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There's not a long-distance trail in
existence today (including the Appalachian National Scenic
Trail) that, for the long-distance thru-hiker, doesn't
involve some roadwalking. So, for those of us who choose
this way--comes sooner or later (usually sooner) the matter
of dealing with this reality. Unfortunately, and where exist
literally volumes of how-to articles, tutorials, and books
covering hiking and backpacking along and through the "green
tunnel," (recreational long trails through the forest),
little has been written, instructional at least, dealing
with taking to the open road. Further, and to compound this
problem considerably, does there exist today many roadwalk
routes, created by our conscientious trail builders, that
are touted to be the safest way, when in reality they are
likely the least safe. "How could this be?" you might ask.
Well, problem is, there’s a flaw in current thinking, an
almost universal one, in the minds of those who "designate"
the highways and byways we thru-hikers are to trek in order
to interconnect isolated segments of off-road trails.
So, first, permit me to discuss this error, which most-all
our trail builders make. Their rule (which is totally
backward as to my thinking, my longtime experience) is to
select roads bearing the least traffic (distance be damned,
seems). Straightforward logic, right? Unfortunately though,
and for those of us who must endure, it's flawed logic.
Now, don't be too quick to doubt what I'm about to say, as
it's backed by years and years (and countless thousands of
miles) of roadwalking--and I'm still here, not totally
unscathed, but I'm here. Okay, so here goes: The safest
roads to hike are heavily-traveled interstate highways (roll
eyes now). The next safest, divided four-lane federal and
state highways. And the next (not always, but usually),
two-lane federal and state highways. The least safe are
less-traveled county paved and gravel secondary roads, the
roads most often chosen by our trail organizations (their
designers/builders) because there's supposedly less traffic.
To further support their choices (when questioned) will oft'
be stated something to the effect: "This route is more
serene and scenic." Convincing? Sure! However, cutting to
the chase, I’ve often countered this with: "Are we
thru-hikers out here hammering the unnecessary road miles to
take in the scenery along your long and protracted backroads,
or are we simply trying to get from one section of trail to
the next?" And, I may mention additionally: "I don't ever
recall seeing a single one of your scoutmasters out here
with their troop--hiking your "serene and scenic road
sections?"
Okay, let's get to it. Here’s what to look for when
determining whether a road is safe to trek--or not:
1. Visibility - How far down this road can we see at any
given time; what’s the unobstructed viewing distance? Are
there blind curves, blind top-outs? In my experience, I’ve
found these visibility hazards all too common along paved
and gravel county/secondary backroads.
2. Road surface - Gravel roads are not necessarily unsafe.
Vehicles coming at us from around blind curves, over blind
top-outs, they do tend to make more racket in the gravel,
giving us a heads-up. In our state and national forests,
service roads are commonly gravel at best, or likely,
unimproved two-track. These roads are seldom a problem.
However, we must be ever alert to the increased number of
ORV yāhoos that frequent and rip around in these public
sanctuaries.
3. Shoulder/emergency lane - This is one of the most
important concerns relative to safety. If we find it
necessary to hike the traffic side of the white line or the
left-hand groove of the three-track gravel road, in order to
get in our daily miles (due to badly rutted, extreme
off-slope, or no shoulder), then look out! Unfortunately,
this hazard (poor or no shoulder) is not the least uncommon
along designated "safe" roadwalk routes.
4. Road striping - This brings into question the safety of
non-paved and un-striped paved county roads. Trekking roads
that have no striping, no white or yellow lines (which
control vehicle travel to a great extent) are much more
dangerous. Believe me, when trekking such roadways, look
out! These are often the backroads chosen and much used by
our trail builders. Okay, here's why striping is important:
The solid white line that separates the shoulder/emergency
lane from the traffic lane creates a barrier between us and
the oncoming traffic, albeit, a soft barrier. [You are
hiking facing oncoming traffic, aren't you? Duh! Hey, we've
got enough to worry about without risking getting run over
from behind (walking with traffic).] We'll get more into the
how-to of protecting our blind side in a moment. First,
here's a very good rule to follow: Stay away from the
traffic side of the white line. Ah, and what are rules for
if not to be broken! Oh well, and however, I routinely and
regularly break this rule--and continue getting away with
it. Here's how to minimize the risk (of this risky
business): If we're dealing with a road having poor
shoulders (with moderate-to-little traffic), we can hike
directly on the white line with little additional risk (a
bit of kindness to our feet, too, when the asphalt is
bubbling). We must be constantly alert to oncoming traffic,
of course, and the need to protect our blind side--traffic
coming at us from behind. Here's where the importance of the
solid yellow center lines come in (no passing zones). We
must keep a constant eye on the center striping. If there’s
a solid yellow line right of center, good. If there’s none,
look out. If there are two solid yellow lines, either side
of center, still good. If there are none, again, look out!
Remember me talking about the yāhoos that scream the forest
service roads? Well, they're out here on our highways too.
And they'll pass, with us right there, without hesitating a
second in jamming their left rearview mirror into our right
shoulder blade. Learned this lesson a long time ago, the
hard way--got knocked clean into the ditch--blind-sided by
one of these inconsiderate yāhoos! Fortunately, I only
suffered some very bad bruises. The guy never even slowed
down. So, be ever watchful--what's going on behind. And sure
it's hard to look back. We've got to stop or significantly
break our stride. But, hear something going on back there
[You don't have your ear-buds in, do you?]--hang a left
pronto, stop, and look! Now, does the higher degree of
safety availed us while trekking divided highway start to
make some sense?
5. Traffic – (See the order of importance!) Heavy traffic
coming at us, breakneck speed can sure enough become
hypnotizing and mind-numbing, and under such circumstances,
dangerous. Especially so, the frightening roar of
eighteen-wheelers flying toward us at eighty, though they
are pros at what they do--and to the man/woman, are
courteous to a fault.
Occasionally, the less-safe road route (bearing less
traffic) is shorter, but that pleasant circumstance is rare,
indeed. Usually it's much longer, often taking the weary
long-distance thru-hiker clear out into the back forty, that
no-man's-land, from there to follow a totally unsafe
round-about way back, while keeping us longer in harm’s
way--just to avoid the heavier traffic. Such can make for a
very discouraging and un-fun day, especially when there's a
safer (in the traffic, wide shoulder, striped surface), more
direct route to the next section of trail.
Keep in mind that the overwhelming majority of trail
builders are just that, trail builders, having never done a
thru-hike, and having no idea how the quality (say JOY) of
our long trek is being degraded by their frequent,
ill-conceived roadwalk route. Keep in mind, also, (and when
pressed, the trail builders will tell us) that their
roadwalk routes are in no way official, just
"suggested/recommended" routes. It's their CYA way out, in
case we get run over! And please, folks, those of you who
work our long trails, who volunteer, who give of your
precious time and immeasurable talent, please know that
there’s not another soul out here who appreciates you more
than this old intrepid. What I’ve said here is meant to be
constructive. We all want to trek our way--safely.
Finally, and no doubt about it--when we take to the open
road, we take on considerable additional risk, no matter the
road design, no matter the traffic, no matter the moment of
circumstance. Accepting this risk can never be discounted,
certainly never the least bit glorified. However, what
inevitably happens with time--trekking the highways and
byways, do we become enamored and less tuned to this
constant risk. You see folks, for this old intrepid,
traveling by foot across this great nation--such has simply
turned into and become a daily routine, a very joy-filled,
rewarding, way of life. |
