eng23ine
Member
isn't there a "peaceful journey" law about carrying while traveling thru non friendly states?
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Thread starter Brother in Arms
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usp_fan
Member
Remember on long trip like this, the things that weigh a lot better be the things you value for the comfort or neccesity they represent. For the staff idea, I'd substitute some modern hiking poles. Like ski poles, but adjustable for length. They have a very sharp carbide tip, and most importantly, they are light. One for each hand helps you on climbs and cushions you on decents.
Enjoy the trail. Make the most of it.
--usp_fan
Enjoy the trail. Make the most of it.
--usp_fan
cbsbyte
Member
Passing through in a car is one thing but hiking through is different. Second not all states recognized the Federal "Peacefully Journey" law. I know Mass, NY, and NJ do not recognize the peaceful journey laws so bringing a unlicensed firearm into one of those state is technically illegal, and police are know to confiscating weapon found in cars which are passing through the state. Peaceful journey law does not protect one hiking through a state. No matter how you slice it is not a good idea.
I should add Mass, has its own version of the Peacefully Journey laws, which make exemptions to long arms being brought into the state, but handguns are placed under severe restrictions. As only being allowed into the state if one is using it in a sanctioned competition, or LEO.
WolfMansDad
Member
I've done a lot of day hiking on the AT and did some backpacking in the eighties. Everybody I knew carried, and that was before shall-issue. Deplorable scofflaws!
My favorite part of the trail is the stretch between the icewater springs shelter and Newfound gap, on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Get there when the huckleberries are ripe, June or July, iirc.
My favorite part of the trail is the stretch between the icewater springs shelter and Newfound gap, on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Get there when the huckleberries are ripe, June or July, iirc.
5x5
Member
FortyCalGlock
Member
Good luck on the hike. It has always been a dream of mine to throughhike the trail myself. I have done day hikes on various sections though. If I remember correctly slingshots are illegal in NJ; they, allong with airguns are considered, of all things, firearms:banghead:
NJ Firearms Laws
NJ Firearms Laws
I am envious
In recent years, hiking has become one of my true pleasures. I am lucky to live where I can step out my door and into the woods, but my hiking is mostly confined to day hikes. I really want to hike some of the great trails here in the US, and of course the Appalachian is one every hiker dreams of. I plan to start with the Superior Hiking Trail, 200 miles of trail on the ridge overlooking Lake Superior.
Good luck on your journey, and keep us posted!
In recent years, hiking has become one of my true pleasures. I am lucky to live where I can step out my door and into the woods, but my hiking is mostly confined to day hikes. I really want to hike some of the great trails here in the US, and of course the Appalachian is one every hiker dreams of. I plan to start with the Superior Hiking Trail, 200 miles of trail on the ridge overlooking Lake Superior.
Good luck on your journey, and keep us posted!
a guy i went to college with did some hiking with some friends in the smoky mountains back in the early 70s.
the rangers told them they should carry a minimum of a 357 magnum with them as bear protection, and even had impromptu shooting classes for those who were not that proficient. the four of them hiking together rotated carrying the thing because it was pretty heavy. never saw any bears, so the only shooting they did was with the park rangers.
coylh
Member
Try the PCT. Fewer obnoxious localities and actual mountains. 
Browns Fan
Member
Back in the early 80's, my sister knew this guy who used to hike the AT every summer. He said the strangest people he's ever seen are the one's he's met on the trail. I'll bet there are even stranger folks out there these days.
Watch your six.
Watch your six.
Carry. In questionable states hide it deep in your pack. If you are mature enough not to wave it around, show other people, or let other people know you have it you should be OK. Most people who get nabbed will do one of those things.
If, OTOH, you are one of those people who gets all excited about having a gun with you and has to let SOMEONE know, leave it at home.
If, OTOH, you are one of those people who gets all excited about having a gun with you and has to let SOMEONE know, leave it at home.
Cheeseybacon
Member
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I agree with the other comments, carry anyway. Spending 6 months in the mountains hiking a trail that runs almost the entire east cost is a VERY different situation than briefly visiting an unfriendly state in your car. A lot of bad encounters could happen in the overly isolated sections of the trail, and ultimately you may only have yourself to depend on to get out of a situation that could end far worse than getting caught for breaking any law.
As others have said, concealed means concealed, so as long you exercise discretion just like you would while carrying anywhere else and don't give LE any reason to suspicious of you, you'll likely be just fine.
As others have said, concealed means concealed, so as long you exercise discretion just like you would while carrying anywhere else and don't give LE any reason to suspicious of you, you'll likely be just fine.
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rbernie
Contributing Member
That was certainly my experience. While hiking the AT certainly sounds nifty, I will not go backcountry anywhere that forces me to be disarmed.
Also note that in many places on the AT, open fires and large sharp pointy objects are also proscribed. <sigh>
eng23ine
Member
Sorry for the hijack.
