very true. i really dont know why the AT isnt just routed over the nearest motor vehicle bridge. my guesses are theres some historical reason behind the location, theres issues with land access or its to avoid a roadwalk or something else otherwise undesirable.
but if it is going to cross where it crosses then some means of getting people across is probably wise.
as for not liking the canoe- i remember and likely will always remember crossing the kennebec because it was in a canoe. if it was a bridge i walked across its very doubtful i would.
Short version is MATC and NPS spent a lot of time and money in the 80s to lock the trail route through protected lands and have spent a lot more time and money getting the footbed in shape over these reroutes. The Maine Huts and Trails route that connects to the AT near Long Falls Dam road could access a bridge crossing over the Kennebec runs over private and Native American owned lands until RT 201. With a road walk south to Caratunk it could avoid the boat crossing.
The original AT route would have required serious aqua blazing as it is now under Flagstaff lake. This was formerly the Dead River prior to the dam being built flooding two towns not long after the AT was built. The original AT guides have descriptions of both the original AT route and the Arnold Trail and either route was official. Prior to the dam going in, they switched to the current Arnold Trail route which is a historical trail used by the Arnold expedition to attack Quebec during the revolutionary war. Think of them hauling large boats up out of the river up the steep slope and then through the woods when you hike through there. Mt Bigelow is named after the second in command as Mt Benedict Arnold may not a name that stuck a around long
Plenty of evidence that a percentage of hikers prefer not to take canoe ride. In spite of hazard . Theres those that ford, and for every one that do, many talked about it and chicken out.
Wheres evidence that anyone would prefer canoe ride to another less hazardous option. Zero.
Given a suspension bridge or guy with canoe at same spot, same time....how many would get in canoe instead of walking across? Thats your ultimate answer. My prediction....virtually none. And that dont take into account
Restrictive hours of operation, or the wait either.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 11-01-2018 at 11:52.
The only complaints that I have read about the canoe ride are the limited hours of operation. I have not personally been there so I am not stating my opinion. I read numerous journals every year and watch as many vlogs as I can stomach, I don't remember anyone complaining about it(the ride itself) or voicing another preference.
The fact that some ford the river is not evidence that they prefer it over the canoe. The fact that they do it does not make it a fact that they prefer it. Maybe they just don’t want to wait for the canoe, maybe they want to cool off in the water, which is also not a fact, but speculation just like your statement is not fact, or evidence, just speculation.
Your prediction that virtually no people would take the canoe if a bridge was available is only a prediction, based on no facts. Maybe after so much walking a short canoe ride might be a pleasant distraction, but that’s also not a prediction, or fact, just a possibility.
Muddy, you've provided no evidence whatsoever for the claim that most hikers prefer not to take the canoe.
i think if i arrived at a river and had my option of walking across a bridge or being paddled across in the canoe theres a very strong chance i'd take canoe. theres be other factors- weather, time of day, etc, but isnt like the canoe is just an absolute no under any circumstances
i prefer fording
I think im pretty typical.
If there was a line or wait for canoe to return, id walk 100%.
But if it was 1/2mi farther via bridge than canoe....id probably likely wait for canoe, at least 30 min
Everything equal...id go with whats fastest, walking. But then ive been in canoes. Maybe it would be novel for people that never have.
The ATC had to work to get people to take canoe when first implemented. Smear campaign on fording, and call canoe the official route, painting blaze on it. Not everyone embraced it. A few notable old hikers still havent.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 11-01-2018 at 21:28.