The Most DANGEROUS Man in the History of Hiking (many victims)

[@AirborneGuy2010]

I was hoping you would tell this one! I talked to him on October 23 2007. My wife and I were camping and mountain biking at Tsali. I made a run to the nantahala food mart/gas station before dark to get a few things. I decided to grab some firewood while I was there which they kept outside on the side of the building. As I was loading it I noticed a white Chevy van and an older guy standing there watching me. He ended up walking over to me and started making small talk. I immediately got a weird vibe from him. He then asked me what I was doing and I just said I was camping with some friends. He then asks me of some good places to camp and then asked me where I was camping! I just said it was some friends property and was trying as hard as I could to leave quickly. I actually turned the wrong way out of the gas station bc he was watching where I was going. I eventually worked my way back to the campsite and told my wife why I took so long. I probably shouldn’t have ha. I will never forget that day. I can still see him talking to me. It’s like he was staring through me. He would laugh a little bit and then just switch to a very menacing stare. I don’t think we slept at all that night!

[@janefreeman995]

So weird, I was at a park to make dinner but not camp. This guy was staring at me. I was the only person there aside from a couple that came and went. There was some cattle he appeared to be caring checking on, but every time I looked up, he was staring at me. Then he disappeared. I made my dinner at a picnic table and ate. He then showed up on horseback and asked me if I'd like to go on a ride with him sort of creating a space pointing to the front of the saddle. I said no, gathered my things, and drove off. But ya gotta trust weird staring!

[@annohalloran6020]

Trusting your gut saved many. Good man yourself.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

crazy! glad you're alright

[@allisonmarlow184]

That's seriously creepy!

[@carolcarol62]

So you should have got the fuck out

[@jainabeard523]

For those like me, Meredith Emerson’s dog Ella was found near a Kroger in Cumming, Georgia on January 4, 2008 and was adopted by her parents. Hilton’s dog Dandy was also adopted into a good home

[@susanc.houghtondogandfolka3163]

I scrolled through the comments just to find out what happened to the dog. Poor thing had to have been traumatized by seeing what happened 😭

[@cformosa]

❤

[@tessfabled4115]

Oh thank god!

[@Jjchg]

Thank you for this information. ❤

[@victoriachristine226]

Thank you ❤

[@Alex-rr2zu]

Hilton lived and occasionally worked in the Chamblee/Brookhaven area , a suburb of Atlanta. A neighbor, a retired auto mechanic, worked on his truck. For quite a while, Hilton lived out of his van in a neighborhood park. From all accounts, the guy was very creepy and menacing. I’ve hiked that section numerous times. One additional note: the guy who spotted him at the gas station called 911. When the operator didn’t seem concerned enough, he said if the cops don’t show up soon, I’m armed and will take him down! Wish he had.

[@tiger.wolf.2033]

😨

[@katymcginn4644]

AMEN ALEX! THAT'S A GREAT MAN RIGHT THERE.HE WAS GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT MONSTER DIDN'T GET AWAY! GOD BLESS HIM FOR WANTING TO SERVE HIM JUSTICE! 🙏💙

[@OfficialWEIRD]

Just off the thumbnail alone, he looks SO CREEPY

[@EyelessAugust]

The operator didn’t seem concerned about WANTED man was spotted?! I hope they got fired. That could’ve cost more lives.

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

This story absolutely breaks my heart! Always trust your gut - she fought so hard and he just got the upper hand 😢. My husband and I were hiking a portion of the Pinhoti trail last fall. We had our dog with us (he is a big sweet pea, loves everyone, but looks intimidating)! Anyhow we were hiking up this long steep section, prob about 3/4 a mile, but pretty much once you got to the top you could see at least half way down that section. We ran into a guy who was coming down as we made our way up, no pack, no water, wearing a short sleeve red shirt and dirty blue jeans. Just got weird vibes off him. Our dog was off the chain, barking and snarling - this dog loves everyone. I knew this dude was off. He was limping and carrying a walking stick, said he was rehabbing a torn meniscus. No one hikes up a climb that steep to rehab a torn meniscus. Everything was just off. My husband and I were both packing and made sure we were ready if things went sideways. This dude was limping and moving real slow. So about a min up the trail I said - I am going to see how far he has made it down that hill - he just gives me the creeps. I walked back to where you could see the trail at least half way down that long stretch we had come up - and the dude was gone! Absolutely zero chance he could have gotten down that fast moving the way he was when we saw him. My dog was right, he was a creep! We half expected to find a body a little further up trail, but never saw him again. 😮 Moral of the story - trust your gut and your dog! 😅

[@afterdinnercheesesnack]

Well that’s a goodest boy! (The dog, respectively lol)

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

@@afterdinnercheesesnack❤😂

[@NicoliRavioli117]

How scary. At least y’all were prepared. Sounds like your dog was too 😉🐾

[@martinep6293]

Never tell where you are going. Make sure you are not being followed/watched. Do not camp near trails or water etc... Make sure you cannot be seen from anywhere, in the backcountry. Pick the color of your tent carefully😂 Do not eat or cook food where you spend the night. It is not just for bears. My rules.

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

@@martinep6293Very sound advice!

[@FranklinOwen-f1n]

My daughter was shopping in WalMart near 276 in Brevard, NC. While she was in that store, Gary Hilton was stalking her. My wife went into that store where she ran into our daughter. When she told her about Hilton, they went to the store management and got him to accompany them out to their cars. After the news cast, a few days later about Hilton got out, my daughter and my wife figured out what was going on, I went to the Sherrif Dept and told them what I knew about Hilton. That is how they placed him in this area where the elder couple was murdered. I'm glad he is in jail.