I'm confused...How can a state law undercut a federal law?
I have two friends that thru hiked, one in 95 the other in 89. Neither admitted to carrying anything beyond a staff and a knife. Remember that your going to be doing 2,000 miles+. Weight is the biggest enemy (ok maybe lack of water in places). I would opt for a sturdy hiking staff, a nice belt knife like the Moria's that you can carry and maybe either a trail axe or a cold steel shovel. OC Spray might be another alternative to a gun. Personally, you have the right to make choices and I would never tell someone to break the law (despite my thinking that the laws not allowing carry are idiotic and goes against our God given rights of self-defense). IF I was going to carry, an ultralight .38/.357 with a 3 inch barrel would be my choice. I wouldn't bother with snake loads (i.e. a staff works fine for that) but strictly for 2 legged human and 4 legged bear protection. I'd opt for a well built 158 grain JHP with a couple of speed strips and call it a day. Finding a hiking buddy on the trail, travelling sections with groups, watching the resupply and trailhead points would be my areas of biggest concern.
Tsgtbob
Member
Here's what I carry in unfriendly territory.
Rock Pick. Very useful for driving tent stakes, chipping off a neat piece of quartz, breaking out side windows in an emergency, able to carry it almost ANYWHERE, even "weapons free zones" as it's not a weapon!
Sad part is, that this discussion even has to take place. We need Full Second Amendment roghts, not this liberal crap for "our" protection
-terry
Member
When I took my 5000 mile scooter trip through most of the western states, including California, I carried in spite of the legality of it.
As it turned out, I'm damned glad I did. I didn't need to pull it but I sure had my hand on it. Gun laws!
As it turned out, I'm damned glad I did. I didn't need to pull it but I sure had my hand on it. Gun laws!
axeman_g
Member
Hey,
I have hiked a good bit of the AT, from GA to NC, parts of Va, Pa, all of NJ and the New England states. Not all at once, I could never bring myself to ditch it all for that long to do a thru hike, one of my biggest regrets. Many of my friends have pulled thru hikes.
Get yourself a good leatherman, a good folder (ex: CRKT m16 Carson) and a stout staff. Ash, hickory or Oak. Think of it as a project and carve it along the way.
Check this link.. http://www.the-exiles.org/manual/lang/lang.htm
Drill a hole in it and run a leather thong thru it for a wrist tie. The tie will also come in handy if and when you need to strap a fixed blade or folder to it to use as a spear.
Just keep your wits about you, camp in groups, help others if needed and have a good time.
Try to hop on at rest stops and lets us know how your doing. Trail Angels are always ready to hop up.
I have hiked a good bit of the AT, from GA to NC, parts of Va, Pa, all of NJ and the New England states. Not all at once, I could never bring myself to ditch it all for that long to do a thru hike, one of my biggest regrets. Many of my friends have pulled thru hikes.
Get yourself a good leatherman, a good folder (ex: CRKT m16 Carson) and a stout staff. Ash, hickory or Oak. Think of it as a project and carve it along the way.
Check this link.. http://www.the-exiles.org/manual/lang/lang.htm
Drill a hole in it and run a leather thong thru it for a wrist tie. The tie will also come in handy if and when you need to strap a fixed blade or folder to it to use as a spear.
Just keep your wits about you, camp in groups, help others if needed and have a good time.
Try to hop on at rest stops and lets us know how your doing. Trail Angels are always ready to hop up.
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Green Lantern
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I thought I had nothing of value to add to this...really, it's just my "old-timers" setting in a few decades early:
Around 1997, a 15-year old boy murdered a couple on a lookout on the NC/TN border for the money they had. I forget the exact amount but it was less than $20. The lookout was a short way from the AT. Part of a state park "gun free zone," IIRC.
A year or so ago, a body was discovered "dumped" off the highway probably less than a mile from the AT. Apparently beaten to death in Johnson City TN.
My memory fails me, but I also think that ANOTHER body was found in the woods in that area before that as well. It was a big to-do to figure out which state (NC or TN) should have jurisdiction in the case.
IMHO, those that think that every "critter," two OR four legged, you encounter in wilderness areas is there for reasons as noble as you just because it's "nature," needs to get some more of that good mountain air to their brains somehow.
Around 1997, a 15-year old boy murdered a couple on a lookout on the NC/TN border for the money they had. I forget the exact amount but it was less than $20. The lookout was a short way from the AT. Part of a state park "gun free zone," IIRC.
A year or so ago, a body was discovered "dumped" off the highway probably less than a mile from the AT. Apparently beaten to death in Johnson City TN.
My memory fails me, but I also think that ANOTHER body was found in the woods in that area before that as well. It was a big to-do to figure out which state (NC or TN) should have jurisdiction in the case.
IMHO, those that think that every "critter," two OR four legged, you encounter in wilderness areas is there for reasons as noble as you just because it's "nature," needs to get some more of that good mountain air to their brains somehow.
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