Accident That Claimed Life Of Phila. Man On Section Of Appalachian Trail Prompts Words Of Caution For Hikers
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Last weekend's death of an experienced Philadelphia hiker on a section of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland prompts a group, which oversees the trail, to remind hikers to always be aware of their surroundings.
Thirty-six-year-old Jason Parish was hiking with friends and was packing belongings near a shelter when a tree marked for removal was felled by high winds and crushed him.
Brian King is a long-time director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy based in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. He also publishes books, articles and maps about the trail.
His says his advice applies to experienced hikers/backpackers and weekend warriors.
"Be aware of your surroundings, you know - up, down, things like that. And, of course things like weather, you've got to look ahead to the weather, see what that is and trail conditions."
Wet conditions, combined with melting snow, King says, can impact weak trees, especially dead trees marked for removal. He says it's essential hikers and campers pay heed to the potential danger they pose.