Isolation on the AT

Maybe you remember the story a couple years ago about an artist who moved to Ohio and disconnected from all news and social media. The NY Tims called him "the most ignorant man in America."

Thanks to a robust National Park system, we have a less intentional version. An AP reporter interviewed Appalachian Trail thru-hikers who were startled to discover that the world had been shut down while they were walking in the woods. Already this spring, quite a few intrepid hikers had headed out to make the roughly 6 month trek. After quitting their jobs and disappearing into the woods, they would briefly emerge for food or showers only to be greeted by what must have seemed like unbelievable news about the global public health crisis.

As the pandemic grows, hikers face the difficult decision to postpone their dreams or ignore warnings and forge ahead. Like virtually every other entity in the U.S., the Appalachian Trail Conservancy began issuing COVID-19 safety guidance in March. But social distancing and hand-washing suggestions soon shifted to urging all hikers to leave the trail immediately. Shelters and privies were shut down, and volunteer programs were halted. On Wednesday, the conservancy and 29 other trail-maintaining clubs asked federal officials to close the trail until the end of the month.

While the AT seems sufficiently isolated to be safe, it is also sufficiently isolated to be a dangerous place if you experience a sudden onset of symptoms. Also, many thru-hikers forgo a tent and rely on the shelters at night, so their closure makes things a bit trickier for those who try to ignore the advice. This might be an interesting story to continue to watch over the year as a few people ignore the advice and try to complete the 2,000 mile trip.