Virginia hiker's death reiterates issues with walking trails alone

Hiking alone is and adventure but can have risksPhoto byKalen EmsleyonUnsplash

A lone hiker was found dead on the Appalachian Trail

Virginia State Parks lists safety tips for hikers, including paying attention to the weather, hiking early in the day, staying on the trail, remaining hydrated, and eating salty snacks. One thing not mentioned was the risk of hiking solo.

Many hikers enjoy the peace and solitude of walking the trails alone, and Trip Adviser reveals that it is generally safe. Even so, tragedy can strike now and then.

The Roanoke Times reports the body of a hiker was found Saturday on the Appalachian Trail in Botetgourt County. A trio of trail runners found an older white male with gray hair face down on the side of the trail and called 911.

He was on a steep, rugged trail near Lambert’s Meadow Shelter and Andy Layne Trail. No foul play is not suspected.

The hiker has now been identified by The Roanoke Times as 67 year -old Thomas Vanetten of New York.