[@JoeRogansForehead]

🧢

[@kyonascontentcorner6552]

I believe it. All the Walmarts here are dangerous anymore. Can’t go without getting cornered or followed. My mom had a man similar looking to him (but we can’t confirm it was him) follow her around the entire store and to her car. She slammed the door shut right as he grabbed the handle. Luckily she’d already had it locked. Even now, years later, there’s still some shady people around the area looking to snatch someone

[@Floydian4everr]

This story is all over the place, in what order did this all happen? How or why did your wife run into your daughter at the Walmart and ask to be escorted to their cars if they only found out about him days later on the news? Was he stalking her INSIDE Wally's? On her way to Wally's How did she know to be on alert if she didn't know about him and how did she get in touch with your wife? I was really interested in their experience but couldn't put the pieces together

[@Floydian4everr]

​@@kyonascontentcorner6552oh common, your username is content corner, "the Walmarts around here are dangerous ANYMORE" what does that even mean and she got all the way to her car, go in and locked the doors just as he pulled the door handle? You know how many cheap b movies have scenes in them exactly like this comment? Just about all of them😂. If she was so scared AND aware of being stalked through "the entire store" she didn't stop to tell security or call police? She just kept shopping, grew a pair of big ones and outran him to the car?

[@kyonascontentcorner6552]

@@Floydian4everr I’m sorry if my comment upset you, but yes that is what happened. She got in her car and hit the lock button, a few seconds after someone began yanking on the handle. That’s around the same time she told my father she wanted to get her conceal carry, because she’d been so scared by it. I’m sorry if you don’t believe, but it’s happened. She’s not the only person it’s happened to as well. Have a wonderful evening.

[@Rockabelle]

There’s something particularly awful about a sweet old couple coming to a bad end 😢

[@sunnyscott4876]

Yes exactly right. My very first thought.

[@billyshears921]

I live in the area and remember this well. Meredith suffered a horrible death, her dog was rescued unharmed.

[@amkboyd]

Came here to find out what happened to the dog. Thanks! Kyle, when animals are involved you have to tell us if they are ok.

[@Sam-xr8ne]

Should've had a pitbull :[ or chow. I was almost kidnapped when I was 22. My dogs saved me! I had a pitbull and chow/lab mix. The chow set things off by initiating the attack. Then my pit jumped in lol.

[@mirandah9758]

Thank you for sharing information about Meredith’s dog. I am a huge dog person so I always want to know what happens to the pets of victims as well.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

@@amkboyd I was meaning to put an update on the dog in the video but forgot, my bad!

[@GooseAlarm]

@@Sam-xr8ne Chow/Lab? I'll keep that in mind in the future. Always looking for a good boy that will be protective when needed and not just rage and bark at everyone. I have poodle and they just rage at everyone who even glances in my direction. Hell, there could be a leaf blowing in the wind and they'd go nuts.

[@BeRightBack131]

It always makes me so mad when I hear things like "he shot his stepfather, but they declined to press charges." Or, "he touched his sister, but the family declined to press charges." People! If someone does something outrageous like that, PRESS CHARGES! I do not care if you care about the offender. Press charges anyway. You may be saving someone's LIFE later on.

[@vikingrobot4179]

I hear that. I have enabler family members and it makes me sick when they defend the demon child in the family, or the pervert Uncle or the abusive Husband. It’s usually die to fear and guilt of being shorty parents to said child.

[@jennleighton3209]

It's also pretty bad when the victims aren't offered the option to press charges by the responding police officers. Some crimes should just be punished.

[@johnlynch-kv8mz]

Amen. At least look for the slightest contrite spirit. Are they sorry at all for the harm their actions caused??

[@johnlynch-kv8mz]

I can remember being young, the DYS lady came to our house. She was quite a fetching lady, very kind very attractive, a woman of color. There was something in me inwardly excited about her being in our house. She might of been there for alleged abuse on my father’s part, I don’t remember, but I do remember her being there for three hours, and nobody said a single word to her the whole time she was there, except when she was leaving. Someone told her to have a great night. I still don’t see how the government being involved with families is any good whatsoever. No one was Murdered.

[@dirty_deeds3523]

Everyone needs a break sometime. 98% of people given breaks like that turn out to be fine, well-adjusted adults.

[@jpoconnor5744]

The search for him was all over the news in Atlanta and north Georgia. A friend of mine is a game warden who works the Dawson Forest. They were trying desperately to save Meredith and catch Hilton. If I recall correctly, he saw both of them, her dog, and his van, a day or two before the situation was fully understood. I may be off on some of the details , but you get the gist. It really tore him up how it all ended.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

super sad

[@TheFraziers]

I grew up in the Atlanta area and have visited every location listed here and it shocks me that I have never heard of this case till now. A great, informative video as always Kyle! Another weird coincidence is that Blood Mountain is right next to Slaughter Creek and Slaughter Gap. Tragically ironic location names for something like that to occur!

[@SSL0707Star]

Why people name natures these names …

[@KyleHatesHiking]

yeah those names are crazy. thanks for watching!

[@truckingwithtobee]

Murders happen all over the United States every single day. Most of them never even make the news. I know this because my brother is a homicide detective in Las Vegas.

[@klettersteig599]

Blood mountain, slaughter creek and gap reference a supposed battle between the Creek and Cherokee that happened on the mountain

[@nicole-uo9cd]

I know a woman whose maiden name was Slaughter. She's one of the sweetest ladies I've ever known. Just don't ever throw an iced sweet tea at her! 😆

[@cyndimarie9394]

I remember this story very well. I was actually living in Buford Ga. when this all took place and I was working 5 nights a week cleaning office buildings by myself. A girl I knew, she sold pot to my ex, came to me white as a sheep after this story aired and said she knew this guy and had sold him weed several times! The place she met up with him was at a convenient store and that store was behind my house! This guy, this serial killer was nott only in my back yard, but was all over the area I was. I'll never forget this and I thank God for keeping me safe!

