Georgia

Water source information
Info on the status of water sources in Georgia:

Georgia A.T. Club - Water Sources & Availability

Bear canisters seasonally required for camping between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap
A U.S. Forest Service rule requires an approved bear-resistant canister for overnight camping on a 5-mile stretch of the A.T. in the Chattahoochee National Forest between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap, between March 1 and June 1 each year. This stretch is located between points 26.7 and 31.7 miles north of the southern terminus of the A.T. at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and includes Woods Hole Shelter, Slaughter Creek Campsite, and Blood Mountain Shelter. Bear canisters should be used to store food, food containers, garbage and toiletries. Canisters must be commercially made and constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. For more information, see the Supervisor's Order here or call the Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest at (770) 297-3000.

North Carolina (South of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Nantahala National Forest Alerts
Alerts for the Nantahala National Forest portion of the A.T. (from the Georgia/North Carolina border to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found here.

Bear-Proof Canisters Strongly Recommended on Nantahala Ranger District
Due to a number of close and serious bear encounters in Panthertown and along the Appalachian Trail, the Nantahala Ranger District is strongly recommending that backcountry campers use bear-proof containers for all food and scented items.

Caution Advised in North Carolina post Hurricane Impacts
(Updated 10/01/18) While most areas with hurricane damage have been cleared, hikers are advised that hazards will remain even if all the blowdowns have been cleared. It takes a long time for conditions to stabilize after the serious weather events we've seen this year. Be very careful in choosing places to camp, including at or in shelters. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs, widow makers or leaning or damaged trees.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bear activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Caution 
Every year problematic bear activity has been reported at some overnight sites and trailheads in the park. Hikers must use the food storage cables provided at all backcountry campsites in the park. Plan ahead to avoid closed campsites or shelter sites and always store food and smellables properly.  Click here  for more information about bears in the backcountry.

CLOSURES AND CAUTIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY (7/1/2019)
- Spence Field Shelter (mile 183.7) - Caution
- Cosby Knob Shelter (mile 231.1) - CLOSED

Monitor updates on the park's Alerts Page. For a full list of road and facility closures and warnings throughout the park, click here. Weather-related road and facility closures may change throughout the day. For updated road and weather information please call (865) 436-1200. Once you hear a voice, dial extension 631 for road information or extension 630 for a weather forecast. 

Backcountry Permit Fees 
A backcountry permit must be obtained for overnight stays before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a $4 per person fee will be required for each night in the backcountry. Backcountry permits can be obtained up to 30 days in advance. Hikers who meet the definition of an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (those who begin and end their hike at least 50 miles outside the park and only travel on the A.T. in the park) are eligible for a thru-hiker permit of $20 (valid for 38 days from the date issued for an up to 8 day hike through the Park). Permits are available at www.smokiespermits.nps.gov. You may also obtain a permit in person at the park’s Backcountry Office (at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN) or over the phone; with permits issued by fax, mail or email. Hikers staying overnight in the backcountry are required to have a printed copy of the permit.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm or call (865) 436-1297.

Davenport Gap (Tenn. 32/N.C. 284, eastern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) – Vehicle break-ins and car thefts
Do not park overnight: This location has a history of vandalism and car thefts. Park at Big Creek Ranger Station in seasons when rangers are present.

 

North Carolina & Tennessee Border 

No updates at this time.

Tennessee

Watauga Dam - Bears Active in Area
(2019) No picnicking, lingering or overnight camping. Hiking the Appalachian Trail only. BEARS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA. Please continue through the area without stopping.  Camping Closure Order: National Forest System lands from Oliver Hollow Rd. to Wilbur Dam; closed to camping until further notice.

Watauga Lake Shelter – Closed/Removed
(May 2019) Watauga Lake Shelter has been dismantled due to the ongoing bear activity as referenced in the above USFS Camping Closure Order.

McQueens Gap – Bear Activity
(May 2019) Mile 457 - Bear(s) have stolen hanging food bags on different nights at undesignated campsite/spring at old farm site 2.3 miles north of US421 or 1.4 mile south of McQueens Gap.

US 19E - Parking not recommend
There is a long-standing recommendation by the local A.T. maintaining club to avoid parking at this location.

Southwest Virginia

Bear Warning: Mount Rogers & Grayson Highlands

(May 23, 2019)  In recent weeks, multiple bear/human encounters have been been reported along the Appalachian Trail in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. Bears have successfully retrieved food bags hung in trees as far south as Thomas Knob Shelter (northbound mile 499.0), and as far north as Hurricane Shelter (northbound mile 515.0). Unoccupied tents and packs have also been damaged by bears looking for food.

