Danger on the trail ?

[Skyrunner]

Hi at all!
My first post here on white blaze! ... My name is Tim and I am 21 years old.
I am planning a thru' hike. Like many other folks I have some questions (maybe they are stupid) and it would be really great with someone could help me.
...

I live in Germany right now and so I am not an expert in dangers or the general safety in the USA.
My question is does somebody know if there were attacks to hikers (thru' hikers) by people (maybe directly on the trail or in the towns) ?

I have to say that I'm interested in hiking the AT since more than (around) 3 years and I never heard about attacks to thru' hikers by people. Maybe somebody got some more news or so?
Maybe I have too much worries but I also know that everything could happen and then it doesn't matter if you are in the USA or in Germany or somewhere else in our world.

I am sorry if there is a same thread and I am also sorry for my english. I hope you can understand what I wanted to talk about. ...
Well, thank you very much in advance and thank you for this great forum !!
Best regards
Tim

[Skyrunner]

Of course it should be: IF someone could help me instead of WITH !!
I am sorry!!

[HikerMom58]

Hey there Skyrunner... Welcome to White Blaze. I'll let others on here answer your question about safety on the trail. It's pretty safe. Good you found this site.. it will be helpful to you.

[Hairbear]

welcome my friend,relax on the english most of us wont be bragging about our abilities with the language either and its the only one we have lol.

[hikerboy57]

although over the years there have been a few reports of attacks on hikers and even a murder or 2 the trail is much safer than most of our cities. and most of them are pretty safe too. just use good judgement I trust your instincts and you will be fine. welcome to white blaze.

[Rasty]

His English is better than mine.

Just like anywhere else isolated violence happens, and it is isolated. Don't camp near road crossings would be my only real advise.

[yellowsirocco]

My advice: Don't hang too much around the party crowd. Some of these people are just stupid. I am not saying don't hang out with the drunks and potheads, but just be smart about it when you do.

[canoe]

although over the years there have been a few reports of a tax on hikers and even a murder or 2 the trail is much safer than most of our cities. and most of them are pretty safe too. just use good judgement I trust your instincts and you will be fine. welcome to white blaze.

Much safer than ALLL our cities.

[scree]

You should be OK in most areas if you're sufficiently trained in Ninjutsu.

[ChinMusic]

Q: Danger on the trail ?

A: The deer tick and Lyme Disease.

IMO that is the only true "danger" that is not obvious. By the time you get to mid/northern Virginia you will be getting into territory where the ticks carry Lyme Disease. You need to read up on it prior to your trip and plan accordingly.

[turtle fast]

Most dangerous to you on the trail is tripping and falling over a rock or root and possibly twisting an ankle or something. Yes, you have to be aware of ticks for Lymes disease (like in France)...or of petty theft like anywhere else in the world. But overall its much, much safer than any city like Berlin or Hamburg or Dusseldorf.

[Odd Man Out]

1. The topic has been discussed often so you may find it helpful to search old postings.

2. Because there are always new people here, it isn't surprising to hear the question again. I am a University professor and I hate it when my students don't ask questions. If you want to know the answer, then other people probably want to know it too.

3. In the past ten years have there been attacks on people in Heidelberg? Probably. How do you protect yourself at home? You probably use common sense and don't worry about it much because the threat isn't that great. Most people will say the AT is no different.

4. Your English is fine. You will get along with no problem. Have a great trip.

5. As pointed out above, it is good to get to know the natural dangers. Ticks have already been pointed out. If you don't have poison ivy in Germany, you might want to learn about that too.

although over the years there have been a few reports of a tax on hikers ...

5. I'd like to know more about the tax on hikers. That really worries me, I already pay enough taxes

[ChinMusic]

Maybe I have too much worries but I also know that everything could happen and then it doesn't matter if you are in the USA or in Germany or somewhere else in our world.

I have not been to Germany but I would assume the same issues exist in both country's cities, to some extent. There are parts of my hometown that I wouldn't stop to change a flat tire. I have not seen one place on the AT that gave me a similar feeling.

I think you will find the AT a safe experience.

[hikerboy57]

Much safer than ALLL our cities.

our cities are safe.

[Cookerhiker]

although over the years there have been a few reports of a tax on hikers...

I've been hiking on the AT for over 40 years and never had to pay a tax for it.

[Drybones]

Most dangerous to you on the trail is tripping and falling over a rock or root and possibly twisting an ankle or something. Yes, you have to be aware of ticks for Lymes disease (like in France)...or of petty theft like anywhere else in the world. But overall its much, much safer than any city like Berlin or Hamburg or Dusseldorf.

I agree with TF...biggest danger is tripping and falling, which I do at home as well as on the trail. You will not regret making the hike...met several of your countymen this spring...all really nice people.

[hikerboy57]

I've been hiking on the AT for over 40 years and never had to pay a tax for it.

voice recognition has a few flaws.
I think I was thinking about Hut fees.

[IrishBASTARD]

although over the years there have been a few reports of attacks on hikers and even a murder or 2 the trail is much safer than most of our cities. and most of them are pretty safe too. just use good judgement I trust your instincts and you will be fine. welcome to white blaze.

Hikerboy HONESTLY where do you GET YOUR MISINFORMATION? You're as Bad as Paul Ryan...with BS. These are just nine of the murders...they happen more then most would like to state. As well as a youn gentleman killed last year in august at a shelter in VA...by the trail name "STONEWALL".

[IrishBASTARD]

http://southeasternoutdoors.com/outd...l-murders.html THE FEED my bad

[hikerboy57]

a lot of people died yesterday alone. more will died today. how many millions of people have hiked the 80 without dying? I'm betting this going to be a lot of people dead tomorrow too. why are you trying to scare the kid?