As someone from Appalachia (generations of my family has lived there)- I can tell you that the people who live in VERY rural Appalachia are either the kindest or the most dangerous people you will ever meet.
Agreed, I work construction over the summers in WV and I've met some of the most amazing and life changing people over the last 5 years down there, but I've also heard some of the most wild stories too. One guy who I was working with said someone tried to kidnap his dog so he rolled his wheelchair over with a hollow point filled .22 and threatened him then went around and warned the rest of the "rouges" in his area and did the same
I know exactly how scary it is to be lost in the woods. I got lost in a stretch of woods I THOUGHT I knew like the back of my hand once. Was lost for well over 8 hours, until crashing through the brush comes my sister and our dog. Our dog had led my sister to me. I'd never been so grateful to a dog in all my life. Edit: and my sister, of course, but she was too busy bitching me out and sobbing lol.
You sound like my cousin. We got lost in the woods and he cried like a baby until we found our way out. The whole time me and his brother was laughing our asses off at him. We were lost but not lost forever. You can walk either way you want usually in the Appalachians and eventually come to some type of road or stream to follow. The brightest thing you should do is just walk down the damn mountain and into a valley where all the roads and creeks, rivers are. We walked until we found an old logging road in the woods. Followed it right out.
had a crazy dude come upon me while i was fishing in the middle of nowhere. nobody else around for miles. where all you hear are birds and wind. no shirt on, dirty and nappy af like he hadn't showered in weeks. dude had bad intentions vibes pouring out of him. he was trying to make small talk saying he lost something right by where my pack was with all my gear in it. i quickly grabbed my pack and backed away and he kept trying to circle behind me. so i lifted my arm over my head to scratch my head which exposed my gun on my hip. then asked him why the fuck he was still talking to me. he said sorry sir and bailed as soon as he saw the gun. guns save lives. don't ever let the government infringe on your right to protect yourself.
To be fair, you're not the type we're worried about having the guns. Its the ones who have NO business owning a gun who we're all afraid of......like the man in your story for instance.
Yeah tell that to the parents whose kids got brutally murdered in Texas last week. Don’t go hiking alone, don’t need a gun. Meanwhile there’s been more shootings than days in 2023 so far
@@jsimo1431 red states have higher gun violence and homicides than blue states, so it’s pretty clear to see where the problem lies. All big cities have crime, but the south has very few big cities, yet they are leading the nation in gun deaths. And we’re not talking about crime in Chicago, I’m talking about mass shootings that happened in Texas that killed children and destroyed families last week. There’s an epidemic of mass shootings in the south, how many more dead bodies of children will it take for gun worship to end in this country?
My brother, Scott Johnston, and my close friend, Sean Farmer, were shot by Randal Lee Smith along the AT in Virginia. Smith was the man who murdered two hikers along the AT in 1981 and got out of prison after serving his sentence only to try to kill again. Amazingly, they made a miraculous escape and, in a final ironic turn, it was Smith who ended up dying. My brother and friend, who both still have bullets in their bodies to this day from the incident, and are both doing fine.
Not only will I never understand people who decide to go into the remote wilderness alone without a proper firearm but if you do plan on being out there for a good while then you should always have someone else with you. In addition to carrying a loaded weapon and a traveling partner, you should also have a satellite GPS phone along with a detailed idea of where you’re going and how long you plan on being out there. So that if something bad does happen, your friends and or family will be able to contact and tell the proper authorities where you might be. It’s so easy to get injured, lost, and turned around while being on your outdoor excursion.
califonia and new york have a prohibitive licensing scheme that makes it a felony to carry a gun without a 1000 dollar permit after a 2 year waiting period. they also happen to have thru hiking trails going through them.
A woman just went missing literally yesterday from her campsite on my local section of the Appalachian Trail in Kent, Connecticut. According to the missing person bulletin issued by State Police, the woman's cell phone and hiking gear were still in her tent. We all hope and pray she's found safe. I find it very unnerving that she doesn't even have her phone on her. This tells me she wasn't planning on being far from her tent for long or straight-up met with foul play.
@@boathousejoed1126 - I'm typing this 10pm, May 5th. She has been located. When checking the Facebook page for an update before replying, I saw that they posted this news 4 hours ago. She was found alive and is being treated by medical services.
Thats wild, I live close enough to kent to visit now and again and its honestly the sleepiest place ever, crazy to think a person could get dragged out of their tent there.
@@Calico-fw6li - Don't know how or what exactly happened, but the Housatonic River is still quite high from the heavy daily rains in that area. I was concerned with many others she may of ended up in it.
The biggest danger on the Appalachian Trail isn't the animals, the weather, getting lost, it's the other hikers, the people who are on the trail who will do something more horrifying to you than any animal.
Someone should compile all these incredible harrowing stories and either compile them into a book if there isn't one already or do a longer documentary on this, like a Ken Burns American Experience one! More people Americans and others visiting from all countries should be made aware! Awareness is half the battle like they say! And let good ole Common sense prevail!
Several years ago, I met a retired USFS employee who spent time regarding the AT. He stated that there is at least one murder every year on the AT, for money or food or both. He stated that this is kept quiet or at a minimum to keep people from crossing off the trail on their to-do list. Edit: One should carry a loud whistle as three blasts are a signal for help. A whistle will last longer than shouting lungs. Also, three small fires, three cleared places in the snow, etc. are signals for help.
In April of 1988, I was on a solo backpacking trip on the AT. I was camped near the intersection of the AT and the Devils Stairs not far from the Gravel Springs shelter. I avoid shelters. About 9PM, there was footsteps in the forest debris approaching my tent. They would take a few steps and stop, like they were trying to sneak up n my camp. I crawled out of my tent, and after a bit I cold see a dark figure of a person standing there, and taking a few steps at a time. I turned on my flashlight and saw a person, dressed in all dark clothing, holding a large knife. Fortunately I had my little North American Arms .22 revolver. I fired a warning shot next to the person and used some very harsh language telling them to F. off and clear out. At the shot, they ran off through the woods. I have wondered why someone would try to sneak up on my tent at night with a large knife, but I doubt they were collecting for the Sierra Club. I never went back to the AT again.
I hiked the AT near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The terrain is so rocky, root-strewn, hilly and wooded, that you can step-off the trail just a few feet and not be seen by hikers passing-by. Anybody can easily lay in-wait for a victim hiker. We stepped-off to relax and smoke a joint. As folks hiked-by, several commented they could smell cannabis, but could not see us. A perp can hide anywhere along the trail. Do not conduct yourself like a victim.
I grew up in Tennessee and the woods were like a second home, but do not ever forget you’re always being watched. By something. Doesn’t matter what. You’ll always have that feeling, but when I was a kid I wasn’t really aware of it. To this day I kinda avoid being in a forest alone.
I hiked the entire trail at age 23 solo after finishing a 5 year prison sentence. It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I hope to do it again with my brother in law once my kids are grown and out of the house.
You sound awful proud of that prison sentence. Seems to me if you learned your lesson you would be ashamed. Good people keep shit like that to themselves. Criminals brag about it as if it’s an accomplishment. Smh
I was born, raised and lived all my 62 years,(except three years of military service) in the appalachian mountains of East Tennessee. My home is very rural. I have been all over the area mountains, hunting and fishing. I know them like the back of my hand. Believe me when I tell you, I have seen things in these mountains that would make a strong man tremble in fear.
I tooexperienced some weird things I can't explain that was on the Kentucky Tennessee border I'm 63 now I still think of the things I experienced in the woods I don't say anything to no one because they might think I'm lying or crazy
I did a couple of several day overnight solo hikes. Both times I ran into people who made me uncomfortable. Just makes your hair stand up a bit. Not long after one of my hikes is when the mentally ill guy went crazy and shot and killed the guy who was trying to protect other campers and everyone had to run for their lives. I want to go back to solohiking and camping but I don’t think it’s the safest decision now. Especially as homelessness and drug abuse have taken over our country. Too many people with nothing to lose using the shelters etc .
Anything can happen. This Friday coming will be 7 year's since my last hike, it was only supposed to be a single day's 18 mile hike. I was with my Terrier Molly and in almost 8 miles when I had a heart attack, no warning no symptoms, Boom. Like an Elephant kicked Me and then sat on Me. I reckon that I was unconscious roughly 3 hour's, it was nearing dark and my phone was broken. I had come to laying on the trail, but I'd fallen at the top of a decline and must have rolled a fair bit. very weak on my left side, I couldn't stand, it was getting cold, almost winter here in Australia and so I started crawling, it took me until near sunset the next day to get back to my car, I didn't attempt driving but managed to hail a passing car. I was lucky that Molly was with me and I had 5 pints of water, snacks and some spare clothing in a rain coat. I miss the outdoors. Be safe everybody and always be prepared.
Good Heavens! That's one hike you'll never forget. So happy you are okay, and are here to share your story. I'm sure your dog was a huge comfort to you, pets have a way of *looking after* us, even when we don't realize it. May you have many more years ahead of you. 😊
I grew up on the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. People need to realize that there are very much Feral people up in those mountains. Let alone the fact that if you’re a criminal on the run and have any semblance of survival skills the Appalachian mountains is a great place to hide out. Never travel alone and never travel without a firearm and other protection when traversing the woods and mountains.
Great to let people know about that! I've known for years that some criminals get out of prison and then hide in the mountains in our beautiful national parks so thanks for shining light that and for sharing your very important info! Hope and pray people know this! Hikers should never hike all alone by themselves or even with one other person, they should hike in packs like a pack of wolves and use their wolf like instincts as well when out in the wilderness! Remember plain ole' common sense!
Im Scot-Irish Appalachian....ancestors since 1740s....Virginia & Kentucky....My grandparents told me tales of these mountains.....that frighten me to this day....
Write these tales down into a fascinating book! This needs to be stories handed down by reading not just by oral history! My forebears, also Scottish/Irish and English on my maternal side have been in New England, NH and Maine since 1648, 1721, fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars but never heard stories about the infamous AT! Hope I germinated a seed here for you, thanks for sharing what your grandparents told you!
I’ve had people get mad and say I’m fear mongering when I tell people to bring protection! So many think the outdoors are just a scenic backdrop for their selfie photo shoots, smh.
At every hostel or outfitter store in almost every town there is a log to sign...showing where each person's progress was on any given day. It is wise to make an entry or signature in every logbook you come accross almost everywhere, so there is a clear timeline and tracking progress of how far you have came and how far you still plan to go. As well as where you took a zero day at. These are great ways to know where to begin looking for should you become lost or injured. They would at least know where you were last.
Most people that are drawn to it are the type that don’t want to be found. People often go out to the woods to get away from people and the rest of the world.
Well most people have locator beacons on their strap. Even in areas that dont have cell signal....these locator devices can still send and receive messages to your family loved ones.
I live about 40 miles away from the Appalachian trail. In my younger days I often hiked alone in many places, including there and the Adirondack mountains. Hiking alone is always a bad idea. While I was skilled in land navigation and survival, there are just too many dangers that are potentially deadly. There is a reason they advise to never attempt these hikes with less than 3. Being armed in the backcountry is highly advisable as well because of the threat of both wild animals and possible criminals. I love the woods, but when reflecting on the risks I would take when younger, I am glad to be alive.
same. small village inside a natl forest. i can't remember anywhere near clearly how many times i took off saturday morning and didn't return home till after dark. all 4 seasons with nothing more than a pack of matches, water, a jacket (maybe) and my swiss knife. by the time i was 12 very experienced in building snug shelters, knowing what not to eat. bear, cougar, the odd wolf every four or five years. the AT goes through rough country in the south especially: 30 ft off trail to use the can/set up a camp and down the collapsed mineshaft you go. Or slide down the hill to the cliff edge and... WHEEEE and then there are the two-legged predators that exist all too often. Nowadays i wouldn't do it without some serious planning/precautions. And a gun.
When considering the odds. I would say the inexperienced, overweight, unprepared and ignorant make up many of the lost and injured that get reported. I say this as a former paramedic used to rescue missions and first aid. I still spend a lot of time in the Mountains alone hiking and hunting along with fishing. We all die sometime but with care and planning most trips are very safe. I would say much safer than driving to work.
Live about 2 miles from AT be careful when hiking we have found thin pieces of wire strung across path about throat high. Please be careful There are a lot of evil people out there
@@gemox3225 About the throat high wire? Never whistle in the woods at night. Y'uns know that small room built from concrete blocks on the first 20 miles of the AT - leaving from Springer? There's something abit scared 😱. If y'uns a jasper with catty campus instincts.
I've been out it those mountains 4 wheeling in my truck. The trails can be sabotaged to disable your vehicle. Many unsavory characters in those woods. Always bring a gun. Have a map. Don't go alone. Some weird people live in those mountains. My family is from those mountains it's well known not to go to certain places. People legit disappear in those woods.
Heartfelt wishes to Geraldine Largay's family that they mat find, have found & will forever know the peace that eases away burdens & pain of losing a lived one. With my sincere hopes & prayers may their hearts continue to rejoice in the fond, cherrishable memories time guide them through their loss.
Nice happy couple it seemed it’s sucks hearing when stuff happens to good people Wish all the shitty people would catch the majority of catastrophe in life that way the earned it
I watched episodes on Northwoods Law where they were first looking for her, then found her. I really felt for her husband and family. I cried when they found her. Very emotional. She seemed like an amazing spunky lady.
I'm so glad you mentioned Chad Austin in this video. Everyone knew Chad here in town and thought highly of him, and his disappearance was suspicious! There's no way he would have left his dog in a locked car.
Alaska has the biggest number of missing people. You don't think walking in the woods will lead to you becoming lost, or injured, or missing forever, or your being murdered by someone. It only takes a moment for something terrible to happen. Being single, and the way our world has become, I'm sure not stepping foot into any woods alone. Please, be careful if you do.
