Hiking, handgun laws.?

if i were to hike the appalachian trail, mostly georgia and carolinas. would i be able to reasonably carry a 44. to defend against bear, boar, climber rapists?
The answer is like mad more complicated than you would think.

The AT Conservancy "strongly advises against it" (what else would you expect them to say). But the AT also goes thru state spectator sport lands, state parks, private property, National Parks/National Forests (a big no-no), and the like.

In other words, you have a mass of jurisdictions to be concerned almost.

That being said, I don't think I would hike it lacking some sort of protection, but that's jmho. I highly doubt you will have any problems with black bear as they tend to avoid us, but wild boar and two-legged predators my be in issue.
Contact the National Park Service at the below link. They are the people you should ask about this. A friend of mine regularly hikes parts of the Trail and does carry a gun. BUT, he does have a concealed carry contract and knows which States honor his permit.


http://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm
Parts of the Appalachian Trail runs through Nat'l Park Service Land. It is illegal to carry a loaded firearm on Nat'l Park Service Land (Fed Law). If you have the proper permits/licenses (varies by state), you could convey a gun on state lands (however some states ban firearms on their park lands as well).

Do I agree with the federal law interdiction loaded firearms from Nat'l Park Service land? No. Do I break it? Well, which are you more concerned with...getting caught carrying a weapon by the Feds, or not having one when need it?
Get a concealed carry handgun permit. Check which states honor out of states permits. Contact the states that dont and find out thier law. Hike safe and have fun. For your safety I would do it regardless of the law. You would probably get into less trouble if you had it detectable in a holster it would also be more accessible. Also what law enforcement is going to be doing random search in the woods? You will be fine but just remember that most people who are within situations (especially bear attacks) will fire all their ammo and not hit anything not to say you aren't a perfect shot but maybe some of that bear mace, also it would work well on the perverts to but I would still recommend shooting them anyways.
As far as I know, the Appalachian Trail is Federal land, which would be determined that yes, you can carry a weapon. I live in Utah, and we have tons of Federal house here (Uncle Sam is the largest single property owner in Utah), and it is quite common for family to carry sidearms when they go out into the areas where within are bears and cougars.

Check with whoever manages the Appalachian trail in recent times to be sure, but I am fairly certain that you are allowed to carry a .44. They most expected have the same type of law which we own here, which is that it cannot be concealed, and must have nothing in the first or second chamber. That's as a rule for the sake of safety--if you have to shoot at an animal, you'll have to pull the trigger three times, but it beat trying to outrun a pissed off bear.

Be sure, too, before you budge, that you won't face huge penalties and fines if you are forced to kill an animal surrounded by self defense.

Good luck.