If you plan to camp overnight between Elk Garden/VA-600 and Dickey Gap/VA-650, ATC recommends you camp only where you can store your food in a metal food storage locker or "bear box." Even if you carry a personal bear-resistant food storage device, it's best to store it inside a bear box in this area. 

Bear boxes have been installed at 6 sites within those 25 miles. Those sites are: Thomas Knob Shelter, Rhododendron Gap between the A.T. and the Crest Trail, Wise Shelter, Old Orchard Shelter, Hurricane Mountain Shelter, and Trimpi Shelter.

In particular, camping is not recommended near the Fox Creek/VA-603 trailhead due to multiple reports of stolen food, bear encounters, and property damage at campsites along the A.T. and at nearby Grindstone Campground. 

Visitors are advised to use all precautions for traveling in black bear country during their visit. Please report bear incidents anywhere on the A.T. at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCYZGC2

 

Mt. Rogers – Vehicle break-ins and thefts
The Trail between Damascus and VA Rt. 16 at Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters has a long history of vehicle break-ins and thefts.

Central Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Wayside Renovations Completed
(Updated 8/18/19) Renovations have been completed at this historic wayside, located at Skyline Drive Milepost 51, A.T. northbound mile 926.2 (0.9 east of the A.T.). The facility offers meals, groceries, and a gift shop.

Calf Mountain Shelter to Jarman Gap - Temporary Relocation 
(Updated 5/28/19) About one mile of the A.T. has been temporarily relocated in the southern section of the park due to construction in a powerline right-of-way. Starting approximately 1/4 mile north of the Calf Mountain Shelter side trail (mile 870.7) and rejoining the A.T. where it crosses dirt Jarmans Gap Road (mile 871.7) this detour uses two dirt roads and is signed at both ends and at several places along its length. Hikers are urged to stay on the detour as a portion of it crosses private property. Hikers may be delayed for up to 15 minutes at both boundaries of the right-of-way corridor for safety reasons during construction activities. The detour is expected to be in place until  late June.

Bear Advisory at Huts in the Park
There has been increased bear activity reported in the park, especially at lean-tos (called "huts" in Shenandoah National Park) with a heightened potential for encounters with wildlife.  Habituated bears have sometimes learned to associate tents and backpacks with food, so if you do stay there, be especially diligent about properly storing food and toiletries with scents, leaving no crumbs or wrappers in your tent or backpack, and do not leave your pack unattended.

Park Facilities
Click here for the Park's facility schedule.
This includes opening and closing dates for lodges, campgrounds, camp stores, waysides (snack bars, limited groceries, souvenirs, and gasoline), and visitor centers. Note this year the opening of Big Meadows Wayside will be delayed; the website goshenandoah.com/dining/food-groceries may have more current information on the status of this facility.

Skyline Drive Updates
Skyline Drive is a 2-lane scenic highway following the ridgecrest and traversing the length of the Park. It roughly parallel and frequently crosses the Appalachian Trail. It is open year round; however, the Drive may be temporarily closed on short notice for indefinite periods due to weather related conditions. For the most current Skyline Drive status, call (540) 999-3500, choose Option 1, and then Option 1. Park staff also post opening and closing information on Facebook and Twitter.

Northern Virginia

Snickers Gap/Va. 7 area parking notice
(4/22/16 - present) Hikers are cautioned against parking on the shoulders of VA 679 if the VA 679 parking lot is full - vehicles parked on either shoulder will be towed. Alternate parking is available nearby at the intersection of VA 7 and VA 601, where a rather large parking lot is located. If your car is towed, contact the Clarke County Communications Center at (540) 955-1234. 

West Virginia

No updates at this time.

Maryland

Dahlgren Backpackers Campground—Facilities re-opened for the season
(4/10/2019)  The Dahlgren Backpackers Campground seasonal bathroom and showers operated by South Mountain Recreation Area have re-opened for the season.

Water source update
(4/10/2019) Info on the status of water sources in MD:

All sources are expected to be flowing.