I was planning a solo Alaska trip summer 2024 for photography mainly… now I’m scared lol I wasn’t planning on going too far off into the abyss but still. Is there anything I need to know? I understand grizzlies are scary and that’s why I’ll play it safe but is there a lot of crazy people?
A childhood friend of mine was murdered back in the late '70's while hiking the A. Trail for the $500.00 he was carrying, he was one of the nicest kid's I ever knew.
There are some extremely creepy people on the AT. Once or twice I wasn’t sure that I was going to wake up due to people we shared shelters with. I’ll never forget “Patriot” hiking with his homemade tomahawk from a car leaf spring who would tell people he was fine to be around as long as he was “on [his] meds.” That was in the mid 2000s. Overall, the hiking community is very friendly and helpful, though there are some real oddballs.
@@cutieOX I've met more kind, selfless, and down to earth people on the trail than anywhere else in my life. I have enough experience on the trail to draw my own conclusions. Out of the millions of people that hike the trail are there bound to be a few crazy people? Of course. Acting as if it's the norm or something to be afraid of is ridiculous.
@@jwcurry83 that false sense of security will be your demise let me guess you hike alone with no weapons 😂 crazy people can pretend to be totally normal killing on the AT is basically a get away with it area people wanting to be safe and having their guard up is a good thing even in the city
@@rt66vintage16 wolf pack yes. their dad was from an entire diff culture... weird asf... never let them leave the house.... getting the mom pregnant repeatedly
I’m sorry but leaving behind a partially blind man on a trail is DISGUSTING!! Even if they didn’t know him very well, for gods sakes, have some care and consideration for the disabled!!
I hiked a lot alone, I'm very experienced in outdoors and survival. I seldom hike actual trails, I find that much safer. My ex and I hiked part of the AT, a week later a woman hiking alone was found with no head, her head was found in a dumpster. Cops had a press conference on the steps of the hike through store on Blood Mt. My ex was going to go alone as I was having a hard time getting off work for a week. I quite the job and went. Hated the job anyway
Wow , you made a big/good descision ,, and probably saved her life ,, this is why as a woman i love that Men are the way they are,,, thank you,, 🦁🤺🧗💪😻💋
I think the Geraldine Largay story is genuinely one of the saddest. I just can't imagine what she must've been through, alone in the middle of nowhere without any help and it's upsetting to think that she did perish alone. Nobody deserves to end like that but this is especially disturbing since she was an older lady all by herself. She was a very courageous human being, I wouldn't go near that trail even to save my life. RIP.
With all do respect to the dead lady but no. What she did seemed like a suicide mission or arrogance on an insane level. The sheer lack of respect for nature and lack of common sense on her part was idiotic. Either she was really that naive or planned on dying out there especially after losing her husband. There are faster ways to go though so I'm gonna assume it was her ignorance or arrogance responsible for a terrible death.
@@nasrinv your right who takes off on the applichan trail alone an without a gun. Only a really uninformed person. There are very evil people out there
You can say courageous or you can say stupid. Forest rangers constantly preach the dangers of being in the wilderness alone, but some people just have no common sense.
I used to go out alone but after those two females came up murdered I said to myself no more camping I’ve been scared a few times. Had several weapons but with some one or something walking around my tent late at night. I just stayed quiet inside. But the next morning I looked around for tracks strangely there was nothing. I got the hell out of there that morning Another time went fishing after set up my campsite for the night. Came back with almost everything gone. Strangest damn thing ever! Luckily I had my guns and basic gear on. I never attempted to camp ever again ! I knew I was being watched by someone or more than one. That alone was intimidating even with two firearms i think this only thing that saved my life was my firearms the ranger was quiet when reporting like he wanted to tell me something more but didn’t. You know when you get that feeling they not telling you everything!!!looking away from eye contact or change the subject. ….Times have changed. I think back and I was a fool to had ever gone into the deep forest alone! I camp now in camper with other people around I know. Not safe anymore. I don’t think it was ever safe
Do you know how many females have been murdered in their own bed? You are far more likely to get killed in your own home, your way to work.. literally anywhere but on any trail in America. That's not hyperbole either, that's verifiable fact. Just like everywhere else in the world there are areas you want to avoid. But to be afraid is a terrible way to live your life.
The Scott Lilly story, “his body was found in a shallow grave near the shelter. And autopsy results said he died of asphyxiation, making the manner of his death a certain homicide.” I’ve never been in Nelson county, but I truly hope the cops there didn’t need the autopsy results to figure out that he didn’t bury himself and foul play was suspected!
It’s wild to me how many people seem to attempt this hike while woefully unprepared. This trail is no joke- give yourself the best chance to survive and prepare!!!
I thru-hiked in 2012 and remember the stories about the guy having been strangled in the previous year. As I am sure you are aware, video barely scratches the surface as countless people have died on the trail. I actually slipped on a rock at jones falls and cut my head open. I was lucky it was a relatively small cut(never put your foot on a rock with water running over it) but i hiked with bandages for a while. I was involved in an emergency extraction of someone that broke their leg, helped someone with a sprained ankle, knew a guy that busted a rib(and continued to hike until I think he broke an arm). One guy drowned in maine that same year. I heard stories about people in the presidentials often freezing to death due to sudden temperature changes. One guy had to be removed from the rocks in pieces because his body was frozen solid. Getting sick on the trail also happens frequently due to food poisoning of viruses/bad water. Getting diarrhea and having to hike through it is no fun(that happened to me at least once). I made so many risks on the trail because I was still relatively young and optimistic, but so much can go wrong. People can be dangerous(make sure to keep away from people that creep you out), but nature is even more dangerous. As a final warning for anyone reading: Never tent at the bottom of a mountain unless there is a tenting platform(especially before a rainstorm) your tend will be washed away. It happened to me at Piazza rock and I had to flee the site and had no option but to push forward through the rain, the trail was like a river. Still, the experience was life changing and I am glad I did it.
Sounds like you had a fun time! Never froze to death or broke any bones but have been very miserable in rain, sleet and snow on the AT. One time I dropped off the AT onto anther trail that connected to a forest service road. Everything was socked in with fog, rain and ice; ice was forming on tree limbs. As I walked along a squirrel came up beside me and I had to laugh because he looked much more miserable then me. He was soaked with rail and his tail was wet and bedraggled as he dragged it along. Stayed with me about 50 yards before darting off into the woods. Always something happening in the woods. Love it
I don’t understand why the Appalachian Trail is so badly marked if so many people undertake the challenge every year? Let’s put it that way, regardless of its beauty and personal sense of achievement I’m in no hurry to get murdered or become another fatality on this epic hike!
Has to be purposefully done because it would have changed by now with shit happening so much Probably a powerful cult needs regular sacrifices and whatever true monster live out there elusive to everyone except it’s victims and rare misses I’m pretty sure a demon will kill anyone that sees it or allows to be seen and would only want to achomplish something by letting someone live- if a demon wants to get u and ur in its territory and u seen something u shouldn’t have it has the ability to make that happen it can only be purposefully let to live to carry the story to others or alert their next victims as away to scare them even more just to realize they encounter the same fate, they would enjoy that I’m guessing from just common knowledge It’s gotta be known Or it’s a never ending supply of the super wealthy to get little kids and these weirdos act as sub contractors paid for by an organization in cash for each kid they get with more for ones they have higher bidding on I don’t know but probably and then later sacrificed to bale just as long ago and basically that’s something we’ll known in the super rich They make sacrifices that’s all true just like in Bible times It’s never actually stopped they just don’t do it so openly and you can’t do anything even if you know because u can’t prove it and your whole family will go missing at the first word of trying to tell someone Just to find out they already know and they advise u to be quite if u wanna stay breathing Some professional makes u commit suicide by yourself with his hand on your gun and is explained as you were depressed and unstable Michael Jackson prince The actor for the joker in Batman
I dont think these places are so dangerous by chance. I think theyve been created to be used for nefarious reasons, i believe this in my heart. These parks are sacrificial alters.
Sir... I could buy u breakfast, get a couple pots of coffee and a pack of Marlboro Reds. Then sit there, and listen to you telling stories literally all day long. Brings me back. Your voice is calm, yet confident, and I could talk all day. Thank You, sir. U r a master of your craft, and it's a privilege to be able listen to your stories. A National Treasure. Thank You, sir. Wishing u and yours a great weekend ahead. 👍😎🤜🤛🤙💯✌
As I am 64 and in not the best of Health, the dream of hiking the entire Trail will remain just that, a dream. I have lived out West in Idaho and Nevada the past 21 years. Raising my youngest child, and exploring the most beautiful, rugged, and dangerous areas. Thank you for sharing these poignant and, sometimes heartbreaking tales of kindred spirits. It is such a sad note o realize the dangers from 2 legged predators while out hiking and camping our beautiful nation. Continue to be safe outdoors, and enjoy out most Holy Creator's majesty and glory.
I totally understand what you mean, with the health impeding this dream but you should still visit, even if you can’t go far into the trail even the outskirts will make you feel good.
The last guys group really did him dirty. My partner is legally blind and missing one eye, I would NEVER imagine leaving him to hike in the wilderness alone. That's just cruel
I was warned when I moved to West Virginia “stay out of the holler if you ain’t from the holler.” I listened to that advice and loved every minute of the three years I lived there.
I want to spend this summer there badly but poverty makes people prey.. Survival games were fun when we were young kids camping.. Any special towns to visit? 😉
@@pamspencer5733 To be honest…all of them. Harpers Ferry is my absolute most favorite place in WV. New River Gorge is the newest national park and is worth a visit.
Even walking around with each one of my three Bouviers, which I owned over 27 years, in just local neighborhood parks, woods and forests, we had adventures which could have gone badly for me and each one of my dogs, including running into people with rifles, a rabid raccoon, a buck in rut, two guys with five pit bulls, to name a few. Oh yeah, I can't forget finding out that the one wooded area we walked through several times a week, had been the site for the murder of a girl. I was new to the area and didn't know about this murder. The man was caught many months later. He was married with a family and apparently a hard worker. You just never know who's hanging out in the woods. I can't image wanting to go into one of these parks on my own.
Society's structure has changed a lot since that time years ago, say the 1960s. More people, more traffic, more drugs, just to name a few obstacles in our communities. Just commenting.
Most every time I go into the woods I run into people with rifles, and I have one myself, it is called hunting and if I am alone, I always have a firearm of some type because one never knows what they might encounter. It is called self-defense. There are plenty of people who can kill you with their bare hands let alone with some type of weapon be it a piece of wood a stone a knife or whatever.
I feel much safer in the woods unarmed than I do in my home town of Kansas City Missouri where we had over 260 murders last year. I think it’s up to 64 murders so far this year. The problem is people and there are lots of them in the city. What’s messed up too is most the folks committing the murders vote democrat.
When I was younger, I would often hike the Appalachian Trail alone but I would never do it now, even were I not 70 years old. I would never go alone and I'd never go unarmed. You're risking everything, including kidnapping and torture. Today's world fits well with Jesus' warning about the increase of lawlessness and love waxing cold. It's a brutal world out there.
Certain things are for sure worse today but the 70s and 80s were prime crime time and many people were met with foul play... at least today technology helps a lot woth prevention and detection of crime.
@@anthia1156 I doubt it. I seen videos of people beat to death, shot, stabbed & even pushed under trains & buses. Yet no arrest. We get to watch more crimes.
@@LoweringMyProfile God loves all of us equally, eternally, immensely and without exception. The fear bestowed by religion is so apparent in the negative NDEs: they almost always occur for those who think God actually damns. Instead of conveying the endless expanse of God's love for us, religion sure does short-sheet the darn bed. I don't wish anyone get close to death but - to those who think God has favorites - I wish illumination
@@mortalclown3812 I thought the same. Maybe that was her plan, she might have been depressed after her husbands death. Didn't any of her family and friends know she was not equipped properly?
Did she want to die of starvation or hypothermia? Doesn't sound like a pleasant way to go. If she did not want to carry on living, there would have been more comfortable ways of doing it .............
@@treasurehunteruk9718 to a mentally healtht person that would make sense but people having psychotic breaks dont alwsys consider best way to die. Thats why u see people do stuff as dumb as set themselves on fire to kill themselves. Or lay on train tracks. People domt think rationally
I live in Virginia right next to the Appalachian Mountains. I just subscribed. Chad Austin was in my area. I have heard that he was the victim of a drug trafficking ring who had him beheaded and that when he was found there was no head. I remember when the search efforts were going on for years to find him. This is a Rockbridge County event and people here can be kind or EXTREMELY CRUEL. I've gotten numerous death and rape threats living here and the law enforcement dont take them seriously. I would NOT MOVE to this area, having lived here my entire life and knowing the volatile nature of the people...
omg this is nerve wracking to read as i go to college in Amherst and am a person of color. I drive through rock ridge to visit friends pretty often and this is very good to know now. The country sounded familiar so i looked it up and it’s no wonder it’s just the next county over
What makes you stay and continue to live there! Would you not want and need to move someplace far safer or even more affordable if that is the case? Hope and pray you stay safe and free from harm's way! smdh🙏🙏
Regarding the partly blind man hiking it was really thoughtless of his “friends “ to allow a large gap between them knowing that he wasn’t able to distinguish the colour markings on the trees?
@@arthurchadwell9267 Wrong. Always put the slow or injured in the back so they don’t slow down the whole group. It’s also a good idea to let them carry all food items in a bear is in the area it will go after them giving everyone else a chance to get away.
Used to hike alone a lot. Peaceful and tranquil, always felt safe then I began to hear bad things pertaining to the trail. Started toting a small derringer. It saved my life when I had to pull it on a crazy when he pulled a knife on me at a trail shelter. Needless to say he left rather quick.
