Debate: Should backpackers stick to established trails or is bushwhacking fair game?

Last month on the AT near Roan Mountain I ran into a guy who swore by off-trail routes to avoid crowds. But three years ago I got lost for 6 hours bushwhacking in the Smokies and had to use my emergency beacon. I get that popular trails get trashed, but going off-route can mess up fragile ecosystems. What's your take on where the line should be drawn?

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ninam765d ago

Got a GPS and a paper map when I started bushwhacking and that saved me more than once. Have you tried using something like GaiaGPS to mark your off-trail route before you go?