Angry people on the trails


The rare bit I'm out "hiking", I'm one of those that's normally looking down (mostly so I don't trip over something), and unless I know you, you're not going to get much more than a little smile and maybe a "hi" as we pass. I'm going to be cautious around your dog, leashed or not. I probably won't say anything to you about it, even if it's a leash-required area; the chance of a comment escalating into a conflict isn't worth the risk.

I'm not unhappy, or angry, I'm just not out in the woods to make friends.
 
mgf said:
Sometimes we get ourselves in a jam where we're justified in being a little bit ashamed of our mistake. No offense intended but driving off the road because of "low visibility" is a mistake. I wonder if that might make a person oversensitive? Some "good natured" ribbing isn't completely unexpected. I've been there, honest. I've been driving in the Midwest for a long time through all sorts of snow, ice, fog...not to mention young adulthood. LOL
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I'm fully aware that it was my own fault, the result of negligence. And there was nothing good natured about it, the fellow was belligerent. You can call me oversensitive all you want, but with all due respect, you weren't there.
 
We also frequently encounter the folks that go out of their way to NOT make eye contact. I usually try to shame them into acknowlegement with an exagerated greeting!

But every once in a while you meet a super nice family on the trail. Greetings from everyone in passing and the kids that want to show you a cool rock or feather that they found. That’s awesome!

Jeff
 
OldSoul82 said:
Is it me or there are more and more angry people hiking trails these days? I figured I will check with the group because lately I have been trying to hit the trails earlier and earlier to avoid other Sunday hikers they always walk with their faces down, don't acknowledge you and feel obligated to make a comments about my dog that walks right by my leg not being on the leash. I used to meet some cool people on the trials but lately it's the opposite.
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Its been a couple months since ive been on the trails, but for the most part the people i meet in my area are friendly for the most part. Sure, most dont stop and have a full conversation, but I dont necessarily seek it out either. And I can drive 30 minutes away to a Greenway in a much bigger town, and the people never speak much less make eye contact. Or i could drive 3 houts to a national park and its a pretty even split on who speaks and who doesn't. So I would argue its a regional thing, and i dont pay it much mind as im generally not outdoors to socialize, rather than do whatever im going to do for the day. But at the same time, being friendly doesnt cost anyone a dime.
 
300Dman said:
Why I carry a fixed blade knife that has features that make it usable for some self-defense scuffle. And for beasts.
When I go for local walks in my city I try to give local folks a good morning. About 1/3rd do not respond.
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Yea.... people who dont make eye contact or say good morning make me think I might have to stab someone or their dog as well 😂
 
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I'll typically keep to myself. A smile and nod or a quick hello as we pass is all that you'll get. Not that I'm antisocial or angry, I just think some people are out for their own reasons and I'm not going to bother them. I also don't want to be the overly interested weird guy on the trail that creeps someone out. However, if someone initiates conversation I'll certainly be friendly back.
I don't mind off leash dogs as long they are behaved. I've met plenty that receive a "good boy" and scratch behind the ear and a few that I need to keep away with a stick. If your dog is off leash and harassing someone or their leashed dog, I'll make a comment about it. Otherwise I don't feel strongly.
I haven't noticed an increase in angry people but I have noticed more people who are there for social media posts and photoshoots. That is annoying. And I've noticed way more trash on the trails lately. I usually take a grocery bag and try to pack out some garbage I find along the way.
 
Being the comedian I am, I generally speak to all. Men, women, children, big, small, good looking, ugly, green, purple, or whatever. I also hold the door open for all. I don’t like rude behavior. If I speak to you and you ignore me, our conversation will continue because I will answer for you.

Example:

Me: Hello, how ya doing?

You:

Me: Oh, I’m doing just fine. You have a great day.


I worked with a stuck up ol’ hag that worked security. She ignored me countless times after speaking to her. One day, I did the above and she must have taken notice, because from then on, she would nod her head or quietly say hello. I don’t like rude behavior, ain’t no call for it. If she hadn’t been a woman, I’d have said “speak a$$, you’re mouth won’t.” I don’t like unfriendliness, ain’t no call for it.
 
HillbillyHiker said:
Being the comedian I am, I generally speak to all. Men, women, children, big, small, good looking, ugly, green, purple, or whatever. I also hold the door open for all. I don’t like rude behavior. If I speak to you and you ignore me, our conversation will continue because I will answer for you.

Example:

Me: Hello, how ya doing?

You:

Me: Oh, I’m doing just fine. You have a great day.


I worked with a stuck up ol’ hag that worked security. She ignored me countless times after speaking to her. One day, I did the above and she must have taken notice, because from then on, she would nod her head or quietly say hello. I don’t like rude behavior, ain’t no call for it. If she hadn’t been a woman, I’d have said “speak a$$, you’re mouth won’t.” I don’t like unfriendliness, ain’t no call for it.
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Sounds like you do like rude behavior to me by the way that reads...
 
jds1 said:
We also frequently encounter the folks that go out of their way to NOT make eye contact. I usually try to shame them into acknowlegement with an exagerated greeting!

But every once in a while you meet a super nice family on the trail. Greetings from everyone in passing and the kids that want to show you a cool rock or feather that they found. That’s awesome!

Jeff
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Shame folks. Great way to comport oneself and leave a good impression.

Guys, recently, there was a man and woman killed, murdered, on a trail not to far from here. Leaving 2 young girls as orphans i believe.
Being rude, being an a$$ guilting folks, etc is just uncalled for. Just because someone doesn't want to interact with you, in the woods, where we all go to get away from people... maybe yall are the ones putting out sketchy vibes... Just saying.
 
