Warning: don't trust water sources marked on older maps

I nearly ran dry on the Long Trail last summer because a stream marked on my 2015 map was completely dry for 3 miles. Has anyone else found outdated maps causing real trouble out there?

2 comments

2 Comments

margaret_nelson1mo ago

Ugh yes, I had a similar issue on the PCT with an old map leading me a mile out of my way for a creek that was totally dry.

tylerw721mo ago

I mean, is it really that big of a deal though? Yeah it stinks to find a dry creek but that's a pretty standard risk of hiking in the backcountry. Maps are just a starting point, they're not guaranteed. @margaret_nelson sounds like you made the same mistake a lot of people do by treating a 10 year old map like gospel. Bring a backup, check recent trail reports, and this kind of thing is literally a non-issue.