Hiker Trash Radio Trail Talk with Rocket and Stump - What is the Most Dangerous Trail in North America?
Aug 1, 2025
09:26
Join Rocket and Stump on this episode of Trail Talk as they tackle a thrilling, and sometimes chilling, question: What is the most dangerous trail over 400 miles in America?
Episode Highlights:
- Defining "Dangerous": Rocket and Stump kick off the discussion by dissecting what "dangerous" truly means on the trail. Is it about sheer cliffs and grizzly bears, or are more subtle threats like extreme remoteness, unpredictable weather, and even human error the real culprits?
- Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Snow Concerns: Stump shares her personal experiences with treacherous snow traverses in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the PCT, highlighting the need for specialized skills like self-arresting with an ice axe.
- Appalachian Trail (AT) Weather Woes: Rocket recounts a harrowing late-season ice storm on the AT in Tennessee, emphasizing how rapidly weather can change and lead to hypothermia even on seemingly "easier" trails.
- Lightning Strikes: The hosts discuss the often-overlooked danger of lightning, particularly on high-elevation trails in the Rockies, citing CDC data on lightning-related incidents in Colorado.
- Contenders for "Most Dangerous":
- Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT): Stump champions the PNT, emphasizing its untamed wilderness, challenging navigation, dense bear habitat (94% of the trail corridor!), and unique coastal tidal considerations that can strand hikers.
- Continental Divide Trail (CDT): Rocket makes a strong case for the CDT, detailing its extreme remoteness, unpredictable high-alpine weather, vast stretches between resupply points, and significant grizzly and black bear presence across its 3,100+ miles. He shares a personal anecdote about a sudden blizzard in Wyoming and a reported broken leg due to blowdowns in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
- Arizona Trail (AZT): The discussion touches on the specific dangers of the AZT, including extreme desert heat, venomous wildlife like rattlesnakes, and the sudden, destructive power of flash floods in narrow canyons.
- Mitigating Risks: Both hosts stress that preparedness is key. They discuss the importance of carrying the Ten Essentials, knowing how to use your gear, diligently checking weather forecasts, and honestly assessing your own skill level to make safe decisions on the trail.
- The Verdict (and Your Input!): Rocket and Stump ultimately conclude that the Continental Divide Trail likely holds the title for the most dangerous trail over 400 miles in America due to its comprehensive range of extreme challenges. They invite listeners to share their own opinions and dangerous trail stories by contacting Doc at Hiker Trash Radio via their website.
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