All frost-free spigots on the A.T. in Maryland are operational:

Gathland State Park
Dahlgren Backpacker Campground
Washington Monument State Park

Pen Mar - Parking Pass Available
(Updated 12/12/2018) An advance parking pass is available for overnight parking at PenMar. It is not required, but is strongly recommended for those leaving a vehicle for more than a couple of nights. Here's how to get the pass: 

Click here to email the Washington County Parks and Facilities Department. Be prepared to provide the following information:

(1) make and model of your vehicle.
(2) registered owner's name.
(3) tag information.
(4) dates the vehicle will parked.

You will receive a "Do Not Tow" pass as an attachment that must be printed and posted in your vehicle so local police will know that the vehicle has been registered. For more information, call (240) 313-2700 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (reduced hours during winter months).

Sandy Hook Road Re-Opened Temporarily
(10/26/2018) Sandy Hook Road (which provides access to trailhead parking for the Maryland Heights Trail near the A.T./C&O Towpath Junction across from Harpers Ferry) has re-opened. Debris removal from a landslide that occurred above the road this spring has been completed, but slope stabilization will still be required. People traveling on the road adjacent to the landslide area should exercise caution. More information can be found at www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/management/md-hgts-landslide.htm.

 

Pennsylvania

Kirkridge Shelter - Water temporarily unavailable
(8/8/2019) Water is temporarily unavailable at the Kirkridge Shelter (mile 1289.0) due to a broken pump. Kirkridge Retreat Center hopes to have the system fixed in the next week or week and a half. Please do not look for water at the Retreat Center buildings behind the shelter - the water system supplies those as well.

Pine Grove General Store now open 7 days a week for the season 
(5/22/2019) The store, located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, is now open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Antietam Shelter Removed
(5/7/19) The Antietam Shelter (mile 1073.5 from Springer Mtn., GA) has been removed.

Temporary Reroute Pending, Michaux State Forest (A.T. Mid-point, approx.)
(4/22/19) A 1.3-mile section of the A.T. north of Dead Woman’s Hollow Road may be rerouted for a day or two between April 23rd and mid-May 2019 during prescribed fire operations. Hikers should observe signage and follow any re-routes as directed and be aware that conditions may be very smoky. This prescribed burn is part of a larger, 500+ acre project being conducted by the PA Bureau of Forestry (PA BOF) in cooperation with ATC, PATC and the Western PA Conservancy and is aimed at restoring a Scrub Oak/Pitch Pine Barrens ecosystem within the Big Pine Flats eco-region. For more info, contact: Roy Brubaker, District Forester, Michaux State Forest, (717) 352-2211

Susquehanna Trail - partial closure 
(1/24/19)  The branch of the Susquehanna Trail (just north of the Susquehanna River) that follows an old logging road onto private property adjacent to the A.T. corridor has been closed to public access. Hikers should remain on the shorter branch that starts above the Clarks Ferry Bridge and rejoins the A.T. about 1/4 mile south of the Clarks Ferry Shelter. 

Scott Farm Water Source No Longer Available
(Re-confirmed 4/22/19)  Due to an unrepairable leak, the hydrant at the ATC Scott Farm Trail Work Center, adjacent to the Conodoguinet Creek Bridge (mile 1133.0) has been shut off and no public drinking water at this location is available.  

Caledonia State Park - Flood Damage
(10/18/18)  The footpath along Conococheague Creek was damaged by recent flooding and is currently closed. Please follow the marked detour. 

Swatara State Park closures
(Updated 10/22/18)  While some trails remain closed due to recent storm damage, portions of Swatara State Park have re-opened. Long-distance hikers should be able to follow the A.T. through the park. For more information, click here.

Rausch Gap Area - Beaver Activity Flooding
(6/11/18) The footpath approximately 9/10 of a mile north of Rausch Gap Shelter has flooded due to beaver activity on Haystack Creek. About 150 feet are under water - hikers should expect to wade here for the foreseeable future.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park – Parking rules
Pine Grove Furnace State Park requires that hikers check in with the park office before leaving a vehicle in the park and that vehicles be left for no more than one week. 

Caledonia State Park – Parking rules
Caledonia State Park requests that those parking overnight at the parking area on Rt. 30 register at the park office. For more information, contact the park at (717) 352-2161.  

Lehigh Gap to Little Gap – CAUTION - Remedial activities in progress
(4/9/15-present) Remedial activities associated with the revegetation of Blue Mountain are currently being conducted near the A.T. between Lehigh Gap and Little Gap as part of the Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund Site. The Appalachian Trail and blue-blaze Winter Trail will remain open during these activities. Occasional truck traffic will occur on the administrative access road that parallels the A.T. Hikers are advised to stay on the A.T. and not use the road. 

