Hatchet or No Hatchet?

Chances are very good that even if you started out with a hatchet in your pack, you would get rid of it at your earliest opportunity.

By the end of the day you will be tired enough that the idea of having to gather wood and make a fire before you can cook your evening meal will seem very unappealing to you. Cutting green wood makes absolutely no sense, and just disfigures the surroundings to no purpose. In addition to LNT principles, I think you will find that the area near most campsites has been picked over for downed and dead firewood pretty thoroughly before you arrive.

Bring a stove. Use it. Experiment with no-cook meals when the weather is hot. But don't bring the hatchet.

And have a great hike!