Whatever you decide, act responsibly and with courtesy to other hikers-and the agencies you may be calling. As I noted earlier, bad weather is the worst hazard out there, and the danger is often underestimated. For whatever reason, I have a tendency to get hypothermia-I've had it three times. Because of this, I now have very good rain and cold-weather gear, and on cold, rainy, windy days, I eat more, rest more, and hike less. Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are common hazards in warmer months.
Lightning is also dangerous on the trail.
If a storm is coming and you're heading up the mountain, don't keep ascending-sit tight until it passes. Crouch down on your toes, with your pack off, making a ball with your body, if lightning comes close. If you're on top of a mountain and see a storm coming, get to lower ground as fast as you can. So, there are dangers out there, but you can deal with them. And my final piece of advice-out there on the trail, it's tempting to sit around with your hiking buddies at night, telling stories before you go to sleep.