Pennsylvania Game Commission
Fluorescent Orange Requirement Nov. 15 - Dec 15: On state game lands in Pennsylvania (much of the A.T. between the Susquehanna River and Delaware Water Gap--roughly the northern 2/3 of the state), all hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 (except on Sundays). The orange material must be visible from all angles (360 degrees). For more information about hunting safety along the A.T. visit www.appalachiantrail.org/hunting.  

Camping Regulations: Only thru-hikers (defined as those "walking the Appalachian Trail from point of beginning to an exit, which is not the place of beginning") may camp on Pennsylvania Game Commission lands, and these hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T. and at least 500 ft from a spring, stream or public access area.  

New Jersey

Worthington State Forest - Side Trail Name Changes
(6/12/19) The names of several side trails connecting to the A.T. in Worthington State Forest have been changed - the former Red Dot Trail is now the Mount Tammany Trail, the former Blue Dot Trail is now the Pahaquarry Trail and the former Turquoise Trail is now the Buckwood Trail. Blazing of these trails remains the same - a red dot on a white blaze, a blue dot on white blaze and a turquoise blaze, respectively.
 

Vernon - Rt. 517
(5/6/16 to present) Hikers are urged to obey the No Parking signs on Rt. 517. Parking along 517 is very limited and cars parked in the No Parking zone have been ticketed recently.

New York

Connecticut  

Water source update
Info on the status of water sources in CT:

No reports.

Ct. 55—Vandalism report
(12/4/2018) A car break-in was reported at the trailhead parking area at Ct. 55 (mile 1,457.6) around 11/10/2018.

Water source update
Info on the status of water sources in CT:

Refer to AT Water Availability in Connecticut page by Appalachian Mountain Club Connecticut Chapter.

River Road in Kent - Seasonal closure to vehicular traffic (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
(Recurring seasonal closure) The gate on the roadwalk portion of River Road in Kent, CT, trail north of St. John's Ledges, is closed from Memorial Day through Labor Day to vehicular access.  Foot travel is welcome. 

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Massachusetts

Sherman Brook Primitive Campsite - Bear Activity
(7/17/2019) A bear unafraid of humans has visited the Sherman Brook Primitive Campsite (northbound mile 596.2) in search of hikers' food. Do not cook or eat near your tent, keep food secured at all times, and utilize the bear box on site.

Tyringham Mass, Goose Pond Rd Parking Area – Vehicle break-ins
(5/5/2019) Several cars were broken into around 5/5/2019.

North Adams/Mass. 2 Parking lot - Closed
(4/23/2019) The Greylock Community Club has closed the A.T. parking lot on their property in North Adams. Local officials and trail managers are working together to identify an alternative parking option.

Shaker Campsite—regular bear activity
The Shaker Campsite (mile 1540.4 north of Springer) sees regular bear activity. The bears have not been aggressive, but are not frightened away by human activity. Hikers are advised to immediately place their food and other odoriferous items into the bear box at the campsite upon arrival, and to prepare and cook food away from their tents.

Vermont

New Food Storage Requirements
(7/28/2019) The Green Mountain National Forest has implemented a forest order that affects the entire A.T. in Vermont. Except while being consumed, all food, food containers and refuse shall be stored suspended at least twelve (12) feet above the ground and not less than six (6) feet horizontally from any object. Bear boxes and bear canisters designed specifically for food and/or refuse storage are acceptable. More information can be found here.

Multiple bear incidents.
(7/17/2019) Due to multiple bear incidents caused by improper food storage by humans, Goddard Shelter (mile 1622.9) had to be closed, and the bear that had become habituated had to be killed. The shelter has re-opened.

Bear activity (including reports of stolen food bags) has been noted at:

Kid Gore Shelter (mile 1627.2)

Story Spring Shelter (mile 1631.8)

Stratton Pond Shelter (mile 1642.2)

Check out the Green Mountain Club’s blog on how hikers can keep their food and themselves safe and avoid creating problem bears: Problem Bears? Or Problem People?  

Avoid hiking in Vermont during Mud Season (April and May)
Hikers are asked to avoid hiking the A.T. in Vermont and other states in northern New England during April and May, when trail conditions are poor and trails are very susceptible to damage. For more information, see our Mud Season page, and visit the Green Mountain Club's blog post Mud Season Has Arrived! Help Protect Fragile Environments. During mud season, follow the Green Mountain Club Facebook page for updates.