On the trail and parks you'll encounter many different kinds of people, some friendly and some not so much. I usually just respond in like kind. Some people just want to be left alone and some might ask how's the fishing down there?

The population where I live skyrocketed out of control a while back and isn't quite as friendly or amiable anymore. I just kind of tread lightly.
 
ATsawyer said:
I was with you until that dog comment. I have no way of knowing how friendly your dog will be coming down the trail. I've had bad experiences with off the leash pit bulls and Rhodesian ridgebacks and your dog would too.
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i love dogs! but I had to punch an off-leash dog in the head once as he came up to my group with hateful intent, then the stupid owner started yelling at me. I've had off-leash dogs run into my bike and send me down. Granted, the most scared I've ever been was when stupid deer charged me on my bike and nearly killed me.

If your dog is well behaved, the only comment i'll make is... "can I pet that dog??"

"head down, no eye contact"

sometimes I do that because I'm in my own world. I escape into the trails to avoid people and city life. Doesn't mean I'm angry or in a bad mood.
 
jds1 said:
We also frequently encounter the folks that go out of their way to NOT make eye contact. I usually try to shame them into acknowlegement with an exagerated greeting!
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lol, how about you mind your own business?
 
okcaveman said:
Shame folks. Great way to comport oneself and leave a good impression.

Guys, recently, there was a man and woman killed, murdered, on a trail not to far from here. Leaving 2 young girls as orphans i believe.
Being rude, being an a$$ guilting folks, etc is just uncalled for. Just because someone doesn't want to interact with you, in the woods, where we all go to get away from people... maybe yall are the ones putting out sketchy vibes... Just saying.
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this
 
HillbillyHiker said:
Being the comedian I am, I generally speak to all. Men, women, children, big, small, good looking, ugly, green, purple, or whatever. I also hold the door open for all. I don’t like rude behavior. If I speak to you and you ignore me, our conversation will continue because I will answer for you.

Example:

Me: Hello, how ya doing?

You:

Me: Oh, I’m doing just fine. You have a great day.


I worked with a stuck up ol’ hag that worked security. She ignored me countless times after speaking to her. One day, I did the above and she must have taken notice, because from then on, she would nod her head or quietly say hello. I don’t like rude behavior, ain’t no call for it. If she hadn’t been a woman, I’d have said “speak a$$, you’re mouth won’t.” I don’t like unfriendliness, ain’t no call for it.
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how about you just leave people alone?
 
DeadStandingPine said:
I'm fully aware that it was my own fault, the result of negligence. And there was nothing good natured about it, the fellow was belligerent. You can call me oversensitive all you want, but with all due respect, you weren't there.
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I wasn't calling you anything. I said "I wonder"...that's mostly a question or identifying a possibility.
 
IDK... My experience is different. I'll start off with the fact that I live outside Baltimore, with all its "Baltimorons" and city people... But I was out this weekend at South Mountain State Park, first outing since October... first lovely day in a long while... trailhead was PACKED... parking lot holds about 12-15 cars, and there are usually a double row along the sides of the access road that's maybe 2-3 cars on each side... that was 5 extra on each side this time.

I ran into a group of 6 young men, late 20s in age. 1 was a veteran camper and hunter. 3 more were experienced backpackers. 2 were brand new to it, had never been out overnight. All were friendly, though I was not thrilled at the 2x unleashed dogs. They required cautioning about not letting their dogs just run uncontrolled into the spring at the top of the trail to drink... dogs drink from the stream; people dip bottles into the spring and shouldn't have to wait for dog-created mud to clear out of a spring. Regardless, they were well behaved and happy to be out, and the dogs weren't rude except for the one in the spring.

I ran into two or three couples, all seemed pretty friendly and happy, though one woman (probably out of shape and sore on the trip back down) seemed a bit surly. I ran into a couple pairs of young women; one set ignored me, the other was friendly. I also ran into a solo woman who was quite friendly, as was another solo male.

Finally, I ran into a group of about 8-9 males, aged 8-50, might have been family, might not. But they were also friendly, respectful, and seemed happy to be out.

I know that in the Adirondacks, in the summer, a ranger friend of mine had a month she called "Angry August", because so many of the canoeists and backpackers she encountered that month all seemed to be in an incredible hurry to have fun, and were really grouchy at the slightest mishap, and with complaints over no bear poles/cables, flush toilets, garbage pickup, or internet at backcountry campsites on Low's Lake... she was incredulous at the entitlement.

I still avoid folks when I can.
 
okcaveman said:
More tactful than I was considering being, so I appreciate that. Ill just say. Some people kids just make me shake my head sometimes.
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thanks. in his defense, I used to be that way. I hated being ignored or misunderstood. Then I embraced it. Being ignored is liberating.
 
I have been trying to hit the trails earlier and earlier to avoid other Sunday hikers they always walk with their faces down
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I used to get quite annoyed with people who walked around everywhere staring at their feet, and often complained about it.

Then I got nerve damage from chemo. My feet are always numb 24/7 and painful after about 15 minutes standing on them, don't ask me how something can be numb and painful at the same time, it's beyond strange. So now I'm the guy that's constantly looking down because I can trip over anything and my balance sucks.

It's a bad idea to judge people without knowing the facts of their situation. Just something to be aware of.
 
If we’re in the woods and you don’t speak. I understand. There are after all, lots of nuts running around. I mean, I always speak, but don’t necessarily expect to be spoken to in the woods. I’m from small town nowhere and everyone is generally friendly here, so I do expect to be greeted whether you know me or not.

I try to be friendly, especially to folks that look to be having a bad day.

And like I said, I’m part comedian.
 
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