The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends hikers to quit long expeditions for 2022 due to Covid-19

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the organization responsible for the management and protection of the famous trail, advises all long-distance hikers who wish to try their hand at completing the entire trail or multi-day hikes in the area. ‘wait until 2022.

“We really base our advice on the best information we have,” Sandra Marra, chief executive officer, told CNN. “The advice is based on science, state, and the federal plan on how we can proceed until everyone is fully immunized.”

Marra said ATC is studying guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and a pandemic task force they have been working with for more than a year.

Since the Appalachian Trail is internationally known, said Marra, one of the main issues is that it’s virtually impossible, if you don’t live in the area, not to help spread Covid-19.

“If you are planning a long distance hike, you will need to travel somehow to get to the trailhead,” Marra said. “Once you start hiking, again with long distance hiking in particular, you will be more exposed to people because you are traveling further afield, and all of our trail sections are currently very busy as we are always encouraging people to do day hikes on site. ”

She said that most towns that include trailheads are more vulnerable due to their rural location and that if hikers come to town for supplies, that in itself can put a hiker or the community at risk. danger.

On top of all this, most overnight shelters on the 2,200 mile trail remain closed, and hikers may have to carry extra gear to accommodate any overnight stay on the trail, which some may not realize can add extra costs. additional difficulties. If the difficulty turns into injury or distress, local first responders can be put at risk.

There are measures for those who want to continue

Marra said the organization knows they can’t stop anyone from doing a long-distance hike, so there are several measures in place for those looking to hit the trail in 2021, which currently has more than 2,600 registered guests.

– ATC encourages everyone to sign up so that if health changes occur, such as another stoppage in a particular state or section, they know who to contact;

– Hikers must wear a mask and hand sanitizer in order to protect themselves and others;
– Since most shelters are closed, hikers should plan to camp alone or bring a hammock for overnight stays;

– Hikers must be experienced and know how to manage on the trail

But, again, ATC highly recommends it.

“We all have to work together and we have to make sacrifices until this vaccine is rolled out,” Marra said. “It’s just a postponement of something you want to do – we all have a responsibility to make sacrifices for the greater good.”

Marra said the organization will continue to monitor CDC guidelines and the Covid-19 situation to keep hikers safe and informed.

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