GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
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.
Click here for more information about bears in the backcountry. New Backcountry Permit Fees
As of
February 13, 2013, 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) 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.
Newfound Gap Road (US-441) - Now open to thru traffic Newfound Gap Road (US-441) between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC, was reopened to traffic on April 15th, three months after a severe landslide that rendered it impassable.
Post Office Changes - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Likely to change during 2013; no projected schedule at this time.
NORTH CAROLINA & TENNESSEE BORDER
Max Patch Rd (N.C. 1182) - Parking Area Closed Temporarily
Between April 15th and May 6th 2012, the USFS parking area off of Max Patch Rd. will be closed.
Post Office Changes - Hot Springs, North Carolina
Likely to change; no projected schedule confirmed.
Apple House Shelter – Removed
The Apple House Shelter, trail south of 19E between Overmountain Shelter and Mountaineer Shelter, has been removed. The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club worked with the USFS and ATC to coordinate the removal due to issues with its location and use.
Post Office Changes - Elk Park, North Carolina
Likely to change during 2013; no projected schedule confirmed.
TENNESSEE
Post Office Changes - Shady Valley, Tennessee
Hours expected to be cut back to four hours per day during 2013; no specific schedule confirmed yet.
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Straight Branch footbridge washed out - Detour in place The trail bridge over Straight Branch east of Damascus, VA was washed out by recent high water. As of May 23, 2013 a detour for hikers is in effect and posted. This bridge is just “trail north” (cardinal direction south) of US Hwy 58. This trail detour will continue indefinitely.
Grindstone Campground
Grindstone Campground now open.
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.
Post Office Changes - Sugar Grove, Virginia
Reduced hours as of January 2013: M - F 8:30 am - 12 pm, 2 pm - 4:30 pm; Saturday 8:15 am - 10:30 am.
Post Office Changes - Atkins, Virginia
Reduced hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm & 1:45 pm -3:45 pm; Saturday 9 am - 10:45 am. This schedule reflects a change that took place Jan. 12, 2013.
Post Office Changes - Bastian, VIrginia
Reduced hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm; Saturday 9:15 - 11:15.
Post Office Changes - Troutville, Virginia
Hours expected to be cut; no specific schedule confirmed yet.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Va. 621, Craig Creek Valley north to Dragons Tooth – Fire Damage
Fire damage from the February 2011 Pickle Branch Fire may be visible in this area. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on established trails, particularly in the burned areas.
USFS 35, Petites Gap; Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 71 south to approximately milepost 74.9
Fire damage from the November 2011 Boom Axe Fire may be visible. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on established trails, particularly in the burned areas.
As always, hikers are reminded to follow good Leave No Trace practices and minimize your campfire impacts: www.appalachiantrail.org/lnt.
Post Office Changes - Montebello, Virginia
Reduced hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Click
here for the Park's most updated facility schedule.
Little Calf Mountain; Beagle Gap, Skyline Drive mile 96.9 - Relocation opened
The Potomac Appalachian Trail club opened a relocation on Little Calf Mountain, just north of Rockfish Gap. The relocation turns trail west in a field a few hundred yards north of the parking area at Beagle Gap on Skyline Drive, curls around Little Calf Mountain while climbing to its summit, then rejoins the existing A.T. a few hundred yards north of the Little Calf summit.
Prescribed Burn Completed in Jarman Gap
The 500-acre Jarman Gap prescribed burn in the south section of Shenandoah National Park was successfully completed on April 10-11, 2013. No damage was sustained to the trail, but fire did burn near the trail’s edge for a short distance south of Sawmill Run Overlook. More information can be found at www.nps.gov/shen/parknews/jarman-gap-prescribed-burn-completed.htm (4/12/2013)
Bearfence Mountain Hut – Access trail relocated
The access trail to Bearfence Mountain Hut (p. 137 in the A.T. Guide to Shenandoah National Park) has been relocated from a direct spur from the A.T. to the shelter. It now utilizes two existing woods roads. The old blue blazed (mile 9.0 on page 137) access trail has been completely brushed in and access to the shelter is now utilizes the yellow and blue blazed Slaughter Trail (mile 9.2 on page 137). In 0.1, turn right on blue blazed trail on woods road (yellow blazed Slaughter Trail continues straight ahead, generally downhill). Go 0.1 to Bearfence Mountain Hut.
Gravel Springs Gap north to Compton Gap – Fire Damage
Fire damage from the February 2011 Smith Run Fire may be visible in this area. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on established trails, particularly in the burn areas.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Post Office Changes - Bluemont, Virginia
Reduced hours: M - F 10 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm; Saturday 8:30 am - 12 pm. This change took place Jan. 12, 2013.
WEST VIRGINIA
Powerline construction between Keys Gap and Harpers Ferry
In August 2013, Dominion Power will be doing construction on their power line where it crosses the Appalachian Trail approximately 1.5 miles north of VA Route 9 and 4.5 miles south of Harpers Ferry, WV. The A.T. remains open through the work site, however there may be periodic, minor (10-15 minute) stoppages for hikers passing through the work area for safety purposes. Hikers should stay on the A.T. footpath through the work area and follow the instructions (if any) of on-site safety personnel.