Glad you survived! But, hiking/camping isn't for everyone esp the elderly, disabled, children/pregnant women or anyone with a chronic illness that needs to be on meds and that should be respected! Good ole' 'common sense' should prevail in the end, but unfortunately, doesn't always!
I'm from Alaska. I'm native and have spent lots of time hunting fishing and hiking in SE Alaska. Its so easy for some one to get turned around, realize they are lost then panic themselves right into an early grave. As he said NEVER EVER go alone. I keep seeing these videos of people "Camping and or Hiking Alone" and I know there are many you never see posted because the person disappeared or died and it most likely would have been prevented if they had not been alone. Now it should also be said that two people with no experience is just as bad as one only now Two people are in danger. Don't Assume nothing bad can happen, assume somthing can and be prepared for it and know how to handle it and STAY CALM. First rule if you realize your lost STAY PUT! Many of the people lost wander off in the wrong direction when had they just stopped and stayed put by the last place they were seen or the path or foot trail they were on Rescuers could find them easier. Make Your Self Big and Loud. If you're not hunting pack a Bright windbreaker or coat. Bigger and brighter the better. Just these two things and being calm and assessing your situation from the Searchers POV can be lifesavers. :) Bless and be well all.
These environments could be considered hunting grounds for the kind of predators, No cameras… Many places to hide. Those facts alone should tell you to not go alone
People do put up spy cams at the Trailheads. I watched a show about it. Ruined my solo walks thru Allegheny State Park which is so beautiful. I grew up camping their every year & a woman was murdered on a trail in Salamanca, Ny. A great person 💙
Some additional details regarding Chad. I don't know if links are allowed but from the article: Police divulged some new details in the case. Among them: two knives belonging to Chad were found in that area - in the open position, there were signs of a struggle and texts on his phone anticipating a confrontation. A search of the immediate area resulted in several personal items belonging to Chad, to include two knives, being found about a half mile from his abandoned car. Both knives were found with the blades in the open position. Additional forensic evidence collected at that location confirms that a struggle took place between Chad and his killer that ultimately led to Chad’s death. Six months after he was reported missing, Chad’s wallet turned up at Panther Falls. We have no reason whatsoever to believe that Chad was looking for trouble, but we do know that he had a reason to suspect a confrontation was inevitable. We know there are additional people in the Buena Vista community who know certain pieces of information related to Chad’s death but are fearful to come forward for a number of reasons. We want to reassure these individuals that our number one goal is to correctly identify the person who did this to Chad. We know this was the act of one person, but that others were witness to his murder. We need to hear from those persons in order to render an arrest and see justice done for Chad and his family.
His photo was the one that peaked my interest the most in this video. I hope authorities find who killed him. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.
So what your saying is I need a bunch of friends with me and weapons rifles and shotguns gotcha RIP chad but damn I wish he wouldn’t have hiked alone horrendous people out there who target people who are alone!
Sounds like the cops have some idea who was involved. Hopefully one of the people who knows something does the right thing and comes forward, or even just gives an anonymous tip.
I got lost in Maine in November 1988 while deer hunting (Everybody calm down, I never shot anything, I just went with my buddies for a week in a cabin in the woods- My hunting was more like a heavily armed hike, lol). I was on a trail and suddenly found myself lost because I wasn't paying enough attention to what I was doing. I had a small backpack with food, water, a small water purifier, two portable silver emergency blankets, small signal flares, fire starter, waterproof matches and extra ammo for my rifle. I also carried a ranger compass, a 4" sheath knife, a Swiss Army knife, and a orange plastic whistle that was very loud. My friends had ribbed me for carting all that around, but I always was one to err on the side of caution and had hiked quite a bit before. I knew I was east of a skidder road which ran for miles north and south, so I simply started walking west to find it. By the time It was dark I hadn't made it to the road so I set up camp, made a fire and settled in. Come morning I cleaned up everything and continued to the road, which I found mid morning. I knew my pickup truck was parked off a logging road south of me so that's how I headed. I walked along the road and after a while I saw a Game Warden truck coming up toward me. It was a crew looking me and we were all pretty happy to meet up. I was never in any real danger of freezing or anything, but it was still a hard lesson for me who thought he knew better than to get lost. I went for a few more heavily armed hikes in the woods after that and I found myself carrying even more gear. Once bitten, twice shy. My friends never let me forget about getting lost, of course, in a good natured way. But, as I pointed out, I didn't carry all that stuff with me for nothing and I recommend anyone going into the woods to carry a good compass, a knife, water, food, signal flares and whistle at the bare minimum. You never know what might happen.
Glad you were very prepared and was safe! Sounds like great advice they should teach in Eagle Scouts! "Be prepared" old Girl Scout motto as well! Maybe they should teach all of this in the Scouts of America even fire arms! Time for a merit badge on that since the world seems to be more dangerous than ever! Thanks for sharing~
Thank you for reminding me what proper human communication sounds like. Besides a wonderful speaking voice you are a true story teller with excellent cadence and you don't include distracting background racket!
I have a few acres on the top of a mountain in Virginia 500 feet from the Appalachian Trail. One day when I was about 16 I was walking on the trail and decided to take a fire road (basically a jeep trail only used by rangers during fires) so that I could go to a spring and then reconnect back to the AT. So I’m walking in isolation nobody around and a you guy in a top hat and dark clothes steps out of the bushes right next to me he stops and says nothing looks at me… asks me for “rolling papers” but I can tell he wanted to harm me. I just acted like he wasn’t there and walked about 5 feet down the fire trail and he turns around and walked back into the bushes. I’ll never forget that and released on that day anything can happen to you at anytime by anyone. Even when you feel super isolated and safe you never know.
Several years ago, I was walking the trail in eastern Pennsylvania, when at a water source where I stopped to fill up, I met this young man who was alone at a nearby shelter. He was smoking dope, said he was from Virginia, and started talking a lot about the wonders of narcotics. It was late in the day, and I wanted to camp, but didn't feel safe camping near him at the shelter. So I went deeper into the woods and set up a wild camp. The next day, about a mile or so further on down the trail, I started smelling smoke. A shortime afterward, I seen the woods ahead of me filling up with a smoky haze. I knew then that the woods were on fire! I then made a quick downhill escape cutting through unmarked thick forest until I was able to reach a highway. There were a few residences along the highway, and I was able to make contact with some of the residents and tell them of the fire up above. About the same time, I could hear the non stop wailing of fire sirens in the distance. Although I certainly can't prove it, to this day a sixth sense tells me that the dopehead may have been responsable for the fire, either accidently or intentionally.
I'm from New England, have hiked the Green, White, whatever mountain ranges up yonder..., I've always wanted to hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail (now at retirement age;have the time to invest in it!) But I've been warned/advised by many people who've done so..., one thing they say in common is NEVER hike alone, & ALWAYS carry a firearm..., you just never know just who or what you might encounter, especially in the more wilderness areas...,
Good luck! Be safe and keep from harm's way! Retirement age and beyond as well, but this wouldn't be the way I'd want my life to end! Hiking/camping isn't for everyone esp, the elderly/disabled like myself, children/pregnant women or those with chronic illnesses on meds! And that should be respected as well! Scary because you never know who or what you'll meet up with, human or subhuman, wild animal and the harsh elements depending where and the time of year! The Park Service should put up more "Beware of...." signs like they've had to put up warnings about sharks and shark attacks at the beaches now from Florida to the "Florida of New England", Cape Cod because sharks love the warmer waters now due to GW/CC and love to feed off the seals at the elbow of the Cape now! At one's own risk either in the oceans or in the forests/mountains!
I was walking on a trail in Appalachia last year and found aids. I wanted to run, but the aids wouldn't stop staring at me, so I turned and walked, and the aids went on about its business.
I've had arguments with people on Reddit who assured everyone that the AT was totally safe and bringing a gun was paranoid. Since then multiple people have gone missing on the AT/been murdered. Now where is totally safe, and when you're dozens of miles out from even a trailhead you're just out too remote to get the police there in time.
Those idiots are the type of people who causes ppl to be killed on the trails, telling them it's safe. They pretend not hear or read about murders on the AT. It's common sense to have protection or just not hike alone or unarmed period. Carry a weapon even if you hike with others.
When we lived in the country, I took two of my kids and our dog on a hike in the foothills nearby. We were within sight of our own house for part of this walk...and we got lost. When it was all done and we found a neighbor's driveway which brought us to the main road, we had been walking for five hours, and went 11 miles. It was dark and cold by that time, November in Idaho. It was a while before I could watch the sun go down without a little tinge of despair. all this to say: If it's possible to lose your way on simple foot trails, how much moreso in the wilderness. Makes me feel for Jerry whose story just breaks my heart.
My buddies and I camp on the AT multiple times every winter, here in Maryland. A couple times, winter storms rolled through unexpectedly after dark and turned fun times into danger. Constant 40mph winds will cut you to the bone.
40 MPH winds will also dehydrate you right quick, and tire you out, besides being annoying. Hoover should have had some research done, BUT, the internet wasn’t around than,she was poorly prepared for this hike,and suffering from Epilepsy, wasn’t a good idea. Never hike a hike of this magnitude alone! Not good.
Anytime hiking in the winter the risk factors are multiplied exponentially. You burn more calories, wet will kill (even sweat), and if you don't have the right equipment you can die in hours. Obviously I am sure you know the dangers, but I just want to make it clear for anyone else reading. You can enjoy the trail in the winter if you are really prepared.
@@jwcurry83 absolutely. I appreciate the words of warning as well. The first couple times I was ill prepared for the cold. But I’m a “get punished and learn my lesson” kind of guy. So I acquired affordable gear that keeps me warm, dry, and blocks the wind as much as possible. It’s now a really enjoyable experience that we all look forward to.
The Md portion from south to north rises from the Potomac River fast to over 900 feet most of the way to PA. Not a long trail but the “mountains” run southwest to northeast exposing one side to the prevailing westerlies and the other to the rolling winds coming down the leeward slope. Not a great place in the winter. I’ve had SERE training in ND but turned down winter hike offers. Oops, got disconnected. Went for a solo hike on a lovely November weekday, early, up the first big elevation, N2S, Weaverton Cliff, with my trusty Yellow Lab. No cell phone. Got to the top, was looking around from flat ground, did a face plant. Woke up with a barking, licking Lab next to me and a near to burst appendix. I wanted to lay there and die, fast, but good old Gracie wouldn’t let me. She pulled, nipped, barked and licked my face, cooling my fever, until I got down the hill. She was 4-5 and had a good ten years left in her. Owe her my life. Gracie’s Lesson: Life is short, bring a dog🐶.
After her husband passes, the woman who also suffered from epilepsy, decided to hike the trail under equipped with no food other than some beef jerky? You gotta be kidding me.. Maybe she wasn't planning on coming back.
That's a thought! smdh Who in their right mind goes hiking with a known illness like epilepsy! Clearly she wasn't using her head, no "common sense'! Hiking isn't for everyone and that, too, should be respected!
I have a friend who just did about 430 miles of it in 32 days, and he got pretty exhausted. He told me that it was wonderful, this is an amazing video. I’m sending it to him
Some of these were pretty darn sad. I would not even attempt that 100 mile wilderness in Maine. Unfortunately, history is full of individuals who took on more than they can handle. Test your limitations sure… But know what they are prior to taking on something like the Appalachian trail solo. As always, thank you Steve. I never get tired of listening to you.
I have hiked parts of this trail here in PA where i reside even during the winter months, and i will tell you, travel in threes and never go alone. You will encounter all types of people, couples, groups of more than three, and people who are visibly armed. Usually, people just nod or say hi, however, depending on where you are, you never know what motives people have. I recommend each person be armed, yes I said each person. A .45 and at least one hunting rifle that's bear capable.
curious: is there a pistol calibre capable of killing a bear quickly enough it doesn't start gnawing on me while i'm repeatedly squeezing the trigger? not familiar with pistol ammunition or the various types e.g. hollow-point bullet sounds very capable of damaging large animals.
@@spenn2007 i did. i got hunting rifle - most are capable of felling a full grown black bear with one well-placed round. do you have any knowledge of pistols and large animals? again, just curious.
I was a lifelong PA resident. I have heard that the portion of the trail in the vicinity of Harrisburg and Cumberland County are the most dangerous in terms of criminal attacks.
This place is a killers paradise and there are many sick people who stalk these parks looking to kill knowing they wont likely get caught. Going here unarmed is asking for it
An excellent recounting of these cases. You're very careful to give an even handed empathetic retelling of the tales. I learned a lot watching this. Never really considered hiking the Appalachian trail. I'm elderly now, but I'll be searching for more videos on the AT. I bookmarked your channel and will be watching all of your episodes. Thanks for all your hard work and research putting this video episode out. Award winning material in my opinion. Mateo, Erie PA
@@davidortiz3094 Not only do you always need to be completely aware of your surroundings but if you do plan on hiking, hunting, and or wilderness camping alone, then you should always have a proper firearm and satellite phone. In addition, you should always tell your friends and or family where you plan on going and for how long you plan on being out. It’s so easy to get injured, lost, and turned around even to the most experienced outdoorsman. We hear stories of experts getting lost and turned around even in areas that they allegedly know extremely well. For that reason alone you should always plan on being overly prepared.
@@archangel5627 defintely little survival kit. Little 22, one of those blankets, crocodile dundee survival knife, lighters, matches,flint, phone, flashlight, satelite phone, radio beacon locator, bear spray, shotgun, etc.
Put the slowest hiker at the front of the group so you don’t get separated. Don’t get separated! If hiking alone, make sure your will is up to date. I feel awful for the two girls who were murdered. Their final moments must have been terrifying!
