If you look at this statistically, you are SO much safer on the A.T. (trails in general) than in any urban area. I hiked alone much of the time and never felt the least bit uncomfortable or threatened (except by lightning ). I just kept my wits about me when near a road or when encountering someone I didn't know at a shelter or campsite, if I was by myself at the time--just a general awareness--but, again, I felt very comfortable. As a rule, though, I never camped in areas that were easily accessible by getting close by vehicle and walking in a short way, but that was mostly to avoid partiers from town.

One thing I found, though, is that you can only do so much about other people's worries. You try to your best to educate them and do what you can--like wearing an orange hat--to put their fears to rest, but in the end, you have to live your life and do your thing.