do in the moment, and some, even if some are watching. If they want to throw their trash down, poop where they want-then that’s what they will do! ~~Q# 2: impact? As long as those people that are destroying the trail are not held accountable, you bet there will be a loooong term impact to the trails! That’s if trail limitations aren’t eventually enforced-impacting violators and non-violators alike. Who is going to turn another person in for throwing down their trash on the trail, or relieving themselves near the trail without covering it? So the vandalism lives on, at least till those folks breaking the principles obtains some personal integrity about themself! Naaah! Me neither…not gonna happen! “I have Faith in God, not humans!” 💻🛠️

[@0zthehikingsailor]

There is no overcrowding on the AT unless you are in those bubbles where they combined because of those hikers did not want to hike in bad weather. Myself and others continue to hike and we have all the shuttles and hostels to ourselves. Virginia histek owners have told me April was busy but May has been snow. Good for me but unlucky for average slow hikers. My only suggestion is to hike in bad weather like I do and get ahead of everyone.

[@wineberryred]

🙇

[@willswalkingwest7267]

I hiked from Central Florida to Santa Monica Beach between July 2018 and January 2020 and very rarely ran into other hikers. Less than 10. I considered the AT but having watched dozens and dozens of hiker vlogs, I find the AT to be an unacceptable environment for hiking in peace. I'm in my 60's, I'm way beyond the hippy, kumbaya days, the culture on the trail is probably just great for the 20 to 30 somethings that crave that type of thing. I prefer solitude. Of late, I've been watching thru-hiker post trail videos about the confrontations and annoying encounters with people up there. Bottom line is you'd think going up into the Appalachian forests would afford one peace and tranquility but it looks quite the opposite. More to the topic of this video, when you consider the rapid destruction of wild places for housing and shopping plazas all over the eastern part of the country, the actual impact by 3 million hikers becomes more in context as a lesser problem. Here's my prediction. Those who honor themselves with self importance regarding overstating a problem on the AT are going to instigate actual regulations that will lower or restrict numbers. It's always about regulation and laws and any excuse to make new laws and fees give a lot of people meaning in their lives. The restrictions will come, whether it be new fees, hiking licenses or even a cut off after a certain number of hikers hit the trail. Ideally, just promoting leave no trace, allowing the trail population to naturally evolve to less people as more and more people have negative experiences and leaving new regulations out of it. It's baffling how people embrace government restrictions and new laws and fees. They're unnecessary and should be discouraged. I'm sorry I missed hiking the AT before the crowds, 2000 miles of peace and tranquility seems very attractive, especially in such an iconic part of the USA.

[@spuriouseffect]

There are options to find solitude on the A.T. Watch Stella Hikes. She started in Georgia at the end February, and is now in New York. She's been complaining nearly the entire hike that she's alone most of the time. The shelters she has stayed in have been empty. She's even been the only person at most hostels. One problem is that a lot of businesses and park facilities aren't open until closer to the time that the bubble is approaching. If you don't want to start the trail that early, you could hike the southern sections in the fall, and start in Virginia well ahead of almost everyone And south bound hikers can go days without seeing anyone on trail, so there's that option as well.

[@flowerpower1980]

I feel like when I follow you tubers, they tend to only vlog when they are alone….perhaps giving the unrealistic impression that the trail isn’t crowded. Not a commentary against them, just an observation. 👵🏻🥾

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Partly that has to do with the vloggers wanting to respect the privacy of fellow hikers.

[@flowerpower1980]

@@ChristopherMarshburn absolutely! But it also kind of gives a distorted view of how many hikers are on trail.

[@jeffstewart1973]

😊💙

[@KevBoneT]

🛠️ I love your hair, and I hope to see your Mom in Waynesboro VA 🪛

[@taratreks]

Thanks! Just got some bangs 😁

[@Foxyfreedom]

Ever been to Yosemite? Place is an urban nightmare. This world still feels overcrowded. We need another Covid! I can’t even go skiing or snowboarding either.

[@scottybintn3061]

The outdoors got WAY MORE crowded during the pandemic. It's the last thing we need.

[@Last_Chance.]

Go in winter. Problem solved

[@taratreks]

👍👍

[@taratreks]

👍👍

[@AmazingMayzie]

The only way to manage population is to require permits like in Yosemite.

[@derekhand7904]

I think when I do my 2028 tru hike I’ll probably head sobo. Just so can find camp sites

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍

[@Katinwater]

🌱🔬🥾

[@birds.and.blazes]

I'm reading A Walk in the Woods right now! Didnt know there was a movie😮

[@timjones8184]

When you give a natural feature a name, It's screwed.

[@MrJimaki]

💊

[@sheilastevens7956]

Thank you for this information. Public Health Emoji

[@1024Pete]

😀

[@jgannon1637]

the more the merrier. I loved the overcrowded community vibe of Trail Daze. if you want a less crowded hike pick one of the other triple crowns. "seek fellowship with the wilderness" is a lifelong lesson in minimalism and nature connection more than anyone can get with a environmental studies degree. The Whites control overcrowding with their hut system, yet that makes them primarily only available to the wealthy who can afford it .i prefer lottery systems like John Muir trail over AMC high fees. all in all, it is the experience of shedding the need for excessive comforts, and eventually status, if you are to really get the lesson. and if you get the lesson, you are a nature master, established in minimalism and a somatic harmonization with it. Thanks!