Accidents happen; that is for sure but seriously a will? I hunt the along the AT frequently and step off every so far and call. I mainly hunt Bobcats in the mountains. Most of the through hikers are friendly and have really good stories to tell. They always tell me how peaceful it is along the trail. Now if you are anywhere near Roanoke Va. Rated as one of the most dangerous cities in Va a will might be useful as there seems to be killings weekly. I guess it must be the mystique of the trail and its surroundings that make so many people obsess about the danger.
My martial arts instructor hiked this trail alone. When asked if packed a firearm, he said he would only pack a bear mace. I thought this would be extremely dangerous to not be armed while on this trail. It is a two-legged animal that you should fear the most, not the four-legged beasts or elements.
My cousin Kris is an ex Airborne Ranger and has hiked this trail several times. He said the hike is amazing but could be very dangerous for someone without situational awareness.
The Geraldine one always makes me sad. She looked so happy in the last few pictures taken of her. And all it took was going steps away from the trail, and she was right there so close the whole time.
I genuinely do not comprehend....understand. How could so many innocent individuals be slaughtered in such a manner? What kind of monstrous beings live in this land? I mean, I hear your voice talking about folks who went hiking and were subsequently found killed or simply vanished, some found and some never found. Also the hikers, who were aware of what had been occuring, yet continued to roam around. Lunatics!
Cults and demons roam those areas that’s y a lot of bad things happen there so much kinda like Vatican City crime rate it’s one of the highest crime rate compared to population and visitors having people being robbed everyday mostly taking wallets and purse and little boys something girls ex Vatican girl on you tube
Safer for those predators/killers and easier to hide out in deep woods /forests and the mountains and they know they won't be found or prosecuted! After all these harrowing stories/tragedies here, wouldn't hike/camp the AT for anything in the world, not even for a million bucks! Since I'm 75 and have a disability and am blind in one eye, forgetaboutit! smdh
The fact you pronounce Appalachia with the invisible T, which is the preferred vernacular of my fellow North Carolinians, hooked me in the first 30 seconds.
Yes, we pronounce it differently in NJ, NY and New England, we pronounce it Appalayshia, the Appalayshian Mountains! Maybe we should just shorten it to AM like AT these days! lol
I've lived just minutes from the trail access in Damascus VA for half my life. I'm actually surprised more people aren't missing or assaulted. These mountain meth heads aren't pleasant and many of them disappear into the woods when they get a little too far out of their minds.
I used to go backpacking up in the mountains in way Northern California. Not where everyone calls Northern California. IN Northern California! Like an hour and a half south of the Oregon border. Their were a ton of these mountain meth heads you speak of. Ran into one guy one night when i was camped at a forest service trailhead on a dirt bike and a sniper rifle on his shoulder. When those folks feel like their meth business is in jeopardy its lights out for anyone getting in the way of that perceived or real!
@@notquiteultralight1701 I've driven through Modoc National Forest about 5-7 times. If I didn't know where I was, there's no way I would guess Cali. It is remote as remote can be. Very unnerving not seeing other cars or signs of civilization for many miles.
I am from Norway and used to rough Nature. I cant understand why people go on Hike without proper Equipment. Like Compass, Maps, Food and warm Clothing. Here we have a deep respect for the Nature. Strange that People get Murdered in the National Parks.
And a lot of people have a false sense of superiority when they go into the forest I guess, like their top of the food chain, I personally would never go that deep into the forest without being armed or anything. As for murders, there’s only been 13 (reported), still creepy though.
I don’t know if this is true but the Appalachian trail is almost as twice as long as Norway from point to point. Thats traveling from southernmost point in Norway to the Northern most point and then heading back down. Thats crazy. I think I’d rather take my chances in Norway, weather isn’t what terrifies me. It’s the people.
Steve, I was born in 1961 in Knoxville TN, and lived there til I was ten years old. I remember when I was eight, six year old Dennis Martin went missing near Spence Field in the Smoky Mountains. My dad was one of hundreds of people who volunteered to search for him, but unfortunately he was never found. That event always stuck with me, and gave me a healthy respect for the wilderness. Have you done a story on Dennis Martin?
I lived in the little "trail town" of Hot Springs NC for a couple of years, the AT is well known for an easy place for fugitives to hide out, was not uncommon to see state and even federal LEO's in town "looking for someone". The trail is great but don't hike it alone and make sure you have a handgun among your other provisions
I live in Raleigh NC and never walk these trails. All one See's is drug addicts, and homeless people. I've seen tents up off these hwy.s with homeless n drug addicts. It's not safe.
@@suzannesquivel1632 I agree, homeless folks have been living on the trail since the trail, unfortunately that has attracted a lot of bad element and as you say it seems to have become much more common and in more in public view
I will never live or go back into the woods again. My family lived on the edge of the PA game lands and I saw and heard so much. I couldn't get out of PA fast enough.
So I hiked the AT last year. It was an adventure of a lifetime, and a challenge that I never thought I could do, but did. The trail isn't terribly dangerous; if you are prepared. That said, I traveled along side at least two people who lost their lives on the trail, very sad. One was from overseas, young man went by Grand Master; he had a medical condition and fell off somewhere around Tinker Cliffs/MacAfee knob. The other, a nice guy I had the pleasure of hiking on and off for a full day with went by the name of Kanga. He was traveling with his fathers ashes.... his father wanted to complete the trail and never did. He somehow had an accident, I don't know the detail were vague, but they found him in the Connecticut river and I don't believe he was able to complete his mission. Pretty sad. On the upside.. I met hundreds and hundreds of great people from all over enjoying this trail, it is a gift we need to take care of. Thanks for the vid!
@@larrymaxwell5535 You have a creative mind, but it's going in the wrong direction. The young man GrandMaster had a medical ailment, I was several days behind him when I heard the news of the accident. And Kanga was a shock. he seemed determined, and was way ahead of me as well. Pretty sad, and also sad you think this way. Have a Great Weekend.
I have hiked the trail the whole way. Just not all at once. I wanted to do the whole trail in one run. But a few years ago, I ended up in a wheelchair. I'm out of it now but my left leg doesn't do very well an unlevel ground lol. The ole spine is more of a snake now then a hump. Thanks for the video. It helps to lessen the feelings i have about not being able to do many things i use to love doing. The AP mountains are so so beautiful.
My friend’s dad, whom I called Dad too was from NY and hiked all of the Appalachian Trail. He also hiked most of the Rocky Mountains Trail, but took several seasons. And he biked across the USA. He had amazing stories to tell.
Glad he made it out. I'd love to hear the stories. My Daddy always had crazy stories too but the only hiking he ever did was hitch hiking. 😆 Our whole family originates from Appalachia but he has stories from his hard street life of violence, crime & prison time. Still fun to hear though.
The Geraldine story was sad but unavoidable. When her walking companion had to go back, she should have gone back with her. Yes she was a regular hiker but the AT in Maine is obviously a different animal. She was known to get lost on hikes, could not use a compass properly & had no flares to set off or any alarms. This trail should not be underestimated.
Thanks 😊 for the Appalachian mountains Storys! Sorry for people who lost their lifes! Especially the young girl who was brutally murdered for no reason! May they all ( RIP) 🙏 Amen! 💐💒⛪⛪⛪🌈🕊️
Its not just elderly folks who seem frail and weak or have some pre-existing condition or health ailments before they even begin....it is young and strong men. Healthy strapping lads in their prime, who are in peak physical shape can still get lost....injured, or suffer from exposure to the elements.
As someone from Appalachia (generations of my family has lived there)- I can tell you that the people who live in VERY rural Appalachia are either the kindest or the most dangerous people you will ever meet.
I couldn't agree more! East Tennessee born and raised!
More so probably the killer type!😮
yea i agree growing up in rural georgia its a similar story
10000% agree. Best thing I ever did was get out!
Agreed, I work construction over the summers in WV and I've met some of the most amazing and life changing people over the last 5 years down there, but I've also heard some of the most wild stories too. One guy who I was working with said someone tried to kidnap his dog so he rolled his wheelchair over with a hollow point filled .22 and threatened him then went around and warned the rest of the "rouges" in his area and did the same
I know exactly how scary it is to be lost in the woods. I got lost in a stretch of woods I THOUGHT I knew like the back of my hand once. Was lost for well over 8 hours, until crashing through the brush comes my sister and our dog. Our dog had led my sister to me. I'd never been so grateful to a dog in all my life.
Edit: and my sister, of course, but she was too busy bitching me out and sobbing lol.
Lol
As a sister…you deserved her words 😅
Sounds bad
You sound like my cousin. We got lost in the woods and he cried like a baby until we found our way out. The whole time me and his brother was laughing our asses off at him. We were lost but not lost forever. You can walk either way you want usually in the Appalachians and eventually come to some type of road or stream to follow. The brightest thing you should do is just walk down the damn mountain and into a valley where all the roads and creeks, rivers are. We walked until we found an old logging road in the woods. Followed it right out.
Lmaooo I can’t even imagine
had a crazy dude come upon me while i was fishing in the middle of nowhere. nobody else around for miles. where all you hear are birds and wind. no shirt on, dirty and nappy af like he hadn't showered in weeks. dude had bad intentions vibes pouring out of him. he was trying to make small talk saying he lost something right by where my pack was with all my gear in it. i quickly grabbed my pack and backed away and he kept trying to circle behind me. so i lifted my arm over my head to scratch my head which exposed my gun on my hip. then asked him why the fuck he was still talking to me. he said sorry sir and bailed as soon as he saw the gun. guns save lives. don't ever let the government infringe on your right to protect yourself.
To be fair, you're not the type we're worried about having the guns. Its the ones who have NO business owning a gun who we're all afraid of......like the man in your story for instance.
Yeah tell that to the parents whose kids got brutally murdered in Texas last week. Don’t go hiking alone, don’t need a gun. Meanwhile there’s been more shootings than days in 2023 so far
@@deaddoveinside Chicago has the most strict gun control laws in the nation. how's that working out for them?
@@jsimo1431 red states have higher gun violence and homicides than blue states, so it’s pretty clear to see where the problem lies. All big cities have crime, but the south has very few big cities, yet they are leading the nation in gun deaths. And we’re not talking about crime in Chicago, I’m talking about mass shootings that happened in Texas that killed children and destroyed families last week. There’s an epidemic of mass shootings in the south, how many more dead bodies of children will it take for gun worship to end in this country?
Shouldve blasted him right there
My brother, Scott Johnston, and my close friend, Sean Farmer, were shot by Randal Lee Smith along the AT in Virginia. Smith was the man who murdered two hikers along the AT in 1981 and got out of prison after serving his sentence only to try to kill again. Amazingly, they made a miraculous escape and, in a final ironic turn, it was Smith who ended up dying. My brother and friend, who both still have bullets in their bodies to this day from the incident, and are both doing fine.
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing, my friend!
Brian i just read the story ,shocking and dam scary thank god they both survived ur country has some real crazies.
I remember my dad buying that book
Murder on the Appalachian Trail
and bringing it home.
Glad they are ok.
Wow I am sorry they had to go through that but so happy to hear they are alive and well also I live in Virginia closer to the AT
I'm so glad that your brother and friend are safe. At least now that subhuman waste of life got what he deserved and can't victimize anyone else
I never understood how people can go into the woods & not be armed.
Not only will I never understand people who decide to go into the remote wilderness alone without a proper firearm but if you do plan on being out there for a good while then you should always have someone else with you. In addition to carrying a loaded weapon and a traveling partner, you should also have a satellite GPS phone along with a detailed idea of where you’re going and how long you plan on being out there. So that if something bad does happen, your friends and or family will be able to contact and tell the proper authorities where you might be. It’s so easy to get injured, lost, and turned around while being on your outdoor excursion.
Well if you live in Canada it’s illegal !
califonia and new york have a prohibitive licensing scheme that makes it a felony to carry a gun without a 1000 dollar permit after a 2 year waiting period. they also happen to have thru hiking trails going through them.
@@7thson555 yes you're right, in the wilderness law>survival.
@@oczhaal I’m not saying I agree with it, it just forces people into making bad decisions
Living in Va and visiting west Va I have always been told the only rule you have to follow is NEVER go into the woods without a gun.
Wild to me that people think they can just tromp through total wilderness alone and unarmed
Guess so after reading some of the horror stories around the AT! smdh
@@brendadrew834 Nice to hear though that some were found alive and well !
I didnt realize there were areas where the trail becomes difficult to follow
I would take that as gospel😊
A woman just went missing literally yesterday from her campsite on my local section of the Appalachian Trail in Kent, Connecticut. According to the missing person bulletin issued by State Police, the woman's cell phone and hiking gear were still in her tent. We all hope and pray she's found safe. I find it very unnerving that she doesn't even have her phone on her. This tells me she wasn't planning on being far from her tent for long or straight-up met with foul play.
Didn't hear of this on any media.Has she been located safe?
@@boathousejoed1126 - I'm typing this 10pm, May 5th. She has been located. When checking the Facebook page for an update before replying, I saw that they posted this news 4 hours ago. She was found alive and is being treated by medical services.
@@jenniferdickinson-hanley4874 how the hell she get lost lol? Glad she is okay though
Thats wild, I live close enough to kent to visit now and again and its honestly the sleepiest place ever, crazy to think a person could get dragged out of their tent there.
@@Calico-fw6li - Don't know how or what exactly happened, but the Housatonic River is still quite high from the heavy daily rains in that area. I was concerned with many others she may of ended up in it.
The biggest danger on the Appalachian Trail isn't the animals, the weather, getting lost, it's the other hikers, the people who are on the trail who will do something more horrifying to you than any animal.
real talk its actually ticks lmao
lol
Yup just like the bear or man theory a bear is more likely to leave you alone
@@lovelifelaugh2727😂😂😂 only with black bears. Montana brown bears will eat you butt first while you are still alive.
