I wouldn't worry too much about it not too many leos on the trail, hiked it from when i was 10 til i was 18, and never saw a one. yuou are not going to be in a town long enuf too cause any problems, hopefully lol.
Violence near the Appalachian Trail recently has raised trail-safety issues, especially in light of warming weather that is enthusing outdoors lovers.
On May 8, two fishermen were shot while camping a couple miles from a shelter where the suspected gunman killed two Appalachian Trail hikers in 1981.
On May 3, a female Appalachian Trail hiker told authorities she was abducted and sexually assaulted when a man offered her a ride to the post office in Troutville.
The U.S. Forest Service has 11 law enforcement officers for 1.8 million acres for the George Washington and Jefferson National forests. The service also has a cooperative agreement with local sheriff’s departments to patrol heavily populated areas, said Eric Smith, a forest service law enforcement officer stationed at Natural Bridge.
Smith said the forest areas are relatively safe. The bulk of violations right now are off-road vehicle violations, alcohol and drugs, as well as sanitation violations.
But the officers mainly patrol in their vehicles, not on the hiking trails.
Thousands 'Take Back the Trails' on anniversary of campsite murders
STONY MAN MOUNTAIN, Va. (AP) -- Julie Williams and Lollie Winans were devoted, experienced hikers in their mid 20s and they knew the Shenandoah National Park is a splendid place to hit the trail this time of year.
...Their hands were bound and their throats were slashed. Their bodies were found on June 1, but the killer or killers disappeared without a trace.
This just may be you in your undies :smoke23:The AT is notorious for being dangerous. I have hiked portions of it in VA.
Hikers be wary: Crime strikes on AT | Lynchburg News Advance
GVA - Thousands 'Take Back the Trails' on anniversary of campsite murders
There are certainly many portions of the trail that are no gun zones such as the national park system pockets along the trail. However, more than half of the AT goes through hunting lands, whick means there is a legal way to carry. Depending on how much of it you plan to hike, you may be able to choose your hike for a section that is gun-friendly.
I won't advocate that you break any laws, but personally I would carry if I were hiking the AT.
As you're planning your trip, you may want to watch Deliverance. :gah:
I hiked it from when i was 10 til i was 18, and never saw a one.
I hear a Banjo playin i'm either runnin, shootin, or both :danceban:This just may be you in your undies :smoke23:
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This is not exactly correct. When the new law goes into effect, it will only mean that if you are legal to conceal carry in the state where the park is situated, then you will be legal to conceal carry in that national park; otherwise, there is no change.I understand a new Federal Park rule passed, but has not yet took effect. I’d wait until it does. Then if you have a CCL your legal in the Federal Parks.
What states are you planning on going through?I'm starting to plan a trip to hike along AT. We all know the Appalachian trail goes from Georgia to Maine. (ie: many different states along the way). When I camp each night, can I use the argument that my Tent / Campsite is an extention of my Home?? and thus be in possesion of my firearm for self defense?? I assume while hiking during the day I would need to separate the ammo and gun and put a lock on the gun. Has this discussion ever come up before? Keep in mind the AT crosses public and private land.
I know that most of the members will say "just get your ccw that covers most of those states", fine... however what about NY, NJ, Conn., Mass., and the other unfriendly ccw states.