[@FigaroHey]

White as a SHEEP! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LeveretteJamesClifford1955]

From all the information which came out just after his arrest, including his detailed confession, a timeline of Hilton's known life made by someone I can't remember which placed Hilton in both North Carolina and Florida with a big gap of missing time for two years including the time that Trenny Lynn Gibson went missing from the area around the Clingman's Dome parking lot (trail leading to the Appalachian Trail just like on Blood Mountain that included a parking lot), and a former FBI profiler's statement that Hilton had been doing this long before he committed the 4 murders he confessed to, I feel certain that he did snatch Miss Gibson and took her out of the Great Smoky Mountains. He could also be the person who murdered two female hikers north of the Smokies and left their dog alone. Hilton had a soft spot for dogs. I collected all the information I gathered and sent it to the Federal prosecutor who tried him but never received a reply. By the way, evidence showed that Irene lost an arm in the attack. If you want to do a followup and explore the disappearance of Trenny Gibson I will dig through my old material to see if I can find all the links to old videos which were on the web, get in touch with me.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

I've read up on Trenny Gibson, Dennis Martin and others who've vanished in the Smokies. It's my favorite place in the whole world, but it really gets creepy at times.

[@LeveretteJamesClifford1955]

It does! I live alongside the Natchez Trace National Historic Parkway and I never thought about it being creepy until creep broke into my house, coming from the Park woods and beat me senseless, left me for dead and it took me 36 days to recover and rehablillitate! When I got home I found out the guy had done the same thing to the people close to me who also back up to the Parkway. @@TomHoffman-uw7pf

[@sstritmatter2158]

I am an older guy who usually hikes alone and I carry a Redhawk .44 mag mostly for potential predators but hardly a passing thought against a fellow hiker. I am sure I've scared a number of people but I make the first move to show I am friendly and absolutely not a threat. It's jerks like this (thankfully rare) that ruin things and make people like me look scary. I'm glad he is facing justice. Be safe out there.

[@paigesironko6597]

The only way to go!!!

[@NoNORADon911]

2a forever

[@ekrak0ski87]

I don’t understand the immediate discomfort with lone hikers on the trail. I’ve never had problems with lone hikers, male or female, nor ever made presumptions about them. Maybe it’s because I always travel with at least one other person when I’m hiking, but as a female I’ve never felt weird about lone male hikers on the trail

[@truckingwithtobee]

This is exactly why when I go hiking by myself, I am packing. I also am a owner operator truck driver with my husband and I carry my peace with me even when I’m driving. Every time I get out of the truck and stop to go to the bathroom or check the truck etc. I always lock my doors and I carry it with me. Just the other day I had a scary experience actually. I had stopped up on the top of the mountain on the way to Phoenix from Vegas. I had to take a mandatory 30 minute break because of the laws with trucking. I locked the doors and I sat in the passenger seat and closed my eyes for 20 minutes. When I woke up another truck driver had stopped behind me. And he was walking around my truck looking at my truck as if he was checking the tires and stuff. Then he looked up inside my cab and I screamed at him to leave! I don’t know what he was up to, but I quickly got in the drivers seat and left. I was very nervous so I stopped down the road about 10 miles because I wasn’t sure if he had messed with my trailer.

[@razzbazle1582]

You sound paranoid AF. You carrying a gun is more of a danger to society than the odds of getting murdered

[@flightographist]

sounds like a hijack scoping.

[@TekkLuthor]

​@@flightographisthijack scoping? What's that?

[@flightographist]

@@TekkLuthor reconnoiter or scout,

[@kaze_cat]

Good thing you followed your intuition…no telling what he was up to. One thing I read a while back, that many killers, maybe even serial killers, are long distance truck drivers. Frankly, being a woman is scary enough just in daily life. With these stories and real life serial killer victims, many have been men as well.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

You’ve got to at least keep some sort of weapon on you. Pepper spray, utility knife……..Something. Better to give yourself a shred of a chance rather than none.

[@baker_canner]

I was thinking the same thing. There is no reason not to have a knife at the ready, especially when hiking in the great outdoors.

[@dbdb703]

We have the Second Amendment in our constitution for this and other reasons. We need to defend the 2nd Amendment forever. If she had a gun, she may still be alive today. Also, never hike alone, ever.

[@magnarcreed3801]

Gun.

[@magnarcreed3801]

@@dbdb703 And to stop a bad government.

[@villagelightsmith4375]

@@dbdb703 I agree on the need to carry something that can be instantly brought to bear as a neutralizing weapon. There are many jurisdictions, however, where possession of any tool readily effective to save your life is prosecuted as a felony by the very State people so naively trust and believe to be their ultimate defender.

[@TravelAnthony]

It’s crazy to think, I hiked that same trail to Blood Mountain and never knew that happened. So sad people will do horrible things to others

[@Emy53]

Happy you lived to tell your story. I think he attacked people he saw as vulnerable or weaker than him.

[@laurenrowell9251]

@@Emy53 All serial killers attack people that they perceive as being weaker or more vulnerable than they are. They wouldn't have the guts to do it otherwise. Deep down, they're just cowards.

[@randalthor6872]

@@laurenrowell9251 sad and true : ( Always carry a weapon, especially when out in nature.

[@joycep1848]

Excellent job presenting this info. Definitely would like more detail updates. Thank you.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thanks for watching Joyce!

[@catherinebeatific535]

As my father would say "He looks like a deviant." Seriously looks evil.

[@kitalalaris]

I don't think I've ever seen a human whose eyes were quite like this guy's before in my life. Sclera mostly obscured, irises completely visible all the way around, pupils always the same size regardless of lighting in all the photos, the man is disturbing.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Evil eyes

[@alainlalonde]

Really? I must be messed up than, because I did subscribe to the channel. Ah well. I thought he was professional and well spoken.

[@kitalalaris]

@@alainlalonde ... What are you *saying* man? The channel narrator is an entirely different person from the man in the photos, are you ok bro?

[@elainetheresa8416]

Look up (Sanpaku eyes)!!! On Google or KZbin. Explains this type of crazy eyes!!