Someone should compile all these incredible harrowing stories and either compile them into a book if there isn't one already or do a longer documentary on this, like a Ken Burns American Experience one! More people Americans and others visiting from all countries should be made aware! Awareness is half the battle like they say! And let good ole Common sense prevail!
Several years ago, I met a retired USFS employee who spent time regarding the AT. He stated that there is at least one murder every year on the AT, for money or food or both. He stated that this is kept quiet or at a minimum to keep people from crossing off the trail on their to-do list. Edit: One should carry a loud whistle as three blasts are a signal for help. A whistle will last longer than shouting lungs. Also, three small fires, three cleared places in the snow, etc. are signals for help.
How bout just plenty of ammo!!! You can blow whatever ya want ,,,
@@kinsey8109 Lol...true true..who would hike without a gun? That is just stupid!
@@davidbstallings4736 A future missing person/murder statistic.
what are shouting lungs?
Very informative. thank you
In April of 1988, I was on a solo backpacking trip on the AT. I was camped near the intersection of the AT and the Devils Stairs not far from the Gravel Springs shelter. I avoid shelters.
About 9PM, there was footsteps in the forest debris approaching my tent. They would take a few steps and stop, like they were trying to sneak up n my camp. I crawled out of my tent, and after a bit I cold see a dark figure of a person standing there, and taking a few steps at a time. I turned on my flashlight and saw a person, dressed in all dark clothing, holding a large knife. Fortunately I had my little North American Arms .22 revolver. I fired a warning shot next to the person and used some very harsh language telling them to F. off and clear out. At the shot, they ran off through the woods. I have wondered why someone would try to sneak up on my tent at night with a large knife, but I doubt they were collecting for the Sierra Club.
I never went back to the AT again.
Sure bud
Should’ve shot them if the story is real
source: i made it up
it was a skinwalker
chillman. ok genius.
I hiked the AT near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The terrain is so rocky, root-strewn, hilly and wooded, that you can step-off the trail just a few feet and not be seen by hikers passing-by. Anybody can easily lay in-wait for a victim hiker. We stepped-off to relax and smoke a joint. As folks hiked-by, several commented they could smell cannabis, but could not see us. A perp can hide anywhere along the trail. Do not conduct yourself like a victim.
TY great advice for people who don't know any better
I grew up in Tennessee and the woods were like a second home, but do not ever forget you’re always being watched. By something. Doesn’t matter what. You’ll always have that feeling, but when I was a kid I wasn’t really aware of it. To this day I kinda avoid being in a forest alone.
Grew up in East Tennessee myself. You are absolutely right!
It's not the who that's terrifying but the what.
Blair Witch, for sure.
I live in rural Pennsylvania and when I was a kid and went in the woods by myself something always felt off. I was constantly looking behind me
@@Stoli18 it's the killer Amish lurking in the woods of Pennsylvania 😂
I hiked the entire trail at age 23 solo after finishing a 5 year prison sentence. It was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I hope to do it again with my brother in law once my kids are grown and out of the house.
You sound awful proud of that prison sentence. Seems to me if you learned your lesson you would be ashamed. Good people keep shit like that to themselves. Criminals brag about it as if it’s an accomplishment. Smh
@williambrandondavis6897 lol ok 👍
I am pretty proud of how successful my life has been despite the stain of a conviction at 17 years old.
@@busybody1474 cry about it
@@busybody1474 If you say so, Karen. 😄
@@williambrandondavis6897 he’s saying he’s proud of the HIKE, not the prison sentence. Brush up on your reading skills a bit…
I was born, raised and lived all my 62 years,(except three years of military service) in the appalachian mountains of East Tennessee. My home is very rural. I have been all over the area mountains, hunting and fishing. I know them like the back of my hand. Believe me when I tell you, I have seen things in these mountains that would make a strong man tremble in fear.
What's the scariest thing you've seen there?
I tooexperienced some weird things I can't explain that was on the Kentucky Tennessee border I'm 63 now I still think of the things I experienced in the woods I don't say anything to no one because they might think I'm lying or crazy
@@CrackerAL I believe you.
Omg please tell. I love a good story!
any examples??
I did a couple of several day overnight solo hikes. Both times I ran into people who made me uncomfortable. Just makes your hair stand up a bit. Not long after one of my hikes is when the mentally ill guy went crazy and shot and killed the guy who was trying to protect other campers and everyone had to run for their lives. I want to go back to solohiking and camping but I don’t think it’s the safest decision now. Especially as homelessness and drug abuse have taken over our country. Too many people with nothing to lose using the shelters etc .
Anything can happen. This Friday coming will be 7 year's since my last hike, it was only supposed to be a single day's 18 mile hike. I was with my Terrier Molly and in almost 8 miles when I had a heart attack, no warning no symptoms, Boom. Like an Elephant kicked Me and then sat on Me. I reckon that I was unconscious roughly 3 hour's, it was nearing dark and my phone was broken. I had come to laying on the trail, but I'd fallen at the top of a decline and must have rolled a fair bit. very weak on my left side, I couldn't stand, it was getting cold, almost winter here in Australia and so I started crawling, it took me until near sunset the next day to get back to my car, I didn't attempt driving but managed to hail a passing car. I was lucky that Molly was with me and I had 5 pints of water, snacks and some spare clothing in a rain coat. I miss the outdoors. Be safe everybody and always be prepared.
Wow very scary, a miracle that you survived. You were very lucky but you were also prepared and it's great that you had your dog with you
Stay safe.
Good Heavens! That's one hike you'll never forget. So happy you are okay, and are here to share your story. I'm sure your dog was a huge comfort to you, pets have a way of *looking after* us, even when we don't realize it. May you have many more years ahead of you. 😊
Damn, hell of a story!
God bless your lil Miss Molly, faithful companion.
Dang.
I grew up on the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. People need to realize that there are very much Feral people up in those mountains. Let alone the fact that if you’re a criminal on the run and have any semblance of survival skills the Appalachian mountains is a great place to hide out. Never travel alone and never travel without a firearm and other protection when traversing the woods and mountains.
Very scary indeed
isit like the hills have eyes, cause sounds like it
They seem to have
Mental conditions or a death wish.a
Great to let people know about that! I've known for years that some criminals get out of prison and then hide in the mountains in our beautiful national parks so thanks for shining light that and for sharing your very important info! Hope and pray people know this! Hikers should never hike all alone by themselves or even with one other person, they should hike in packs like a pack of wolves and use their wolf like instincts as well when out in the wilderness! Remember plain ole' common sense!
Wrong turn.
Im Scot-Irish Appalachian....ancestors since 1740s....Virginia & Kentucky....My grandparents told me tales of these mountains.....that frighten me to this day....
Same here. Grew up in Woodfin, NC. Thank you for your comment and support.
C'mon, give us one.
Write these tales down into a fascinating book! This needs to be stories handed down by reading not just by oral history! My forebears, also Scottish/Irish and English on my maternal side have been in New England, NH and Maine since 1648, 1721, fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars but never heard stories about the infamous AT! Hope I germinated a seed here for you, thanks for sharing what your grandparents told you!
@@brendadrew834I’m from NH. My family English, Irish, Norwegian and have been in NH since mid 1600s too
@@melissaloveland1971 Interesting, some common very "deep roots" NH history! Thanks for sharing~♥
I’ve had people get mad and say I’m fear mongering when I tell people to bring protection! So many think the outdoors are just a scenic backdrop for their selfie photo shoots, smh.
Better safe than sorry
Food water fire small pistol and yes a flair gun wouldn't hurt either !!!
And, don’t go alone esp ladies
@@jeffreyelliott622 small pistol doesn’t do anything
@@1romancatholic I carry my cane corso with me now
At every hostel or outfitter store in almost every town there is a log to sign...showing where each person's progress was on any given day. It is wise to make an entry or signature in every logbook you come accross almost everywhere, so there is a clear timeline and tracking progress of how far you have came and how far you still plan to go. As well as where you took a zero day at. These are great ways to know where to begin looking for should you become lost or injured. They would at least know where you were last.
Great advice, Ben!
Most people that are drawn to it are the type that don’t want to be found. People often go out to the woods to get away from people and the rest of the world.
Or the killers would too, they probably know about those log books as well! Sicko people out there!
Wouldn't having a phone suffice as opposed to signing a logbook? GPS is a hell of a tracking device!
Well most people have locator beacons on their strap. Even in areas that dont have cell signal....these locator devices can still send and receive messages to your family loved ones.
I live about 40 miles away from the Appalachian trail. In my younger days I often hiked alone in many places, including there and the Adirondack mountains. Hiking alone is always a bad idea. While I was skilled in land navigation and survival, there are just too many dangers that are potentially deadly. There is a reason they advise to never attempt these hikes with less than 3. Being armed in the backcountry is highly advisable as well because of the threat of both wild animals and possible criminals. I love the woods, but when reflecting on the risks I would take when younger, I am glad to be alive.
same. small village inside a natl forest. i can't remember anywhere near clearly how many times i took off saturday morning and didn't return home till after dark. all 4 seasons with nothing more than a pack of matches, water, a jacket (maybe) and my swiss knife. by the time i was 12 very experienced in building snug shelters, knowing what not to eat.
bear, cougar, the odd wolf every four or five years.
the AT goes through rough country in the south especially: 30 ft off trail to use the can/set up a camp and down the collapsed mineshaft you go. Or slide down the hill to the cliff edge and... WHEEEE
and then there are the two-legged predators that exist all too often. Nowadays i wouldn't do it without some serious planning/precautions. And a gun.
When considering the odds. I would say the inexperienced, overweight, unprepared and ignorant make up many of the lost and injured that get reported. I say this as a former paramedic used to rescue missions and first aid.
I still spend a lot of time in the Mountains alone hiking and hunting along with fishing. We all die sometime but with care and planning most trips are very safe. I would say much safer than driving to work.
Live about 2 miles from AT be careful when hiking we have found thin pieces of wire strung across path about throat high. Please be careful There are a lot of evil people out there
Saw the same thing down in WV on an AtV trail, people are sick
My god. That's horrible!
I believe it was on the Appalachian Trail where someone was going through the trail slicing hikers up with a machete.
@@gemox3225 About the throat high wire? Never whistle in the woods at night. Y'uns know that small room built from concrete blocks on the first 20 miles of the AT - leaving from Springer? There's something abit scared 😱. If y'uns a jasper with catty campus instincts.
I've been out it those mountains 4 wheeling in my truck. The trails can be sabotaged to disable your vehicle. Many unsavory characters in those woods. Always bring a gun. Have a map. Don't go alone. Some weird people live in those mountains. My family is from those mountains it's well known not to go to certain places. People legit disappear in those woods.
Today is the decade mark for Gerry Largay. I wish her family - and the families of all the missing - love, light, and healing.
Heartfelt wishes to Geraldine Largay's family that they mat find, have found & will forever know the peace that eases away burdens & pain of losing a lived one. With my sincere hopes & prayers may their hearts continue to rejoice in the fond, cherrishable memories time guide them through their loss.
Nice happy couple it seemed it’s sucks hearing when stuff happens to good people
Wish all the shitty people would catch the majority of catastrophe in life that way the earned it
What a story, poor lady. I read the book 3 times.
I watched episodes on Northwoods Law where they were first looking for her, then found her. I really felt for her husband and family. I cried when they found her. Very emotional. She seemed like an amazing spunky lady.
@@lpcookie1i saw that episode too.
I'm so glad you mentioned Chad Austin in this video. Everyone knew Chad here in town and thought highly of him, and his disappearance was suspicious! There's no way he would have left his dog in a locked car.
That's the first thing I thought when his story came up. Why is his dog not with him?
@Pushing_Pixels Ambushed, possibly? I'm sure the investigators have checked that out, though! Just doesn't make any since🤔
Alaska has the biggest number of missing people. You don't think walking in the woods will lead to you becoming lost, or injured, or missing forever, or your being murdered by someone. It only takes a moment for something terrible to happen. Being single, and the way our world has become, I'm sure not stepping foot into any woods alone. Please, be careful if you do.
I hike whites ridge trail alone alot throughout the year. Never considered that. Thank u.
@@DennisHaskens You're very welcome. Be careful, and may God always watch over you.
@@katrinajohnson3776 💙💙💙🙏
@@DennisHaskens Thank you!! 💙🙏😌💙
I was planning a solo Alaska trip summer 2024 for photography mainly… now I’m scared lol I wasn’t planning on going too far off into the abyss but still. Is there anything I need to know? I understand grizzlies are scary and that’s why I’ll play it safe but is there a lot of crazy people?
A childhood friend of mine was murdered back in the late '70's while hiking the A. Trail for the $500.00 he was carrying, he was one of the nicest kid's I ever knew.
Very sad
Sad, may he rest in peace. Sorry for your loss.
Damn 😞
There are some extremely creepy people on the AT. Once or twice I wasn’t sure that I was going to wake up due to people we shared shelters with. I’ll never forget “Patriot” hiking with his homemade tomahawk from a car leaf spring who would tell people he was fine to be around as long as he was “on [his] meds.” That was in the mid 2000s. Overall, the hiking community is very friendly and helpful, though there are some real oddballs.
So, hikers are real people. Got it. 😂
@@cutieOX I've met more kind, selfless, and down to earth people on the trail than anywhere else in my life. I have enough experience on the trail to draw my own conclusions. Out of the millions of people that hike the trail are there bound to be a few crazy people? Of course. Acting as if it's the norm or something to be afraid of is ridiculous.
@@jwcurry83 that false sense of security will be your demise let me guess you hike alone with no weapons 😂 crazy people can pretend to be totally normal killing on the AT is basically a get away with it area people wanting to be safe and having their guard up is a good thing even in the city
@Any Marie the "wolf" brothers?
