Carolina Mountain Club

Hike - Save trails - Make friends

January 21, 2008

Special edition

 

As editor of the eNews, I've been getting many questions about the recent murders in the National Forests. People want to know if the "woods are safe". So I emailed Lynda Doucette, Supervisory Park Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She provided an authoritative view about one thing I do to improve my safety when I'm hiking. Danny

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Hi Lynda:

I'm sure you're busy answering a lot of questions dealing with the women hikers who were (probably) murdered by this drifter, Hilton. I am also getting questions and asked for "safety tips". I keep emphasizing that this is one crazy guy and these women were not murdered on the trail.

Here is one thing I do when I'm out by myself and I want to get your opinion as a ranger.

If it's convenient, I go into the visitor center and let a responsible person behind the desk know where I'm parking and where I'm hiking. [I don't bother if it's a popular trail like Ramsey Cascase or to Charlies Bunion.] I write down the trail names and my license plate number. They should not have to remember this.

Yes, I let someone at home know but someone right there in the park or forest might be better. Of course, once I do that, I have to follow the itinerary. Then when I'm out of the woods, I go back to the VC and tell them I'm back. They've always seem to appreciate it. Also, it lets you know that people are actually using the trails. Danny.
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Hi Danny:

So far, we've not had a lot of questions but then again, it's usually quiet this time of the year. We'll see visitor questions pick up in spring. We deal with this issue every so often because there have been occasional killings on trails in the past (two women in Shenandoah a few years ago). These are relatively isolated incidents but do get a lot of media attention.

Your safety tip about stopping in a visitor center is a fine one. Most important is the one about letting someone at home know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Rangers at the visitor center may not realize you haven't returned for a few days but friends or family will notice much sooner.

Also, even though Law Enforcement notices the vehicle and runs the plate, they may not communicate with the visitor center staff
right away. Eventually, we do exchange information but it may be after a family member (or friend) calls to report someone is missing. That's when the information that was posted on our bulletin board becomes invaluable in locating the person or at least the search area. And it does help greatly when someone returns to say they've finished the hike and have left the area - otherwise we never know when to disregard the note.

I'd also suggest hikers (solo-hiking women in particular) be aware of their surroundings at all times. It's easy to get lost in thought on the trail. But if you are aware of your surroundings, it's harder for someone to sneak
up on you. Hiking alone is relatively safe - more women are accosted at bars, parking lots, and other more populated areas than on a trail. You're more likely to have problems with a fall or other injury than kidnapping or killed. But some common sense when alone or even with a group is always going to provide a level of safety that may be lifesaving.

Our website addresses general hiking safety so that's also a good reference. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hikingsafety.htm

Thank you for asking and feel free to let folks know they can call us if they have
any questions or concerns.

 
 

Danny Bernstein
danny@hikertohiker.com