The 6 Scariest Moments From My Hike on the Appalachian Trail

I’ve enjoyed nature since childhood, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience it. I’ve been on a few famous hikes nationwide, but their reputations don’t match the Appalachian Trail. I recently backpacked along part of the trail and it was a life-changing experience. While it was fun, my hike included a few scary moments I wasn’t prepared for. 

If you’re planning on making the hike, this article’s for you. 

1. Complete Darkness

I live in a city, so seeing lights is normal for me. I can see down the street and around my house at night just fine. That said, I must’ve taken light for granted because the visibility on the Appalachian Trail was completely gone. I had a campfire going and light sources in my backpack, but my vision could only go so far before I couldn’t see anything. 

One big reason for the low visibility was the fog. Even during the day, my visibility was severely compromised because of the water vapor in the atmosphere. The worst fog came when I hiked in the Great Valley, necessitating awareness of my surroundings. Experts say valley fog occurs because dense air settles below the mountain and lasts for days. 

2. Strange Noises

I didn’t see a coyote that night, but I did come near one during my time on the Appalachian Trail. While I never made contact with the animal, I was struck because it was my first time seeing one. Coyotes typically don’t attack humans, so I probably wasn’t in genuine danger. However, the subsequent encounter made me more fearful, as it was with a much more dangerous animal. 

The most logical option is wildlife. Animals are everywhere along the Appalachian Trail, so I likely heard one of them make a sound. The loudest noise I heard was a howling sound that mimicked my dog’s when around other canines. Logically, it had to have been a coyote. Experts say coyotes protect territory up to 40 miles, so I was squarely in his territory. 

3. Wildlife Encounters

I didn’t see a coyote that night, but I did come near one during my time on the Appalachian Trail. While I never made contact with the animal, I was struck because it was the first time I had seen one. Coyotes typically don’t attack humans, so I probably wasn’t in true danger. However, the next encounter made me more fearful, as it was with a much more dangerous animal. 

Most of my time on the Appalachian Trail occurred around South Mountain State Park in northern Maryland. The area has designated hunting lands for bears, so I shouldn’t be surprised I saw one. I had reason to be fearful as a black bear crossed the road with one of her cubs. I thankfully spotted the bear from far away, limiting my chance of a ferocious interaction. 

4. Accidental Injuries

Walking on any trail invites room for danger, but tricky courses increase the chance of slipping and falling. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to me. I hiked from Weverton Heights to Ed Garvey Shelter, a trail requiring about three hours because it’s 6.2 miles. The course was challenging, so I took my time. However, that didn’t stop my body from getting the best of me. 

The hardest part of the Weverton Heights trail is the beginning. You must ascend the track for about a mile, making the body work harder. Unfortunately, my body worked too hard and suffered an ankle turn. I dug in my first-aid kit to retrieve a sling for my ankle, using all the fabric in my backpack. The injury was not a sprain, but I feared the worst when I was on the trail. 

5. Haunted History

One of the reasons I traveled to South Mountain State Park was its role in the Civil War. In September 1862, the Union and the Confederacy fought at various mountain passes. South Mountain’s significance is it set up the Battle of Antietam — the bloodiest of the war — just three days later. That said, this battle caused over 5,000 casualties for both sides. 

How did this battle affect my time in South Mountain? If you ask me, this place is haunted. Day and night brought an odd, eerie feeling throughout my time here. When the sun sank below the mountain, it was time for the restless spirits to come out. I heard singing as if a battalion was marching to the battlefield. There was nobody around me, so I couldn’t identify the voices. 

6. Temporary Misdirection

I have hiked alone a few times and discovered its pros and cons. The pros include being by myself and connecting with nature. A few hours on the trail is enough to clear my mind and find inner peace. Having companions can be fun, but I like solitude and escaping from the world. That said, being alone in the woods can be scary if you start to lose your spot. 

At one point, I temporarily got lost in the woods. I had a handheld GPS to guide my way, but the battery ran out on the trail. I found some spots that were supposed to have signs, but vandalism may have removed them. Survival instincts kicked in, and I retraced my steps. I figured out how to get back to the beginning by searching for landmarks, but my stomach sank when I thought I was lost. 

Surviving Scary Moments on the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a must-see for hikers and anybody who enjoys the outdoors. That said, it requires some careful planning before departing. I plan to return to the trail and hike different sections, but I’ll prepare better next time. I won’t go without batteries, a compass, and a hiking partner.