@@rt66vintage16 wolf pack yes. their dad was from an entire diff culture... weird asf... never let them leave the house.... getting the mom pregnant repeatedly
I’m sorry but leaving behind a partially blind man on a trail is DISGUSTING!! Even if they didn’t know him very well, for gods sakes, have some care and consideration for the disabled!!
Some “disabled” people pretend to be so to snare kindhearted, unwary people.
@@ldg2655 So disabled people "fake it" to snare people? Got it.
@@ldg2655 yeah but a lot of times you can clearly tell....I get what you're saying though, you can never be too careful when dealing with people..
There have been instances of "slightly blind" guys needing help on the trail that ended up being serial killers.
Then if you get charged with anything you’re guilty so no thanks im not fucking obligated too and no one can force anyone too.
I hiked a lot alone, I'm very experienced in outdoors and survival. I seldom hike actual trails, I find that much safer.
My ex and I hiked part of the AT, a week later a woman hiking alone was found with no head, her head was found in a dumpster. Cops had a press conference on the steps of the hike through store on Blood Mt.
My ex was going to go alone as I was having a hard time getting off work for a week. I quite the job and went. Hated the job anyway
Oh my god....
Wow , you made a big/good descision ,, and probably saved her life ,, this is why as a woman i love that Men are the way they are,,, thank you,,
🦁🤺🧗💪😻💋
@@julzhepburn3688 she thanked me and told me that!
they found a ladies feet in the McDonalds off my highway exit. this was mid 90s michigan. was the husband and he was scattering her parts all over
@@cutieOX may have been a different one, this,was on Blood Mountin, Neels Gap in Ga
I think the Geraldine Largay story is genuinely one of the saddest. I just can't imagine what she must've been through, alone in the middle of nowhere without any help and it's upsetting to think that she did perish alone. Nobody deserves to end like that but this is especially disturbing since she was an older lady all by herself. She was a very courageous human being, I wouldn't go near that trail even to save my life. RIP.
But she wasn't probably prepared. If you can't read a compass, you shouldn't be doing anything like this.
Courageous more like crazy I mean dangerous trails crazy people an animals really.
With all do respect to the dead lady but no. What she did seemed like a suicide mission or arrogance on an insane level. The sheer lack of respect for nature and lack of common sense on her part was idiotic. Either she was really that naive or planned on dying out there especially after losing her husband. There are faster ways to go though so I'm gonna assume it was her ignorance or arrogance responsible for a terrible death.
@@nasrinv your right who takes off on the applichan trail alone an without a gun. Only a really uninformed person. There are very evil people out there
You can say courageous or you can say stupid. Forest rangers constantly preach the dangers of being in the wilderness alone, but some people just have no common sense.
I used to go out alone but after those two females came up murdered I said to myself no more camping
I’ve been scared a few times. Had several weapons but with some one or something walking around my tent late at night. I just stayed quiet inside. But the next morning I looked around for tracks strangely there was nothing. I got the hell out of there that morning
Another time went fishing after set up my campsite for the night. Came back with almost everything gone. Strangest damn thing ever! Luckily I had my guns and basic gear on. I never attempted to camp ever again ! I knew I was being watched by someone or more than one. That alone was intimidating even with two firearms i think this only thing that saved my life was my firearms the ranger was quiet when reporting like he wanted to tell me something more but didn’t. You know when you get that feeling they not telling you everything!!!looking away from eye contact or change the subject. ….Times have changed. I think back and I was a fool to had ever gone into the deep forest alone! I camp now in camper with other people around I know. Not safe anymore. I don’t think it was ever safe
Do you know how many females have been murdered in their own bed? You are far more likely to get killed in your own home, your way to work.. literally anywhere but on any trail in America. That's not hyperbole either, that's verifiable fact. Just like everywhere else in the world there are areas you want to avoid. But to be afraid is a terrible way to live your life.
Weapons…walking around your tent??
@@pauulkubasek1815 I know. Lol.
Know you were being watched? Fear and paranoia. You’ve locked yourself in a prison with the key inside 💀
@@SSSFanBoy11 not at all. I’m awesome with knowledge of guns and the forest. You have to be safe.
The Scott Lilly story, “his body was found in a shallow grave near the shelter. And autopsy results said he died of asphyxiation, making the manner of his death a certain homicide.” I’ve never been in Nelson county, but I truly hope the cops there didn’t need the autopsy results to figure out that he didn’t bury himself and foul play was suspected!
Unfortunately some cops need more than just the obvious observation.
What's your take ?
I was so happy you said the dog was alive and well thank you for that reassurance
The guy was murdered... but at least the dog was ok 🙄
My coworker is one of the folks who’s hiked the entire trail. He’s told me quite a few stories about weird people and things he’s seen on the trail.
explain more
Story time??
i would love to hear the stories
Can't leave us hanging bro.
Please explain, we’re waiting to hear from you.
It’s wild to me how many people seem to attempt this hike while woefully unprepared. This trail is no joke- give yourself the best chance to survive and prepare!!!
The U.S. Park Service would certainly help by preparing hikers/campers even more! Maybe they're not doing enough??
Because the trail is so long, it’s not under any one jurisdiction, and also it’s not the government’s responsibility to “prepare” recreational hikers
I thru-hiked in 2012 and remember the stories about the guy having been strangled in the previous year. As I am sure you are aware, video barely scratches the surface as countless people have died on the trail. I actually slipped on a rock at jones falls and cut my head open. I was lucky it was a relatively small cut(never put your foot on a rock with water running over it) but i hiked with bandages for a while. I was involved in an emergency extraction of someone that broke their leg, helped someone with a sprained ankle, knew a guy that busted a rib(and continued to hike until I think he broke an arm). One guy drowned in maine that same year. I heard stories about people in the presidentials often freezing to death due to sudden temperature changes. One guy had to be removed from the rocks in pieces because his body was frozen solid. Getting sick on the trail also happens frequently due to food poisoning of viruses/bad water. Getting diarrhea and having to hike through it is no fun(that happened to me at least once). I made so many risks on the trail because I was still relatively young and optimistic, but so much can go wrong. People can be dangerous(make sure to keep away from people that creep you out), but nature is even more dangerous. As a final warning for anyone reading: Never tent at the bottom of a mountain unless there is a tenting platform(especially before a rainstorm) your tend will be washed away. It happened to me at Piazza rock and I had to flee the site and had no option but to push forward through the rain, the trail was like a river. Still, the experience was life changing and I am glad I did it.
wow crazy
Sounds like you had a fun time! Never froze to death or broke any bones but have been very miserable in rain, sleet and snow on the AT. One time I dropped off the AT onto anther trail that connected to a forest service road. Everything was socked in with fog, rain and ice; ice was forming on tree limbs. As I walked along a squirrel came up beside me and I had to laugh because he looked much more miserable then me. He was soaked with rail and his tail was wet and bedraggled as he dragged it along. Stayed with me about 50 yards before darting off into the woods. Always something happening in the woods. Love it
You're damn lucky you survived, thanks for shining more light on the infamous AT!
I don’t understand why the Appalachian Trail is so badly marked if so many people undertake the challenge every year? Let’s put it that way, regardless of its beauty and personal sense of achievement I’m in no hurry to get murdered or become another fatality on this epic hike!
Right?!?! I’m with you 100%.
Has to be purposefully done because it would have changed by now with shit happening so much
Probably a powerful cult needs regular sacrifices and whatever true monster live out there elusive to everyone except it’s victims and rare misses
I’m pretty sure a demon will kill anyone that sees it or allows to be seen and would only want to achomplish something by letting someone live- if a demon wants to get u and ur in its territory and u seen something u shouldn’t have it has the ability to make that happen it can only be purposefully let to live to carry the story to others or alert their next victims as away to scare them even more just to realize they encounter the same fate, they would enjoy that I’m guessing from just common knowledge
It’s gotta be known
Or it’s a never ending supply of the super wealthy to get little kids and these weirdos act as sub contractors paid for by an organization in cash for each kid they get with more for ones they have higher bidding on I don’t know but probably and then later sacrificed to bale just as long ago and basically that’s something we’ll known in the super rich
They make sacrifices that’s all true just like in Bible times
It’s never actually stopped they just don’t do it so openly and you can’t do anything even if you know because u can’t prove it and your whole family will go missing at the first word of trying to tell someone
Just to find out they already know and they advise u to be quite if u wanna stay breathing
Some professional makes u commit suicide by yourself with his hand on your gun and is explained as you were depressed and unstable
Michael Jackson prince
The actor for the joker in Batman
@@MikeJones-gj4me Do you look under your bed at night for the Boogey Man? In your world he seems to be everywhere.
I dont think these places are so dangerous by chance. I think theyve been created to be used for nefarious reasons, i believe this in my heart. These parks are sacrificial alters.
@@Insidious_Rage take your meds
Sir... I could buy u breakfast, get a couple pots of coffee and a pack of Marlboro Reds. Then sit there, and listen to you telling stories literally all day long. Brings me back. Your voice is calm, yet confident, and I could talk all day. Thank You, sir. U r a master of your craft, and it's a privilege to be able listen to your stories.
A National Treasure. Thank You, sir. Wishing u and yours a great weekend ahead. 👍😎🤜🤛🤙💯✌
As I am 64 and in not the best of Health, the dream of hiking the entire Trail will remain just that, a dream. I have lived out West in Idaho and Nevada the past 21 years. Raising my youngest child, and exploring the most beautiful, rugged, and dangerous areas. Thank you for sharing these poignant and, sometimes heartbreaking tales of kindred spirits. It is such a sad note o realize the dangers from 2 legged predators while out hiking and camping our beautiful nation. Continue to be safe outdoors, and enjoy out most Holy Creator's majesty and glory.
I totally understand what you mean, with the health impeding this dream but you should still visit, even if you can’t go far into the trail even the outskirts will make you feel good.
Sometimes from a distance if need be! 'Better safe than sorry" as the old saying goes!
I love living in Idaho. And don't have to go far to remotely camp.
It's 2 bad what happens in these beautiful places. RIP to all the people who got murdered and went missing .🙏 Thank you Steve for the upload.👍
The last guys group really did him dirty. My partner is legally blind and missing one eye, I would NEVER imagine leaving him to hike in the wilderness alone. That's just cruel
I was warned when I moved to West Virginia “stay out of the holler if you ain’t from the holler.” I listened to that advice and loved every minute of the three years I lived there.
I want to spend this summer there badly but poverty makes people prey.. Survival games were fun when we were young kids camping.. Any special towns to visit? 😉
@@pamspencer5733 To be honest…all of them. Harpers Ferry is my absolute most favorite place in WV. New River Gorge is the newest national park and is worth a visit.
I lived in WV, and, Ladies, STAY AWAY FROM THE HOLLERS! No joke!
Don't go to the hollers if your not supposed to be there. Even in VA.
@@pamspencer5733get in at front Royal va. Walk to sperryville va. It's close. Sperryville is safe. Lots of drug addicts in front Royal
Even walking around with each one of my three Bouviers, which I owned over 27 years, in just local neighborhood parks, woods and forests, we had adventures which could have gone badly for me and each one of my dogs, including running into people with rifles, a rabid raccoon, a buck in rut, two guys with five pit bulls, to name a few. Oh yeah, I can't forget finding out that the one wooded area we walked through several times a week, had been the site for the murder of a girl. I was new to the area and didn't know about this murder. The man was caught many months later. He was married with a family and apparently a hard worker. You just never know who's hanging out in the woods. I can't image wanting to go into one of these parks on my own.
Society's structure has changed a lot since that time years ago, say the 1960s. More people, more traffic, more drugs, just to name a few obstacles in our communities. Just commenting.
I concur, NEVER go alone on any hiking trail, so much can go wrong!
Great dogs. Never had one myself but strongly considered one after spending time around a couple of them.
Most every time I go into the woods I run into people with rifles, and I have one myself, it is called hunting and if I am alone, I always have a firearm of some type because one never knows what they might encounter. It is called self-defense. There are plenty of people who can kill you with their bare hands let alone with some type of weapon be it a piece of wood a stone a knife or whatever.
I feel much safer in the woods unarmed than I do in my home town of Kansas City Missouri where we had over 260 murders last year. I think it’s up to 64 murders so far this year. The problem is people and there are lots of them in the city. What’s messed up too is most the folks committing the murders vote democrat.
When I was younger, I would often hike the Appalachian Trail alone but I would never do it now, even were I not 70 years old. I would never go alone and I'd never go unarmed. You're risking everything, including kidnapping and torture. Today's world fits well with Jesus' warning about the increase of lawlessness and love waxing cold. It's a brutal world out there.
Certain things are for sure worse today but the 70s and 80s were prime crime time and many people were met with foul play... at least today technology helps a lot woth prevention and detection of crime.
@@anthia1156 I doubt it. I seen videos of people beat to death, shot, stabbed & even pushed under trains & buses. Yet no arrest. We get to watch more crimes.
I definitely agree Grant Smythe. We’re in the last days it’s only going to get worse. Matthew 24th chapter all the way!
@@LoweringMyProfile God loves all of us equally, eternally, immensely and without exception. The fear bestowed by religion is so apparent in the negative NDEs: they almost always occur for those who think God actually damns.
Instead of conveying the endless expanse of God's love for us, religion sure does short-sheet the darn bed.
I don't wish anyone get close to death but - to those who think God has favorites - I wish illumination
Words of wisdom... thank you and bless you.
The 1st story with the lady only having beef jerky and light clothes for this huge hike is really mind-boggling
It really is wild. She literally only had beef jerky
It seems suicidal.
People underestimate the power of nature and overestimate their ability.
@@mortalclown3812 I thought the same. Maybe that was her plan, she might have been depressed after her husbands death. Didn't any of her family and friends know she was not equipped properly?
Beef jerky dry will ruin your digestion.