[@no_peace]

​@@kitalalarisit's just a joke

[@laraludwinski8378]

I love your channel!!! The last bit I can't agree with any more though. I was chased, ran for my life, and almost had to fight for it too. Luckily I found hikers to save me, and police followed. Sometimes crazy people stalk the trail. Don't gamble and go alone anymore if your a girl, learn from my mistake and it might save your life.

[@SunnyAquamarine2]

If I've learned nothing else from channels like this, it is don't go camping or hiking alone, especially if you're female. Don't even be separated from your party for more than a few minutes. Carry weapons, know how to use them, and be prepared to use them. I don't understand why "how to protect yourself with a knife or other sharp object" isn't a required class for all females in high school.

[@melissagoode151]

​@@SunnyAquamarine2 fuck that I'm not avoiding experiences just because I have no friends. I'll make the smartest choices I can and hope for the best. I'd rather be murdered than die at 80 realising I never did anything

[@SunnyAquamarine2]

@@melissagoode151 or die tomorrow knowing you could've learned to use a knife. I don't have any friends, either. But I know how to use a knife. I still don't go camping or hiking alone.

[@randalthor6872]

@@melissagoode151 Yea, you shouldn't live in fear. But you SHOULD live prepared for bad things. Always carry a firearm when you are out in vulnerable areas.

[@no_peace]

If we want to look at facts and statistics, the biggest danger in terms of humans is men who live in your house, and male acquaintances. Way more men are actually 💀 by strangers out in the world One of the differences though is that many or most women face a stream of harassment and unwanted interaction that can quickly become threatening. But still the main threat is at home

[@DeltaDragon79]

The thumbnail looks demonic. I guess in some cases a book really can be judged by its cover.

[@JackMehoff-j7w]

I agree. Sometimes people just seem to broadcast evil

[@1331423]

But what if someone looks like that and they're really nice and like puppies and stuff?

[@JackMehoff-j7w]

@@1331423 then the word some or sometimes as both the OP and myself used is applicable.

[@suze6083]

He has the most evil looking eyes I’ve ever seen. This picture gives me the creeps.

[@Milo-ku1dt]

@@1331423 Star thinker said SOME cases. Not all, some.

[@Jesusandcoffee3382]

I'm subbed, Bud! I like your channel. Great storytelling. How sad for that poor girl. I sure am glad they caught Gary Hilton. My Dad and Daughter did the trail about 10 years ago. Glad they didn't encounter someone like Gary.

[@jbaker1341]

For there to be justice, He should receive the same treatment as his victims.

[@niconine268]

Correctum

[@Petra44YT]

That's utter nonsense!

[@LyndaHarris-cj1vm]

Absolutely 🇺🇸👍😎

[@charm2800]

yes please do updates and more of these, it's extremely helpful to know what's going on in the wilderness in general, and things to be aware of. I would strongly encourage more investigative/informational videos of any kind, you do a great job at it!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thank you so much!

[@learningliving2600]

If someone ever was demonically possessed, it's this guy.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

facts

[@nicole-uo9cd]

@@KyleHatesHiking His eyes are soulless

[@NoNORADon911]

Politicians are actually far more evil and kill far more people.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

Watch the movie “Nefarious”… demonic possession is real

[@Anna-ftf88]

Yeah. His mugshot clearly shows he is.

[@BasementPepperoni]

I'm seriously stoked that I came across this channel out of the middle of nowhere. I used to hike a lot when I was in my late teens/early 20's, not so much anymore. Was planning on doing some hiking in the Grand Canyon once it's in the Fall though.

[@Orpilorp]

Hello! The Appalachian trail seems like a magnificent place to hike. Do you know the history of the trail? Was it a route the Cherokee nation first used to get from place to place? Or was it carved out by local hunters as the immigrants started moving in. I live in a prairie state and I can't imagine that many trees all around! We live along a river, amidst a couple of acres of woods. It is beautiful. I love to hear the giant cottonwoods swaying in the wind, as though God is conversing with us. My husband has created trails through the woods, and it is fun to see the deer use them as well. I am so sorry that a place as beautiful as a natural space like that is used for nefarious purposes.

[@misskitty2133]

Hi I’m a new subscriber! I like the way you present stories! You have great cadence. Nice speaking voice that’s easy to understand and engages the listener!! What I most appreciate is that you’re not a yahoo, turning tragic tales into salacious crime rants. Kudos, young man. I hope you find this venue to be a good source of revenue too. Now, to continue watching your channel for more stories!! Michelle in Boston

[@SombraPiloto]

I spent a lot of time on Blood Mountain when I lived in Georgia and the gas station in Dunwoody where Hilton was apprehended was only a mile or 2 from my apartment. Stories like this are why I'm always armed.

[@KeepTheGates]

As you should be

[@ZombieSazza]

Honestly the name alone “Blood Mountain” would make me wanna be armed.

[@byronfoppola8676]

Do you hike with a barrel pointed in every direction? You armed crazies always think someone couldn't stab you in the back or something.

[@natlovell122]

@@byronfoppola8676 what’s safer? Being armed or being unarmed?

[@leviwarren6222]

​@@byronfoppola86762.1-2.5 million defensive firearm uses every year? It's people who actually spend time in the woods who understand the utility of being prepared with life-saving tools like a firearm. Last I used my concealed, I had run over a rattler on a gravel road. The thing looked pretty bad and wasn't going to make it but it was piiiissed so I put it out of its misery at a distance. Guns aren't for crazies, they're for responsible citizens.

[@roadpizza3470]

Thanks!

[@iclark2400]

This was a really interesting video and that Hilton guy looks very creepy, my condolences to the families of the victims whose lives he took. Great video man hope you do a follow up on it!

[@KatieWierzbicki-ib2ib]

Definitely one of my top 5 fav channels on KZbin! Awesome channel and videos Kyle Hates Hiking!!

