[Babsig]

Ok everyone, question. My husband and I are arguing the point of carrying a gun hiking. Does one have to have a concealed license to carry while hiking or not if carrying the weapon visible? We hike alot with our family in many places in western NC and now we are seriously considering taking a weapon. Any advice would be welcomed.

[spunkets]

Check if SC’s CCW license is good in NC, then get one of those. Else you’d have to keep it hidden and risk not being able to obtain a license at a later time.

[chasio649]

In my honest opinion...if you are not hiking alone, i wouldn’t worry too much....if you are with a group of people it is highly unlikely a predator would bother...if you are alone, you take your chances....even carrying a gun in your pocket, i could see all kinds of situations where you wouldn’t have a chance to even pull it....i believe this guy gained this girl’s trust because he had a dog out hiking with him also...she turned for a second and wham...hiking stick up side the head.

Sounds callous but it could have been simple as that.

[Gritty]

Does one have to have a concealed license to carry while hiking or not if carrying the weapon visible? We hike alot with our family in many places in western NC...

If you are hiking on either NC State land or National Forest lands (such as Pisgah) in NC, you are not supposed to carry a concealed handgun because of NC state law (even with a CCW). Nor is one allowed to carry a large caliber handgun open carry or a rifle unless it is hunting season (and then there are specific "rules").

You may, however, open carry a .22 pistol with a barrel less than 7.5 inches (the law refers to it as a "camp gun") at any time on either State or National Forest lands even if not hunting and without a hunting license. These are rather "old" laws but have been held over probably to prohibit poaching in The King's Forest.

However, I don't think one can legally carry in the Smoky Mountain National Park, because it is a "National Park" and the rules are different (and much more restrictive). You also want to beware "carry" on the Blue Ridge Parkway as it is also National Park Land.

A Ruger Mark II/III or Ruger .22/.45 fits the bill nicely and is a fairly inexpensive option but almost any shorter barreled .22 carried openly should do. I know it's not a lot of firepower, but it is comforting and I am of the opinion it is a deterrent to somebody bent on random mischief.

Of course, I know some people also carry concealed, but you asked for legal options. Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night.