I have a feeling the woman who lost her husband went to the trail with the intention of not coming back.
Did she want to die of starvation or hypothermia? Doesn't sound like a pleasant way to go. If she did not want to carry on living, there would have been more comfortable ways of doing it .............
I got that feeling too.. i think the prescription renewals were just a distraction..for maybe insurance..?
@@treasurehunteruk9718 to a mentally healtht person that would make sense but people having psychotic breaks dont alwsys consider best way to die. Thats why u see people do stuff as dumb as set themselves on fire to kill themselves. Or lay on train tracks. People domt think rationally
I was going to post just that - seems that her utter lack of preparation was in fact planned that way - a purposeful decision to self-end
Very sad.
Wonderful to hear your voice again Steve. Thank you for sharing your stories ❤
Thank you, Betty!!!
I live in Virginia right next to the Appalachian Mountains. I just subscribed. Chad Austin was in my area. I have heard that he was the victim of a drug trafficking ring who had him beheaded and that when he was found there was no head. I remember when the search efforts were going on for years to find him. This is a Rockbridge County event and people here can be kind or EXTREMELY CRUEL. I've gotten numerous death and rape threats living here and the law enforcement dont take them seriously. I would NOT MOVE to this area, having lived here my entire life and knowing the volatile nature of the people...
omg this is nerve wracking to read as i go to college in Amherst and am a person of color. I drive through rock ridge to visit friends pretty often and this is very good to know now. The country sounded familiar so i looked it up and it’s no wonder it’s just the next county over
@@uiida Please be careful coming here as there are some extremely dangerous people in the area. Nice to meet you sorry to meet you here.
What makes you stay and continue to live there! Would you not want and need to move someplace far safer or even more affordable if that is the case? Hope and pray you stay safe and free from harm's way! smdh🙏🙏
Omg 😮 that’s horrible and terrifying!
Regarding the partly blind man hiking it was really thoughtless of his “friends “ to allow a large gap between them knowing that he wasn’t able to distinguish the colour markings on the trees?
@@arthurchadwell9267 Wrong. Always put the slow or injured in the back so they don’t slow down the whole group. It’s also a good idea to let them carry all food items in a bear is in the area it will go after them giving everyone else a chance to get away.
Do you have any friends????????@@swashington942
Used to hike alone a lot. Peaceful and tranquil, always felt safe then I began to hear bad things pertaining to the trail. Started toting a small derringer. It saved my life when I had to pull it on a crazy when he pulled a knife on me at a trail shelter. Needless to say he left rather quick.
See this saved your life! Always travel in a group really glad you are okay always stay armed!
Went off to stab someone else. You could have bagged a serial killer
Glad you survived! But, hiking/camping isn't for everyone esp the elderly, disabled, children/pregnant women or anyone with a chronic illness that needs to be on meds and that should be respected! Good ole' 'common sense' should prevail in the end, but unfortunately, doesn't always!
I'm from Alaska. I'm native and have spent lots of time hunting fishing and hiking in SE Alaska. Its so easy for some one to get turned around, realize they are lost then panic themselves right into an early grave. As he said NEVER EVER go alone. I keep seeing these videos of people "Camping and or Hiking Alone" and I know there are many you never see posted because the person disappeared or died and it most likely would have been prevented if they had not been alone. Now it should also be said that two people with no experience is just as bad as one only now Two people are in danger. Don't Assume nothing bad can happen, assume somthing can and be prepared for it and know how to handle it and STAY CALM. First rule if you realize your lost STAY PUT! Many of the people lost wander off in the wrong direction when had they just stopped and stayed put by the last place they were seen or the path or foot trail they were on Rescuers could find them easier. Make Your Self Big and Loud. If you're not hunting pack a Bright windbreaker or coat. Bigger and brighter the better. Just these two things and being calm and assessing your situation from the Searchers POV can be lifesavers. :) Bless and be well all.
Excellent advice! Thank you!
And in these many harrowing cases, take a firearm or two!
These environments could be considered hunting grounds for the kind of predators, No cameras… Many places to hide. Those facts alone should tell you to not go alone
People do put up spy cams at the Trailheads. I watched a show about it. Ruined my solo walks thru Allegheny State Park which is so beautiful. I grew up camping their every year & a woman was murdered on a trail in Salamanca, Ny. A great person 💙
Some additional details regarding Chad. I don't know if links are allowed but from the article:
Police divulged some new details in the case. Among them: two knives belonging to Chad were found in that area - in the open position, there were signs of a struggle and texts on his phone anticipating a confrontation. A search of the immediate area resulted in several personal items belonging to Chad, to include two knives, being found about a half mile from his abandoned car. Both knives were found with the blades in the open position. Additional forensic evidence collected at that location confirms that a struggle took place between Chad and his killer that ultimately led to Chad’s death.
Six months after he was reported missing, Chad’s wallet turned up at Panther Falls. We have no reason whatsoever to believe that Chad was looking for trouble, but we do know that he had a reason to suspect a confrontation was inevitable. We know there are additional people in the Buena Vista community who know certain pieces of information related to Chad’s death but are fearful to come forward for a number of reasons. We want to reassure these individuals that our number one goal is to correctly identify the person who did this to Chad. We know this was the act of one person, but that others were witness to his murder. We need to hear from those persons in order to render an arrest and see justice done for Chad and his family.
Thanks for the additional info! --Steve
His photo was the one that peaked my interest the most in this video. I hope authorities find who killed him. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.
@John or maybe those pesky devil worshippers 😂
Really though, how often do cults go on hiking trails and kill people?
So what your saying is I need a bunch of friends with me and weapons rifles and shotguns gotcha RIP chad but damn I wish he wouldn’t have hiked alone horrendous people out there who target people who are alone!
Sounds like the cops have some idea who was involved. Hopefully one of the people who knows something does the right thing and comes forward, or even just gives an anonymous tip.
I got lost in Maine in November 1988 while deer hunting (Everybody calm down, I never shot anything, I just went with my buddies for a week in a cabin in the woods- My hunting was more like a heavily armed hike, lol). I was on a trail and suddenly found myself lost because I wasn't paying enough attention to what I was doing. I had a small backpack with food, water, a small water purifier, two portable silver emergency blankets, small signal flares, fire starter, waterproof matches and extra ammo for my rifle. I also carried a ranger compass, a 4" sheath knife, a Swiss Army knife, and a orange plastic whistle that was very loud.
My friends had ribbed me for carting all that around, but I always was one to err on the side of caution and had hiked quite a bit before. I knew I was east of a skidder road which ran for miles north and south, so I simply started walking west to find it. By the time It was dark I hadn't made it to the road so I set up camp, made a fire and settled in. Come morning I cleaned up everything and continued to the road, which I found mid morning. I knew my pickup truck was parked off a logging road south of me so that's how I headed. I walked along the road and after a while I saw a Game Warden truck coming up toward me. It was a crew looking me and we were all pretty happy to meet up. I was never in any real danger of freezing or anything, but it was still a hard lesson for me who thought he knew better than to get lost.
I went for a few more heavily armed hikes in the woods after that and I found myself carrying even more gear. Once bitten, twice shy. My friends never let me forget about getting lost, of course, in a good natured way. But, as I pointed out, I didn't carry all that stuff with me for nothing and I recommend anyone going into the woods to carry a good compass, a knife, water, food, signal flares and whistle at the bare minimum. You never know what might happen.
Glad you were very prepared and was safe! Sounds like great advice they should teach in Eagle Scouts! "Be prepared" old Girl Scout motto as well! Maybe they should teach all of this in the Scouts of America even fire arms! Time for a merit badge on that since the world seems to be more dangerous than ever! Thanks for sharing~
Thank you for reminding me what proper human communication sounds like. Besides a wonderful speaking voice you are a true story teller with excellent cadence and you don't include distracting background racket!
Most missing cases are people caused. I am not afraid of the woods, but rather people are whats dangerous.
I have a few acres on the top of a mountain in Virginia 500 feet from the Appalachian Trail. One day when I was about 16 I was walking on the trail and decided to take a fire road (basically a jeep trail only used by rangers during fires) so that I could go to a spring and then reconnect back to the AT. So I’m walking in isolation nobody around and a you guy in a top hat and dark clothes steps out of the bushes right next to me he stops and says nothing looks at me… asks me for “rolling papers” but I can tell he wanted to harm me. I just acted like he wasn’t there and walked about 5 feet down the fire trail and he turns around and walked back into the bushes. I’ll never forget that and released on that day anything can happen to you at anytime by anyone. Even when you feel super isolated and safe you never know.
What’s scary is all the murderers on this trail have never been identified.. 😬
Something the AT murderer would say 🧐
Some of them have.
A few have.
That's not all fact.
Several years ago, I was walking the trail in eastern Pennsylvania, when at a water source where I stopped to fill up, I met this young man who was alone at a nearby shelter. He was smoking dope, said he was from Virginia, and started talking a lot about the wonders of narcotics. It was late in the day, and I wanted to camp, but didn't feel safe camping near him at the shelter. So I went deeper into the woods and set up a wild camp. The next day, about a mile or so further on down the trail, I started smelling smoke. A shortime afterward, I seen the woods ahead of me filling up with a smoky haze. I knew then that the woods were on fire! I then made a quick downhill escape cutting through unmarked thick forest until I was able to reach a highway. There were a few residences along the highway, and I was able to make contact with some of the residents and tell them of the fire up above. About the same time, I could hear the non stop wailing of fire sirens in the distance. Although I certainly can't prove it, to this day a sixth sense tells me that the dopehead may have been responsable for the fire, either accidently or intentionally.
That’s why you never ever ever stay at a backcountry site anywhere on the AT. “A footpath for the mentally ill”
Was this near Delaware water gap?
News report from the area “a forest fire was started today by a man trying to burn 3 decapitated bodies”.
@@BMP9889 It was about 8 miles west of Delaware Water Gap, in Lehigh County.
NOT THE REEFER HOSS!
I'm from New England, have hiked the Green, White, whatever mountain ranges up yonder..., I've always wanted to hike the full length of the Appalachian Trail (now at retirement age;have the time to invest in it!) But I've been warned/advised by many people who've done so..., one thing they say in common is NEVER hike alone, & ALWAYS carry a firearm..., you just never know just who or what you might encounter, especially in the more wilderness areas...,
Good luck! Be safe and keep from harm's way! Retirement age and beyond as well, but this wouldn't be the way I'd want my life to end! Hiking/camping isn't for everyone esp, the elderly/disabled like myself, children/pregnant women or those with chronic illnesses on meds! And that should be respected as well! Scary because you never know who or what you'll meet up with, human or subhuman, wild animal and the harsh elements depending where and the time of year! The Park Service should put up more "Beware of...." signs like they've had to put up warnings about sharks and shark attacks at the beaches now from Florida to the "Florida of New England", Cape Cod because sharks love the warmer waters now due to GW/CC and love to feed off the seals at the elbow of the Cape now! At one's own risk either in the oceans or in the forests/mountains!
If you’re walking a trail in Appalachia and stumble upon a banjo, turn around and run like hell!!
What’s that? 😂
Don't pick it up and play it that's the dinner bell😂
I was walking on a trail in Appalachia last year and found aids. I wanted to run, but the aids wouldn't stop staring at me, so I turned and walked, and the aids went on about its business.
I've had arguments with people on Reddit who assured everyone that the AT was totally safe and bringing a gun was paranoid. Since then multiple people have gone missing on the AT/been murdered. Now where is totally safe, and when you're dozens of miles out from even a trailhead you're just out too remote to get the police there in time.
Those idiots are the type of people who causes ppl to be killed on the trails, telling them it's safe.
They pretend not hear or read about murders on the AT.
It's common sense to have protection or just not hike alone or unarmed period.
Carry a weapon even if you hike with others.
When we lived in the country, I took two of my kids and our dog on a hike in the foothills nearby. We were within sight of our own house for part of this walk...and we got lost. When it was all done and we found a neighbor's driveway which brought us to the main road, we had been walking for five hours, and went 11 miles. It was dark and cold by that time, November in Idaho. It was a while before I could watch the sun go down without a little tinge of despair.
all this to say: If it's possible to lose your way on simple foot trails, how much moreso in the wilderness. Makes me feel for Jerry whose story just breaks my heart.
My buddies and I camp on the AT multiple times every winter, here in Maryland. A couple times, winter storms rolled through unexpectedly after dark and turned fun times into danger. Constant 40mph winds will cut you to the bone.
40 MPH winds will also dehydrate you right quick, and tire you out, besides being annoying. Hoover should have had some research done, BUT, the internet wasn’t around than,she was poorly prepared for this hike,and suffering from Epilepsy, wasn’t a good idea. Never hike a hike of this magnitude alone! Not good.
Anytime hiking in the winter the risk factors are multiplied exponentially. You burn more calories, wet will kill (even sweat), and if you don't have the right equipment you can die in hours. Obviously I am sure you know the dangers, but I just want to make it clear for anyone else reading. You can enjoy the trail in the winter if you are really prepared.
@@jwcurry83 absolutely. I appreciate the words of warning as well. The first couple times I was ill prepared for the cold. But I’m a “get punished and learn my lesson” kind of guy. So I acquired affordable gear that keeps me warm, dry, and blocks the wind as much as possible. It’s now a really enjoyable experience that we all look forward to.
The Md portion from south to north rises from the Potomac River fast to over 900 feet most of the way to PA. Not a long trail but the “mountains” run southwest to northeast exposing one side to the prevailing westerlies and the other to the rolling winds coming down the leeward slope. Not a great place in the winter. I’ve had SERE training in ND but turned down winter hike offers.
Oops, got disconnected.