[@RuthSmith1]

Thank you for your Posts!!

[@MrAvidOutdoorsman]

It just shows how cowardly these humans can be, when they try to avoid a death penalty, cmon you sissies if you murder someone don't expect to keep living your own life!wth!?

[@paulgordon6949]

Damn humans.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Geez...that guy looks really creepy. His photos are going to give me nightmares! What happened to Meredith's dog? 😢

[@Oriole21]

Her dog Ella was found and went to live with her parents. I saw this story on a Dateline? episode not too long ago.

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@Oriole21 thank you! Poor dog was probably traumatized. Not that the human victims and their families aren't, of course. This is just a horrifying story all around

[@thatlinuxguy]

Literally the deadest look.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

@@Oriole21 yes the dog was okay, I totally meant to mention that in the video but forgot. thanks for commenting it!

[@gerismith1218]

What was brought to my attention is that these killers move around to different locations. A hiker and a hunter disappeared end of October in Northern BC within about 100 miles of each other They're not the first in this area.

[@Elizabeth-n3v2u]

I feel so deeply for her. As a young woman i was ambushed in a remote wooded location and it was terrifying. I managed to stop the the attack as it started and get away. The man who did it was a known character around rhe farm i lived at and they continued letting him come around and he eventually s*xually assulted the girl who lived across the hall from me, after gaining entry to the house and cornering her when no one else was there. Men as well as women: if someone seems off or predatory, especially when there have been things reported, stand up and get rid of that person. Dont wait for something truly horrible to happen.

[@Emy53]

I never understand why people report they saw a man following her, but they didn't report anything until they heard a women was murdered.

[@adrienneclarke3953]

It's a hard one. My dad came across a man chasing and then grabbing a women at night. He stopped his car and started beating up the man to rescue the woman, only to have her screaming that it was her boyfriend and leave them alone. The woman really got stuck into my dad verbally.

[@Emy53]

@@adrienneclarke3953 wow, and we wonder why some people don't get involved. I would at least call police to report something suspicious.

[@johnclements6614]

How do people know that the person is following the person with intent. If I am walking down a trail should I report you because you are behind me. What if you are holding back a hundred yards because you do not want to pass me, that could look suspicious to me. But you could be holding back because you are scared of me, you do not want to scare me or you just do not want to talk to anyone as you pass.

[@Gizziiusa]

@@adrienneclarke3953 Actually, its more common than one would think that when a couple is physically fighting, and a person shows to stop the man from beating the woman, she will then turn on the helping person....turning it into a 2 on 1 sitaution. unstable, unruly, low class people are known to do this, b/c their relationship is one big immature, uncivilized, dysfunctional mess.

[@no_peace]

​@@Gizziiusabecause if she doesn't she'll get the you know what beaten out of her later on

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Kyle, thank you for sharing this intriguing video. One always has to ever so cautious when hiking alone. Stay safe out there. 🤗

[@KyleHatesHiking]

indeed, stay safe Ronald! And thanks for tuning in

[@naambacchus]

Hi thanks for uploading, I love all your hiking videos

[@gracepeterson7483]

NEVER go hiking alone. At least not without a gun and taser and bear spray and anything else you can use to protect yourself.

[@razzbazle1582]

I've been hiking alone for 20 years. I highly recommend it. No gun, no spray. No paranoia

[@gracepeterson7483]

@@razzbazle1582 I like your attitude!

[@sparagmos4748]

​@@razzbazle1582I used to hitch hike, cycle tour and wild camp a lot when I was young. I'm a woman. It had a few scarey moments, but mostly loved it - some great memories 😊👍

[@coffeepandacat]

Why I either hike in groups or just this one main trail that I go on that always has a bunch of people on it

[@sparagmos4748]

@@coffeepandacat It depends where you are. Serial killers are much less likely outside of US.

[@Freedom_on_wheels]

I really don't understand you do not have more subscribers! I think you do a great job in telling the story, representing and make it pleasant to watch. Thank you Kyle!

[@longrider42]

I swear, people need to pay more attention to what is going on around them. As a hiker I always keep an eye and ear open to whats going on around me. I also use a hiking staff, instead of hiking poles. A staff is a very useful as a weapon. Plus, bear spray is very useful against people. Its so sad that this guy was not taken into custody before he committed these crimes.

[@Uberqueenbee]

You can be as careful as you want to be but some people are just really good at it. I once had an old friend come up upon me on an isolated campground and got past my dog at night. Nobody got past that dog. When I woke up, he was sitting there petting my dog. Glad he was a friendly.

[@no_peace]

What was she supposed to do? She knew he was there the whole time

[@happilysmpl]

Agree but no amount of attention paying is going to help when you are alone and a creep is there. Hiking alone is inviting danger any way.

[@rneedham667]

​@@happilysmplno one is inviting danger. just like Nobody is asking to be raped. i really am tired of victim blaming.

[@FigaroHey]

@@Uberqueenbee Your dog knew he was friendly. Dogs can read character (well, most dogs. I had a really dumb dog once who was really tough from behind a closed door with the family at home, but anybody could have picked him up and carried him off if he had been alone). A dog that really goes after dangerous people can tell that someone is not dangerous. I've 'tamed' various dogs in my neighborhood that neighbors told me were vicious. It takes some time, being calm, and a few tricks, but eventually I've had them eating out of my hand and showing me their belly for scratches. When a dog knows that you have no evil intent and that you are completely unafraid of them, it's not hard to make friends with them.

[@CarlySharec86]

This happened near me. I know some of the law enforcement who did his intake. I’ll never forget the one woman sharing how most people, even the worst of criminals, have some sort of redeeming quality that connected them to humanity … but he had none. She called him possibly the only truly, 100% evil person she’s ever met.

[@buzzbuzzard3809]

That’s oddly exactly the vibe I got from him. His eyes look pure evil. Exactly how I would imagine Michael Myers would look.

