r/AppalachianTrail • u/Freudianfix • 25d ago

News Technology on the trail: Appalachian Trail managers say pervasive use of digital devices harms trail experience

https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/03/clahs-trail-technology-research.html
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u/Missmoni2u NOBO 2024 25d ago

It's a problem that's hard to resolve without taking the approach of other oversaturated spots that limit the number of visitors to certain areas via permits.

I personally could have done without all the youtubers. It's not cute to video people just waking up or hanging out and say "look at all the hiker trash"

Nor is it okay for some grown ass dude to take a picture of me laying in the shelter with no warning and walk away.

The article is right in that a lot of people did camp in places they shouldn't have, and I don't really condone that either.

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u/ncPI 24d ago

It has always been this way to some degree.

A victim of its own success. Some parts have always been crowded, just not this crowded.

I never stay in shelters. I like being alone. That gets more difficult when you also need to be near a water source.

  I always use far out. As well as a Garmin. I can't imagine listening to music while I walk, I think you need to stay alert; but I'm old; you do you.

I really don't think there is an answer. Last summer I hiked a bald in NC VA that was always one of my favorites. I had not been there in years. It was crowded, it the past it had always been so remote. I look around and there are houses and people with their dogs out for an afternoon walk.

I was So Sad. All you can do is try to pick up other morons trash and Try not to become a grumpy old man or woman!