Long-distance hikers who cannot change their plans are asked to walk in the middle of trail through the mud to avoid damaging the fragile edges of the Trail and widening the footpath. Snowshoes and traction devices may still be required in some areas. Tips on hiking in winter conditions that may still be present during this period be found here.

New Hampshire

No updates at this time.

Maine

Baxter State Park - Hunt Trail (A.T.) to open June 15
(Updated 6/15/2019) The Appalachian Trail on Katahdin (referred to locally as “The Hunt Trail”) was posted on the Baxter State Park website as scheduled to open for the first time this season today. Other trails to the summit of Katahdin remain closed.

For more information, view the Baxter State Park’s website and  Baxter State Park Facebook page.

Kennebec River Ferry Service
(4/18/2019) The Kennebec River is the most formidable unbridged crossing along the entire A.T. Do not attempt to ford the river. Please use the ferry service.

Schedule for 2019
May 24 – June 30 (9  – 11 am)
July 1 – September 30 (9 am – 2 pm)
October 1 – October 14 (9 – 11 am)

The Kennebec River is the most formidable, crossing on the A.T.:

• The Kennebec is approximately 400 feet wide with a swift, powerful current.
• As a result of water releases from multiple hydro facilities on the river, the depth and current of the river surge quickly and unpredictably. You cannot cross faster than the water level rises!
• Even at the lowest water levels, slippery rocks and strong currents make fording dangerous. • Arrive early in the time period to ensure a safe and enjoyable crossing.
• If, in the judgment of the ferry operator, river or weather conditions make the crossing dangerous, the service will be discontinued until conditions improve.
• Hikers are required to complete and sign a release form, wear a life jacket, and follow instructions.
• Groups of 6 or more – call or email the Ferry Operator to schedule a crossing. Arrive early!
• Pending availability, service outside of the regular season (see above dates) may be arranged for a $50 fee per crossing (1 or 2 hikers). Please call or e-mail in advance to make arrangements. • No service will be available between November 1st and April 30th.

For more information and a schedule, view the Maine Appalachian Trail Club's Kennebec River Ferry page or download a flyer here.

 

Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Monson, ME
(Updated 5/28/19) Everyone is welcome. Long-distance hikers are able to obtain information about the 2019 Baxter State Park hiker permit. Staff are available to help plan logistics for the 100 Mile Wilderness and Katahdin. Trail conditions posted daily. Community and day hike information also available.

Hours: 8am - 11am and 1pm - 5pm, every day (June 5 to October 14) Address: 6 Tenney Hill, Monson, ME 04464 Phone: (207) 573-0163  (active as of June 5) Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/monsonatvisitorcenter/ If visiting in person, note that the visitor center is located in the Monson Historical Society building on the town’s main street (Route 6/15).

Baxter State Park

(Updated 7/30/18) 2018 Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hiker Permit: A free A.T. long distance hiker permit will be required of all long distance A.T. hikers: Northbound Thru-Hikers (Nobos), Southbound Thru-Hikers (Sobos), Flip-Flop Thru-Hikers and Section-hikers.

Long distance A.T. hikers must obtain a permit card in person at Baxter State Park Headquarters or Katahdin Stream Campground when the A.T. (Hunt Trail) opens for hiking. Once hikers obtain a permit card they will need to have it stamped at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station.

The number of AT-Hiker Permit Cards for 2018 are limited by a Baxter State Park quota: 3150 A.T. hikers. If all available permit cards have been issued for 2018, "The Birches" long distance hiker campsite will close for the year. Hikers may complete their hike by obtaining a Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR) or campground reservation (cannot be processed via smartphone) and enter the Park through the Togue Pond Gate.

For more information, please visit the Baxter State Park webpage or refer to their recent announcement

Hikers staying overnight within the park boundary must camp at designated sites; reservations are necessary for overnight sites for all hikers except those who have arrived on foot walking more than 100 miles. (Southbound thru-hikers should plan on making reservations for at least the night following their climb of Katahdin, and possibly the night before). All overnight hikers must pay a camping fee whether a reservation is obtained in advance or not. For more information about camping in the park and climbing Katahdin, visit www.baxterstatepark.org and the Baxter State Park Facebook page.

 

Access to Mt. Abraham - The Rapid Stream road damaged
It is being repaired only to the last house which is 3 miles short of the trailhead.