[@nunyabizanyway4370]

Employees at Mountain Crossings store at Neel’s Gap & locals talked about him squatting camping on Blood Mountain & areas near the trail just long enough that Forest Rangers couldn’t do anything. Sad & crazy too!

[@n8rlvr876]

Yikes. Long time A.T section hiker, yet I did not know about this depraved killer. “ There but for the grace of God go I...” Stay safe everyone, and let’s look after one another!!

[@originalsixx]

The mug shot at 3:13 gives very creepy, very evil vibes. RIP to his victims.

[@Zainenn]

Great video Kyle! Crazy to hear you say "going for 200k subs" You were saying "my goal of 50k" for, I cant even remember how long. So cool to see. This story is nuts... what human garbage this demon was.

[@Zainenn]

Btw, just sent a a msg on IG.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thank you!

[@L1ghtstorm]

I encountered this guy on kennesaw mountain on the back side of the mountain referred to as little kennesaw if I recall right as the tourists would hike up the front and back down the same way. My friend at the time wanted me to join her hiking (skinny blonde) and I wasn’t going to go as I was tired from work. Last minute I had a premonition that I should joke with her so I went. We came up to him walking and smoking in a blue Jean shirt and jeans (hot day) Allison grabbed my arm tightly as we walked by him and got pale. I stared at guy and he just looked away and kept walking. I remember her telling me how freaked out he made her in that brief moment. Shortly afterwards maybe few weeks I don’t remember this girl went missing on a nearby mountain. I always wished he would’ve gave me a reason to restrain him but he only preyed on elderly or single women.

[@FigaroHey]

"would've gave"? Let me guess - public school?

[@fortesting5147]

what? you were asking people to reach your goal of 50k subs just a few months ago and now you're over 180k! that's amazing. I do see the appeal of the way you narrate the stories, you're a natural!

[@drouleau]

I typically carry a Cold Steel AD-10 in my pocket that is immediately accessible while hiking in more remote areas. Probably not for the weight weenies where an extra 7 ounces would end their day miserably, but some form of self defense/deterrent is always welcome when you have no idea who may be out there. When I was younger and used to hike Mt. Washington (NH) a lot when I lived in New England, I never really gave trail safety too much thought (other than ice fall/avalanche safety in the winter lol) until I heard reports of a woman being murdered on the Glenn boulder trail over 20 years ago. I generally hike solo, and after that incident, was a bit unnerved to hike the less popular routes in the area.

[@coryczerwinski4456]

Just found your channel a couple weeks ago. Great content and so far a bunch of the vids have been about areas I've hiked in or around.

[@susanbaileydavis]

I remember this well, tragic. Her dog was found about 6 miles from my house.

[@magnarcreed3801]

Glad the dogs okay. Did someone take it in?

[@shosmyth1454]

Love your Channel and keep up good videos!

[@GruntProof]

1. Carry 2. Become a victim Too many make the wrong choice

[@DaarioNaharis1738]

Not increasing my base weight by 20% because of paranoia

[@cristea9429]

Who said murderers don’t have a certain look… many time they do.

[@investigator77]

Yes please, do an update! I love these type of stories!

[@svegan3191]

He also admitted to raping her before killing her. If anyone deserves the death penalty it's him.

[@shawnaciancio7442]

I love true crime & I love it when you cover true crime stories on your channel. They are always so fascinating bc they’re different than most of the cases typically covered. More please!!!

[@tikitavi7120]

These days you just have to have some way of protecting yourself. Those poor people suffering at the hands of that thing.

[@briargoatkilla]

Man I remember all this like it was yesterday. I live in Pisgah Forest, just a mile or two from where the Bryant's set out. Terrible.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

wow that is crazy. I've seen a few parts of Pisgah National Forest and it's beautiful, so tragic that a heinous crime like this occurred there

[@myeyeswentdeaf6213]

I love the channel, idk why, I don’t even hike. Videos like these are especially cool cuz they have true crime story to it, but I still even watch a lot of your regular hiking videos which is kinda weird cuz I have never been outside of city limits. Maybe I will try hiking one one day and having watched so many of your videoed I’ll be prepared. What’s kinda funny to me about watching hiking videos is i feel so much safer in my high crime neighborhood in Brooklyn NY than I ever would in the wilderness.

[@sparagmos4748]

I live in a 'poor' area of a massive city too and have felt safe almost always. Having dogs helps😊 but also I really look closely at crime figures and it is NEVER as bad as certain media like to portray 😮

[@sparagmos4748]

@scottishd0g87 Mainly because there are so many more people. Iceland has about one murder a year. My local borough has roughly the same population and has maybe 2-3. This is the same population crammed into a land mass a fraction of the size of Iceland. Also a completely different culture. I mention culture as the USA has many more serial killers and spree killers than anywhere else. The murder rate is around 4x that of most European countries. Easy access to guns is mostly, but not solely responsible for this

[@Feedmeakitten]

This man is on a quest to have the whole Appalachian Trail to himself

[@KyleHatesHiking]

nah, I won't be hiking it again lol. now the CDT on the other hand...

[@ShellShock11C]

@@KyleHatesHiking I'm an Army vet myself. I immediately recognized that knife he used. It's an old school M7 bayonet. Were common issue during the time he was in. Used to have one myself in 2007, used it to pry open mortar cases. Scary thing about most bayonets, they are generally not super sharp due to their intended purpose being more spear-like. That would be a painful way to go. Sick freak.

[@PlAiNJaNe521]

​@h.u.n.k.7399 thank you for your service! God bless!!!

[@Gizziiusa]

and his 1000 yard stare to go along with it.

[@NoNORADon911]

@@ShellShock11C Don't bring a knife to a gun fight I say. Ps have a gun.

