A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail can take months on end but trust us, every moment spent on this beautiful journey is worth your while. It’s more than just a path to walk on. This trail has some of the most breathtaking views of the wild greens and the rarest species of animals you’ll see along the way. Not to mention, the cultural heritage known to be buried on this route is a national treasure of a rare kind.

That said, it’s only fair to acknowledge the many dangers that might impede your hike on this trail. Be it elements of nature or manmade obstructions, you need to be prepared to keep yourself safe from them. However, dangers don’t stop thru hikers from strapping on their backpacks and getting on with their hike.

Just be safe and you’ll have the time of your life.

Bad Weather

If all goes well, your hike on this trail will be one of the most memorable life experiences. But pray that the weather doesn’t take a turn for the worst. If the sky wishes to shower down hail or storm, you won’t have any wall or roof to protect yourself with.

However, if it does get ugly, you can save yourself. Lay low and wait for the storm to pass. It wouldn’t help if you try to run for your life because the sky will always be over your head.

Beasts of the Wild

Don’t freak out just yet; the threat level of this danger is low, so relax. However, it’s natural to jump at the sight of snakes or when spotting bears. What might console you is that these animals of the wild are not too fond of human company and will stroll away on their own.

. Rattle snakes and Copper Heads won’t go away by shoo-ing, so don’t even try. Let them take their sweet time crawling away or let them be where they are undisturbed. To be safest, keep your eyes and ears open for any signs of animal populations around and avoid them.

The Creepy Critters

It’s quite likely that you might encounter ticks and spiders along your way. Bugs and critters are a common occurrence in the wild and especially on the Appalachian Trail. It’s best if you’re prepared to deal with such dangers because the danger level can get high.

Don’t underestimate their size because the smaller they are the more unnoticeable they will be until (and if) they attack. Always keep a bug spray with you and douse yourself in it when you see a swarm of bugs.

Losing the Way

When you’re in the woods, every tree will look the same and every pebble on the path identical. Don’t depend on visual cues to find your way around the woods. This is why you need to restrict your wanderings off the route and stick to the footpath that’s marked on the map.

Light Hiking Gear offers the best backpacking gear. Stay tuned for more information on how to stay safe and check out our bodypack collection.