I plan to do a short hike (3-4 days) on the Appalachian Trail in September in Connecticut. What safety precautions should I take?
What wild animals (and wild people) could I encounter?
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Sign up to join this communityI plan to do a short hike (3-4 days) on the Appalachian Trail in September in Connecticut. What safety precautions should I take?
What wild animals (and wild people) could I encounter?
I've done some short stretches of the AT in near-by areas of NY state which should be about the same as the AT in CT. The trail is well-marked and well-traveled.
Wildlife is mostly the standard small woodland animals, but there can also be bears. We have not had trouble finding suitable trees for hoisting a bear bag and have not had a problem with that.
The well-traveled part is a mixed blessing. There are lean-tos around, but they may be occupied. I haven't personally had a problem with any people bothering me or any theft or anything, but I also generally hike with a friend or a group, which I think would tend to discourage strangers from causing trouble.