Went for a solo hike on a lovely November weekday, early, up the first big elevation, N2S, Weaverton Cliff, with my trusty Yellow Lab. No cell phone. Got to the top, was looking around from flat ground, did a face plant. Woke up with a barking, licking Lab next to me and a near to burst appendix. I wanted to lay there and die, fast, but good old Gracie wouldn’t let me. She pulled, nipped, barked and licked my face, cooling my fever, until I got down the hill. She was 4-5 and had a good ten years left in her. Owe her my life.
Gracie’s Lesson: Life is short, bring a dog🐶.
Can I join lol
A lone male or pair of males is the biggest danger to other lone hikers. Engage with caution.
Beware of any couples.
After her husband passes, the woman who also suffered from epilepsy, decided to hike the trail under equipped with no food other than some beef jerky? You gotta be kidding me.. Maybe she wasn't planning on coming back.
I thought that...maybe she wanted to die.
That's a thought! smdh Who in their right mind goes hiking with a known illness like epilepsy! Clearly she wasn't using her head, no "common sense'! Hiking isn't for everyone and that, too, should be respected!
Exactly. Why would loved ones let her go? Probably because she was adamant. I think it was suicide.
I have a friend who just did about 430 miles of it in 32 days, and he got pretty exhausted. He told me that it was wonderful, this is an amazing video. I’m sending it to him
Great movie, "A Walk in the Woods' about two aging hikers starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte! A comedy/adventure, very entertaining, enjoy!
Some of these were pretty darn sad. I would not even attempt that 100 mile wilderness in Maine. Unfortunately, history is full of individuals who took on more than they can handle. Test your limitations sure… But know what they are prior to taking on something like the Appalachian trail solo. As always, thank you Steve. I never get tired of listening to you.
Very good videos. No frills , just pertinent and plentiful information and delivered without bias or opinions. A “Grown ups”video.
Thank you, Adam! We strive to encourage you to think, not tell you what to think.
I have hiked parts of this trail here in PA where i reside even during the winter months, and i will tell you, travel in threes and never go alone. You will encounter all types of people, couples, groups of more than three, and people who are visibly armed. Usually, people just nod or say hi, however, depending on where you are, you never know what motives people have. I recommend each person be armed, yes I said each person. A .45 and at least one hunting rifle that's bear capable.
Thank you Sir Mr. Shawn. If I ever decide to do this, I will take your advice. We will be three, and we will be armed.
curious: is there a pistol calibre capable of killing a bear quickly enough it doesn't start gnawing on me while i'm repeatedly squeezing the trigger? not familiar with pistol ammunition or the various types e.g. hollow-point bullet sounds very capable of damaging large animals.
@@Scriptorsilentum
Try reading again, i stated a hunting rifle.
@@spenn2007 i did. i got hunting rifle - most are capable of felling a full grown black bear with one well-placed round. do you have any knowledge of pistols and large animals? again, just curious.
I was a lifelong PA resident. I have heard that the portion of the trail in the vicinity of Harrisburg and Cumberland County are the most dangerous in terms of criminal attacks.
This place is a killers paradise and there are many sick people who stalk these parks looking to kill knowing they wont likely get caught. Going here unarmed is asking for it
Mm just like wearing certain clothes is asking for rape? Spurious logic, dumbshit.
Your name🥺I believe you!
An excellent recounting of these cases.
You're very careful to give an even handed empathetic retelling of the tales.
I learned a lot watching this. Never really considered hiking the Appalachian trail. I'm elderly now, but I'll be searching for more videos on the AT. I bookmarked your channel and will be watching all of your episodes. Thanks for all your hard work and research putting this video episode out. Award winning material in my opinion. Mateo, Erie PA
Thank you for your kind words, Mateo! Welcome Home, my friend!
These cases are so very sad, they shouldn’t have been alone
@@zacharyharris438 and be armed & aware. Ain't no way I'm walking through the woods with headphones on listening to music for example.
@@davidortiz3094 Not only do you always need to be completely aware of your surroundings but if you do plan on hiking, hunting, and or wilderness camping alone, then you should always have a proper firearm and satellite phone. In addition, you should always tell your friends and or family where you plan on going and for how long you plan on being out. It’s so easy to get injured, lost, and turned around even to the most experienced outdoorsman. We hear stories of experts getting lost and turned around even in areas that they allegedly know extremely well. For that reason alone you should always plan on being overly prepared.
@@archangel5627 defintely little survival kit. Little 22, one of those blankets, crocodile dundee survival knife, lighters, matches,flint, phone, flashlight, satelite phone, radio beacon locator, bear spray, shotgun, etc.
@@stevenevangelist5221 I completely agree and I couldn’t have said it any better!👍🏻😎
Put the slowest hiker at the front of the group so you don’t get separated.
Don’t get separated!
If hiking alone, make sure your will is up to date.
I feel awful for the two girls who were murdered. Their final moments must have been terrifying!
Accidents happen; that is for sure but seriously a will? I hunt the along the AT frequently and step off every so far and call. I mainly hunt Bobcats in the mountains. Most of the through hikers are friendly and have really good stories to tell. They always tell me how peaceful it is along the trail.
Now if you are anywhere near Roanoke Va. Rated as one of the most dangerous cities in Va a will might be useful as there seems to be killings weekly.
I guess it must be the mystique of the trail and its surroundings that make so many people obsess about the danger.
@user why would you hunt bobcats? Leave them alone
My martial arts instructor hiked this trail alone. When asked if packed a firearm, he said he would only pack a bear mace. I thought this would be extremely dangerous to not be armed while on this trail. It is a two-legged animal that you should fear the most, not the four-legged beasts or elements.
My cousin Kris is an ex Airborne Ranger and has hiked this trail several times. He said the hike is amazing but could be very dangerous for someone without situational awareness.
My dad hiked the whole thing from GA to Maine in 1974. He's now 70 years old.
The Geraldine one always makes me sad. She looked so happy in the last few pictures taken of her. And all it took was going steps away from the trail, and she was right there so close the whole time.
I genuinely do not comprehend....understand. How could so many innocent individuals be slaughtered in such a manner? What kind of monstrous beings live in this land? I mean, I hear your voice talking about folks who went hiking and were subsequently found killed or simply vanished, some found and some never found. Also the hikers, who were aware of what had been occuring, yet continued to roam around. Lunatics!
Cults and demons roam those areas that’s y a lot of bad things happen there so much kinda like Vatican City crime rate it’s one of the highest crime rate compared to population and visitors having people being robbed everyday mostly taking wallets and purse and little boys something girls ex Vatican girl on you tube
Ever visit south Chicago ?
@@mikeandrews1899whole country is extremely unsafe and have a suspiciously high number of serial killers.
@@truth-om7iz death is close ..... Always . But just a little more close in south SHITcago 🤷♂️
Safer for those predators/killers and easier to hide out in deep woods /forests and the mountains and they know they won't be found or prosecuted! After all these harrowing stories/tragedies here, wouldn't hike/camp the AT for anything in the world, not even for a million bucks! Since I'm 75 and have a disability and am blind in one eye, forgetaboutit! smdh
The fact you pronounce Appalachia with the invisible T, which is the preferred vernacular of my fellow North Carolinians, hooked me in the first 30 seconds.
Yes, we pronounce it differently in NJ, NY and New England, we pronounce it Appalayshia, the Appalayshian Mountains! Maybe we should just shorten it to AM like AT these days! lol
Perfect timing for my nap! Thank you 😊 so glad I found you again, Steve! Great narrating ❤
As always - best job done by Steve and Sandy! You are magicians!
I've lived just minutes from the trail access in Damascus VA for half my life. I'm actually surprised more people aren't missing or assaulted. These mountain meth heads aren't pleasant and many of them disappear into the woods when they get a little too far out of their minds.
I used to go backpacking up in the mountains in way Northern California. Not where everyone calls Northern California. IN Northern California! Like an hour and a half south of the Oregon border. Their were a ton of these mountain meth heads you speak of. Ran into one guy one night when i was camped at a forest service trailhead on a dirt bike and a sniper rifle on his shoulder. When those folks feel like their meth business is in jeopardy its lights out for anyone getting in the way of that perceived or real!
@@notquiteultralight1701 I've driven through Modoc National Forest about 5-7 times. If I didn't know where I was, there's no way I would guess Cali. It is remote as remote can be. Very unnerving not seeing other cars or signs of civilization for many miles.
I am from Norway and used to rough Nature. I cant understand why people go on Hike without proper Equipment. Like Compass, Maps, Food and warm Clothing. Here we have a deep respect for the Nature. Strange that People get Murdered in the National Parks.
And a lot of people have a false sense of superiority when they go into the forest I guess, like their top of the food chain, I personally would never go that deep into the forest without being armed or anything. As for murders, there’s only been 13 (reported), still creepy though.
I don’t know if this is true but the Appalachian trail is almost as twice as long as Norway from point to point. Thats traveling from southernmost point in Norway to the Northern most point and then heading back down. Thats crazy. I think I’d rather take my chances in Norway, weather isn’t what terrifies me. It’s the people.
@@Open.Close. Beware the salmon.
Steve,
I was born in 1961 in Knoxville TN, and lived there til I was ten years old. I remember when I was eight, six year old Dennis Martin went missing near Spence Field in the Smoky Mountains. My dad was one of hundreds of people who volunteered to search for him, but unfortunately he was never found. That event always stuck with me, and gave me a healthy respect for the wilderness.
Have you done a story on Dennis Martin?
My husband also born in Knoxville knew all about this story. That little boy just disappeared into thin air.
I lived in the little "trail town" of Hot Springs NC for a couple of years, the AT is well known for an easy place for fugitives to hide out, was not uncommon to see state and even federal LEO's in town "looking for someone". The trail is great but don't hike it alone and make sure you have a handgun among your other provisions
I live in Raleigh NC and never walk these trails. All one See's is drug addicts, and homeless people. I've seen tents up off these hwy.s with homeless n drug addicts. It's not safe.
@@suzannesquivel1632 I agree, homeless folks have been living on the trail since the trail, unfortunately that has attracted a lot of bad element and as you say it seems to have become much more common and in more in public view
Wow, thanks for putting this together.
Great public service you've created with this channel.
The dangers of solo hiking cannot be over emphasized.
👍👍
We always, always enjoy listening to your stories. You always do a fantastic job !
I will never live or go back into the woods again. My family lived on the edge of the PA game lands and I saw and heard so much. I couldn't get out of PA fast enough.
So I hiked the AT last year. It was an adventure of a lifetime, and a challenge that I never thought I could do, but did. The trail isn't terribly dangerous; if you are prepared. That said, I traveled along side at least two people who lost their lives on the trail, very sad. One was from overseas, young man went by Grand Master; he had a medical condition and fell off somewhere around Tinker Cliffs/MacAfee knob. The other, a nice guy I had the pleasure of hiking on and off for a full day with went by the name of Kanga. He was traveling with his fathers ashes.... his father wanted to complete the trail and never did. He somehow had an accident, I don't know the detail were vague, but they found him in the Connecticut river and I don't believe he was able to complete his mission. Pretty sad. On the upside.. I met hundreds and hundreds of great people from all over enjoying this trail, it is a gift we need to take care of. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks for watching, my friend! You have some great hiking videos! Folks, please show him some love! www.youtube.com/@somedavechannel
@@TalesUntoldYT Aw Thanks.. keep up the good work!
Grand master must have been sacrificed. You know those masons love killing off their own
Ah ha you knew the two people who died on the trail, 😢 and you met them too, are you confessing? were you ever questioned?😮
@@larrymaxwell5535 You have a creative mind, but it's going in the wrong direction. The young man GrandMaster had a medical ailment, I was several days behind him when I heard the news of the accident. And Kanga was a shock. he seemed determined, and was way ahead of me as well. Pretty sad, and also sad you think this way. Have a Great Weekend.
I grew up in the Mountains of West Virginia so I have always felt at home in the forest. Being alone in the forest is such a cool feeling.
Steve, it is so good to hear your voice again!!!!! We really missed you!
So happy I found Steve’s new channel. Missed ya buddy. From a fan up in SW Ontario Canada
Welcome Home, Kevin! Thanks for listening! --Steve
No thanks! Staying on the porch.
Great idea!! LOL
🎯🎯💯💯
I have hiked the trail the whole way. Just not all at once. I wanted to do the whole trail in one run. But a few years ago, I ended up in a wheelchair. I'm out of it now but my left leg doesn't do very well an unlevel ground lol. The ole spine is more of a snake now then a hump. Thanks for the video. It helps to lessen the feelings i have about not being able to do many things i use to love doing. The AP mountains are so so beautiful.
My friend’s dad, whom I called Dad too was from NY and hiked all of the Appalachian Trail. He also hiked most of the Rocky Mountains Trail, but took several seasons. And he biked across the USA. He had amazing stories to tell.
Glad he made it out. I'd love to hear the stories. My Daddy always had crazy stories too but the only hiking he ever did was hitch hiking. 😆 Our whole family originates from Appalachia but he has stories from his hard street life of violence, crime & prison time. Still fun to hear though.
The Geraldine story was sad but unavoidable.
When her walking companion had to go back, she should have gone back with her. Yes she was a regular hiker but the AT in Maine is obviously a different animal. She was known to get lost on hikes, could not use a compass properly & had no flares to set off or any alarms.
This trail should not be underestimated.
Thanks 😊 for the Appalachian mountains Storys! Sorry for people who lost their lifes! Especially the young girl who was brutally murdered for no reason! May they all ( RIP) 🙏 Amen! 💐💒⛪⛪⛪🌈🕊️
Its not just elderly folks who seem frail and weak or have some pre-existing condition or health ailments before they even begin....it is young and strong men. Healthy strapping lads in their prime, who are in peak physical shape can still get lost....injured, or suffer from exposure to the elements.
Steve Stockton!! … of the velvet voice! Here you are! I stumbled upon this video After wondering where you went. Strange things!! Yay!