[@jmfs3497]

My boss gets a similar look in his eyes whenever I am myself around him. It's like his eyes sink back into his skull somehow. I now he has OCPD and probably some narcissism. He's really into guns, too. I try to be nice all the time, but still keep healthy boundaries. There are people on this planet that have no empathy for others and will give no thought into how they affect your life.

[@chino3796]

OMG be careful.

[@magnarcreed3801]

Similar to my boss, unsure both guns though. I dont play nice though.

[@sparagmos4748]

Chilling😯

[@jmfs3497]

@@magnarcreed3801 I Gray Rock him. I definitely don't try to please him, but I do try to be aloofly non-reactive around him. I say "good morning" and "good to see you" because I don't want him latching onto anything to start a fight with me about. He still tries, but I remain quiet, so he ends up lashing out at the air around him, rather than having someone to fight. He's a crap person and not worth my time.

[@magnarcreed3801]

@@jmfs3497 Mines more known for sleeping with women in the office and getting them fired for it. My default for them is to stone wall them. He has actually squirmed under my gaze and asked me why I look at him like that. But I ain’t gonna be entertaining some dude old enough to be my dad. He got pissy about it and went out making my job harder but after I called him out on it he’s stopped.

[@FP1131]

Would love an updated video. Meredith’s story has always stuck with me.

[@agent99-s7b]

Her story has always stuck with me too 💔

[@rdhmdk]

Almost every murder story is like this: 1. Armed 2. Die I stole that. But think of all the murder stories you’ve watched and imagine the victims being armed….most aren’t possible.

[@BleachCowboy2016]

The younger woman might have had a better chance trying to run instead of fight. I don't know what kind of shape the killer was in, but he was in his 60's. There's a a decent chance she could have escaped.

[@erinprattmiller3734]

That man looks so evil it gives me the willies.

[@silvermainecoons3269]

I don’t believe in the supernatural but if I did this guy is exactly what a demon in human form would look like. Especially that mug shot at 3:13 ! The only other serial killer that looks this demonic is the Russian Andrei Chikatolo (probably spelled that wrong.) That poor woman, imagine encountering this beast out in the wilderness. 😱😓

[@ekrak0ski87]

You were close, his last name is Chikatilo

[@silvermainecoons3269]

@@ekrak0ski87 Thanks! I can never spell Russian names.

[@cdk1016]

I literally uttered "what a piece of shit" like 60 seconds before you said it so, obviously, I could not agree more.

[@deniseelsworth7816]

Love your channel. I think ot would help to put a photo of a killer looking normal because I am pretty sure that's what fools people into trusting them. The crazy pictures r unfortunately the last thing people see. It's so sad.

[@jchur7128]

Thank-you. Excellent reporting.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thanks for watching!

[@scottieeasley4907]

Most adults and most of us don't have that physical fighting in us because it's no trash here you can go to jail. Or just scared.. But if you do not fight you will die.. You have to fight like your life depends on it because it does you cannot go to a better location for them quiet no you need to be right there in the public

[@lindahinzman8236]

Ran into him in Tallahassee...before I knew he was a serial killer. I pulled into my driveway across the street from a small church and no sooner got out of my truck and he was there and out of his van. I picked up my gun from my truck to tuck in my pants waist band and he stopped, dropped his hands to his side and ducked his head down. He said he left his wallet at home and needed a few dollars to get gas. I told him to wait by his van and I'd see what I could give him. When he turned to go to his van I went into the house and locked the door. My radar was pinging and beeping to the max. After a few minutes he left. I saw him again camping out at the church across the street around the time he kidnapped Cheryl Dunlap who i worked with doing Home Health nursing a few years before. Next time I saw him was at the Leon County jail and I was the charge RN. I could not stand to go near him. What is rotten, he is still alive. He got the death sentence...we know how that is

[@Jeremya74]

We remember this demon guy very well in my area( Tallahassee)..back then I did alot of gathering signatures in public areas and people were freaked out when anyone they didn't know walked up to them..made my job that much more difficult..dude even looks like a psychopathic nut job..I don't blame anyone for being on high alert

[@lindahinzman8236]

I was a RN that worked with Cheryl doing Home patient Care and then I met Hilton when I worked at leon County Jail....I also met him in my front yard before Cheryl went missing....but had my gun in my waist band so he stayed back from me but was creepy as all get out.

[@stuartb9194]

I've watched your channel from the start and enjoy your usual snark, but really this one is horrific. Such evil exists and its truely shocking.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It's sad. Thanks for watching Stuart

[@mtthielsen8342]

The irony, is that there are many revolvers and pistols that weigh less than a battery pack. If you're concerned about weight, then the options are up to you. I'm old enough to remember when women on the PCT, had firearms, but no video gear. Pack for reality, not your idealistic notions of the world.

[@Gizziiusa]

even a small two shot .22 derringer is better than nothing. But that, along with a decent bladed knife and a spray of some kind (bear, pepper, etc), would be an effective trifecta combo for self defense.

[@easygoer1234]

There is just something about his eyes that really creeps me out.

[@montymoo111]

Love the content, I'm a fan of ssdgm! A wee bit of constructive criticism, when the story involves a dog, it's imperative you give the details of what happened to the dog, no matter how sad. Meredith loved her dog so Ella's fate is tied to her and needs to be told also.

[@detectivewiggles]

I don't even care for dogs that much and i still wholeheartedly agree. If anything, these types of videos have helped me to understand why people love their dogs so much! (I have severe hyperacusis so the barking is a problem for me)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

yes youre so right, there was so many moving parts to this story I just totally forgot to include the info about the dog. thanks for watching

[@lindahinzman8236]

A family adopted the dog (Randy) and changed his name and never gave out their location

[@Sissy-o5w]

This is very disturbing, I would like to hear your updates, I hope more hikers stay aware of those they encounter hiking. 💯 There are evil people like Hilton 😈 in this world Unfortunately, Stay Safe out there💯👍👍

[@patriciacerwin6266]

Gary Hilton also had a large dog with him, which made him seem like just a friendly older man. Unfortunately, most people will talk with someone with a dog and let their guard down. I felt sorry for what that dog went through witnessing such violence. Crazy is so hard to recognize but please everyone stay alert, and pray your instincts will alert you when in the presence of evil.