[@crustyrash]

👩🏻‍🔬

[@emilybibby8384]

🧠

[@MtnWanderer-TieDye-]

I appreciate the amount of research and time you put into this. 🦸‍♀️

[@taratreks]

Thank you 😌

[@aubreyansell1019]

I hike in winter, fall and early spring and RARELY EVER see another hiker. So I cry BS, it is comparable to driving to work, between 7 and 9 the interstate is overcrowded but at night few cars. Whining about a problem is easy and really nobody wants to hear it. Fill your life with joy and happiness and look for the positive in life .

[@taratreks]

@@aubreyansell1019 did you even watch the entire video? It’s about environmental impacts which are most definitely happening.

[@Vulcan0625]

👨‍🏭

[@rolandpinette9946]

I couldn't find an emoji representing my profession. On to your questions.... Do I think it is possible for all hikers to adhere to LNT? Yes, it is possible, but it is not likely to happen. First, not all hikers are aware of LNT. Getting day hikers and section hikers up-to-speed would require a gigantic education campaign. Second, even if all hikers were trained in LNT, not all would adhere. Sadly, there are citizens who are self-entitled and rules do not apply to them. Some of them find their way onto the Trail. Yes, this attitude exists in the hiking community, especially when no one is watching. Others are just lazy, and have no desire to comply. Enforcement is probably not an effective solution. Getting the hiking community to police itself could have far reaching, positive impact. The explosion of hiker services along the Trail encourages hikers, who are otherwise not prepared for a thru-hike, to give it a try. Though many of these filter-out by Hot Springs, they certainly contribute to overcrowding in the early weeks on Trail. Videos like this raise awareness of these issue. Well done, Tara.

[@jeffersonjcoat]

Just spread out you got $2,200 mi a mile for each person could accommodate $2,200 people . Stop clumping ! ie plenty of room

[@martacooley4778]

🖥️

[@jamicrawford6729]

So, why don't all the KZbinrs shut their channels down to discourage so many ppl on the trail? Just curious why so many ppl complain about the amount of ppl on the trail while not complaining about all their likes and cash contributions to their channels. I've been hiking this trail since 1977 as well as thru and section hiked it. I've never had a problem finding a camp site, or an over crowded shelter. What I have seen is an overcrowding in trail towns and an increase in ppl who have not learned LNT. The ATC is full of crap with the 10% increase of thru hikes every year. in 1990 there was around 3000 ppl attempting a thru. in 2023 there is around 4980 ppl, which is right around a 2% increase annual in thru hike attempts, about an 8% short fall of the ATC estimate. I wouldn't expect anything less from an organization that took $19.2 million from the oil industry just a few years back. Just a thought that the only true ppl i hear complaining are the youtubers, which means ppl must be getting in the way of their filming themselves out on the trail ⚕

[@WhiteFeather1x]

🐸

[@WhiteFeather1x]

3 million poops in one day. Sweet Christmas

[@fairoaks42]

👩‍💼📎🗄️📂good video!

[@aikirunner]

I strongly encourage flip flop to lower the impact on the trail. National Parks, State Parks, National Forests and State Forest control the backcountry within their borders. I grew up hiking the White Mountains when I was a youth in the 70s. The majority of hikers weren't AT thru hikers.

[@walkerpercy8702]

I dont see more hikers. I see more mountain bikers.

[@taratreks]

Ewwww not them

[@kbran4414]

🤓

[@cwesley2005]

No shoutout to Nahamsha? 😦

[@taratreks]

She wasn’t an original Thru Hike KZbinr

[@RC-qf3mp]

She’s derivative. Watch Dixie if you want original recipe.

[@taratreks]

@@RC-qf3mp hmm I don’t love that

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@taratreks do you prefer extra crispy?

[@taratreks]

@@RC-qf3mp 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ 😅

[@arizonahiker6113]

Anecdotal at best.

[@pleok08]

from Ross08: Although many valid points are presented, unable to agree with your conclusions based upon my own personal experiences in 2020 and 2023 on the AT. We can agree to disagree.

[@thesunshinesyndicate981]

I’m sorry but I cannot give a thumbs up to this video. You said it took a longtime to make this video and I find that very hard to believe. Now I’ll give you the respect of trying to raise awareness as people just don’t care at times and some people all the time. It I’m getting at is you did not include is 4 extremely important things that happened to assist the rise or fall of people on the trail. It’s just my opinion. Keep on hiking!

[@jaimeserrano1234]

Yes , There is a Overcrowding issue. In the Tri-State area it is bad for the first 2-3 miles lol. Those are the ones who just wan to take a wilderness walk. Ask them how they found out about the trail and they will say youtube or facebook. You content creators could be both helpful and destructive. LoL

[@taratreks]

This is so true

[@fightingwords8955]

HOT Candy Momma 🧙

[@dankle46]

😂

[@SupTim1]

Back door barbie?