By Jordan Bowman
Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Bulletin
August 2023
Click to view the August 2023 AMC Outdoors Bulletin in full resolution.
When you open the “Accidents Report” in Appalachia Journal, Appalachian Mountain Club’s biannual magazine, one thing is clear: you don’t want your name listed there. Featuring stories of hikers who became lost, injured, or worse, this report—compiled by volunteers Sandy Stott and Scott Berkley—serves as a series of cautionary tales.
“Our goal is not to embarrass people,” said Christine Woodside, editor in chief of Appalachia Journal. “We’re trying to help people avoid the same kind of trouble.”
Here are Woodside’s top tips to keep your name out of a future report.
Find the right route.
“Own a map and study it ahead of time. Just because a route is popular doesn’t mean it’s the route for you.”
Plan conservatively.
“Ask yourself, ‘What is the slowest I have ever gone?’ That’s what I plan for.”
Share (and stick to) your plan.
“No one is going to know where you are unless you tell them, and cell service in the White Mountains is spotty at best. People get into trouble because they decide to go somewhere other than where they planned.”
Know when to quit.
“Avoid the peakbagging mentality. If conditions aren’t right, maybe it’s better not to go to the summit.”
Trust your gut.
“If your gut is telling you something is not right, go back another time. The mountain isn’t going anywhere.”