[@katymcginn4644]

AMEN 🙏💙

[@michaelb8957]

You are exactly correct, a person with a dog or a person that appears handicapped and even a very old looking person. They are all able to kill someone, so you should always be cautious, sadly that's the world we live in.

[@harduphiker]

But a dog can always tell a bad person by growling don't you know? /s (some of the comments here are saying this, which is basically walking into a trap cos most dogs aren't that smart, have food or another dog, they'll be like puppies).

[@patriciacerwin6266]

@@harduphiker but he had his own dog that he would walk with and people let their guard down when they encounter an older person with a dog. Especially if you are a dog lover. Gary Hilton killed a young lady from my area. He went to our laundromat with his dog, camping in our woods. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

[@harduphiker]

@@patriciacerwin6266 yes I made this point elsewhere, you can't judge someone from whether they like dogs, have a dog, or whether dogs like them. A lot of dog owners do this, and it's odd. Quite often dogs bark at me, and I love dogs...but it's my backpack or something about me (possibly detecting my neurodiversity, different body language, awkwardness with social contact) - or bad training - and the owners treat me with suspicion, even though my justice sensitivity means I am totally honest and am almost unable to do any crime.

[@robertgilliam5517]

Keep that 🔥🔥 on you at all times 💯💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@trutheye1]

This story should push people to do a couple very important things before they decide to go hiking. 1) purchase a concealable firearm. 2) Get proper training on how to use it. There are very sick people hiding in plain sight, everywhere you go and I don’t go anywhere without protection, especially into the forest.

[@no_peace]

You can't just get training, you have to make it your new hobby, and if you actually carry it you have to change the way you think and live. It's a huge commitment and goes against the way a lot of people want to live their lives. They have a right to safety whether they want to be a gun person or not

[@RachelSmith-vm2jt]

I live 20 minutes from Pisgah Forest and the BRParkway . I remember reading about that couple. I never hike unprotected

[@millsbury]

I thru hiked in 2019 and never once thought about bringing self defense. But now I carry a lil somethin on my overnights on the AT.

[@nicholasbjork296]

I remember your 100,000 subscriber push. Now you close to that 2hundoThousand. Good job brother. Your material is still very niche. But I know you’ll get that milly within a year or two.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

He looks scarier than horror movie villains.

[@jonvia]

Wow this guy just looks so scary that Id instantly be alarmed seeing him in the middle of the woods if I was alone while hiking and camping. He isnt the "He looked so normal. I had no idea he was a killer." kinda person. No this guy looks exactly like a serial killer. Shows that there are creeps everywhere and you should always be prepared to defend yourself.

[@djw8504]

The lady he killed in Florida, was where I live. She was a very sweet lady and I passed her car for a few days that was left in the ditch off of the highway. Very sad! Dorothy

[@KyleHatesHiking]

wow that is crazy. RIP

[@RodSchrader-hn5sb]

I'm new to your channel and I find you an excellent orator. Great story,( as I sit here camping alone in the state of Washington). Ha!

[@KeepTheGates]

People like this exist, but I get shit all over for recommending that people carry a pistol when hiking.

[@mattexotic8467]

always have one. hiking or not

[@MG-ze3lf]

Majority of people are pretty cool but I will always carry. Can't take the chance with the weirdos anymore.

[@nihalvlivion9219]

@@crackergrenadier9282 Thruhikers don''t carry pistols because it is not UL.

[@baker_canner]

I don't disagree with you. But is it lawful to carry in some of these places?

[@AclockworkPurple]

The Appalachian Trail is not the Ho Chi Minh Trail, big guy.

[@nancysatori4744]

I hike in that area often and think about this incident. I’ve always had a very large protective dog until recently, now I hike alone, but I’m usually armed(legally). I also live off of Dawson Forest Rd.

[@kimberly9754]

I feel so horrible for his victims. He looks terrifying.

[@nunyabizanyway4370]

She fought him & broke his nose. Wouldn’t give him the correct ATM PIN number. He drove around to different ATM’s trying to get $$$.

[@n2skiing76]

I’ve watched lots of serial killer videos etc. but the look of this guy seriously gives me the creeps. Looks down right evil.

[@budbrigman]

A co-worker of my wife’s remembers meeting this guy on the trails. Always thought he was weird.

[@Tocat-l4r]

Thats wild I live near Canton GA. Its a pretty small town I wasn't expecting to hear it on this channel ever 😂.

[@monicacarolina6480]

't not really a funny thing

[@stumpgrinder13]

If I'm going hiking, I always carry. If I hike with friends, I STILL ALWAYS CARRY!!

[@rrichardson53]

Great vid about such a gruesome group of murders. What an evil 👿 sub- human. I hope his death sentence happens soon. Those poor souls (and dog). The terror and pain they edited. I like your precise and fast paced delivery!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thank you so much for watching, and for your nice words.

[@daveburklund2295]

Yeah, please update going into detail with those other cases

[@baker_canner]

I know you say hiking is safe, but I don't think anyone should ever hike alone, and it's probably best to hike in groups of at least three.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

It's definitely safer to hike in groups, but sometimes that just isn't an option. I hike alone all the time and I've never had an issue.

[@magnarcreed3801]

I just hike armed.

[@baker_canner]

@@magnarcreed3801 , I live in Maryland, so State Parks and State Forests are a no-go with a firearm.

[@magnarcreed3801]

@@baker_canner Federal park it is then. Or just a knife and spray.

[@baker_canner]

@@magnarcreed3801 , Yep!

[@AdventuresofTim-Tim]

Love the content. Keep it up!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks for watching Tim! Appreciate you