Trouble on the Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,175-mile mountain trail that runs through 14 states, from Georgia all the way to Maine. Hikers view majestic landscapes and interesting wildlife at every turn of the trail. But of the thousands of people who begin the long hike every year, only a small fraction make it to the end. The trail is filled with many dangers and difficulties that cause people to turn back.
A lot of times people just aren't prepared for the long journey. Trail hikers can travel up to 20 miles each day. That's a lot of miles! If a person's body isn't ready for long, difficult mountain hikes, then it will not be prepared for the Appalachian Trail. No wonder only about 15 percent of hikers make it to the end.
Weather can be a problem, too. Sometimes the cold rains and harsh winds can cause people to freeze. sometimes just the opposite occurs. Hiking through the heat during the summer months can get so bad that people pass out.
The trails' wildlife is also something that will stop hikers in their tracks. BEars and snakes live through out the mountains and will attack hikers if they are nt careful. Even the plants are a danger. Poison ivy can lead to blisters, rashes, or worse, In addition, some plants may contain ticks, which carry disease dangerous to humans.
Still, even with all the hazards of the trail, between 500 and 700 people make it to the end. One thing is for sure, they earn it.
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