The AT water crossing advice people keep getting wrong

I keep seeing people online say to take your boots off and wade barefoot through streams on the Appalachian Trail. I did that near Harpers Ferry last summer and ended up with a deep cut on my foot from a sharp rock, then had to hike 3 miles to the nearest shelter with blood running down my leg. Why do so many folks skip water shoes or just keeping their boots on for decent crossings?

2 comments

2 Comments

amy6921mo ago

Did you ever try just crossing in your boots? I read somewhere that most trail runners actually dry out faster than your feet do if you stop to take them off.

troy_owens1mo ago

Buddy of mine did that and ended up with trench foot for a week.