Harpers Ferry – side trail to ATC update
Recent construction to make an NPS building in the vicinity of Cook Hall (a 3-story stone building below the brick Mather Training Center) handicapped accessible has resulted in a very slight change in the route of the side trail that from the Appalachian Trail to the ATC headquarters and visitor center. Signage will not be replaced until later in the year. Between the A.T. junction and ATC, follow the blue blazes 1/4 mile. From the A.T., you'll follow steep stone steps uphill, then take the steep concrete stairway with rails. Follow the red brick walkway until it ends at Fillmore Street; jog left about 50 feet, then turn right onto Storer College Place. The ATC headquarters and visitor center is located on the corner of Storer College Place and Washington Street.
MARYLAND
Gathland State Park – Water available
Water is available at Gathland State Park from a spigot by the restrooms, 0.4 south of the Crampton Gap Shelter side trail.
Dahlgren Campground – Bear activity
Hikers have reported food supplies stolen by a bear at the Dahlgren Backpacker Campground. South Mountain SP has also noted other reports of bear problems in the area. Although black bears have not historically posed much of a problem to hikers in Maryland, they are out there and are now being seen more frequently.
Read
our recommendations for wildlife safety.
Raven Rock Shelter – Shelter open
Raven Rock Shelter is OPEN. Access to the new shelter is on the west side of the A.T., just a few feet south of the access to the old Devil’s Racecourse Shelter. The water source is a spring located 0.3 miles east from the A.T. (on the blue-blazed trail to the old shelter/Ritchie Road).
Pennsylvania
Pine Grove Furnace State Park – New 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 – New parking rules
Caledonia State Park now 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. (4/22/2013)
The Ironmasters Mansion hostel - Reopened for business
Note that the doors are locked from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
Rausch Gap Shelter – Now open
The Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club has completed the shelter renovations and it now open for overnight use.
Hamburg - Parking limited
Parking at the end of Reservoir Road is limited due to construction associated with Hamburg Watershed facilities.
Lehigh Gap to Little Gap – CAUTION - Remedial activities in progress
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. Frequent 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. (July 19, 2013)
Post Office Changes - Danielsville, Pennsylvania
Reduced hours: M - F 8:30 am - 12 pm, 2 - 4:30 pm; Saturday 8 am - 12 pm.
Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge Facility - Construction project
The Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge Facility will undergo a construction project from January 14 through October 1, 2013. The facility is located on Delaware Avenue, which is part of the A.T. Hikers should be alert to the construction activities and exercise caution. Impact on hikers is expected to be minimal. The sidewalk on the northern side of the street will remain open for the duration of the project and hikers should use that route for passage. The lower section of sidewalk on the southern side of the street will be closed and fenced off.
NEW JERSEY
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Road Reopened
Blue Mountain Lakes Road west of the trail has been repaired and reopened.
Sunfish Pond - Relocation opened
From the A.T. - Garvey Springs Trail junction north to a stream near the Upper Yards Creek Reservoir, a distance of about one mile, the trail has been relocated several hundred yards to the west. It now follows a contour just to the west of the height of land of the ridge. Just before rejoining the existing trail, the relocation provides an extensive up-river view of the Delaware River valley
NEW YORK
Bellvale Mountain (Warwick/Greenwood Lake) - Fixed ladder removed
A temporary replacement has been installed. As it's aluminum, care should be used, particularly when descending in wet weather. A more permanant solution is still
being planned.
Post Office Changes - Unionville, New York
Reduced hours: M - F 8 - 11:30 am, 1 - 5 pm; Saturday 8 am - 12 pm.
Little Dam Lake – Little Dam Bridge collapsed
Little Dam Bridge, just south of Little Dam Lake, 3 miles west (or Trail south) of NY 17 and the NY Thruway, collapsed. A crew from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has installed step stones.
Post Office Changes - Southfields, New York
Scheduled to change in late May or mid June 2013; no projected hours or date confirmed yet.
West Mountain - Relocation
Heading southbound, after crossing Seven Lakes Drive, the Trail meets and is co-aligned with the 1777W trail for 0.1 mile, then the new route turns left. After another 0.1, the trail meets and turns right on an old woods road. After about 0.2 miles, it turns left off the woods road and climbs for about 0.4 miles, where it rejoins the old A.T. at an open area with good views. The relocation is about 0.85 miles, roughly 0.2 longer than the old route. Refer to page 113 in the NY-NJ A.T. Guide.
Bear Mountain – Relocation
Parts of a planned three-mile relocation of the A.T. over Bear Mountain have been opened to the public. Hikers should pay close attention to blazing in the area. Work on the remainder of this relocation and restoration of the old route and social trails in the area will continue.
CONNECTICUT
Post Office Changes - Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut
Reduced hours: M - F 8:30 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm; Saturday 9 am - 12 pm.
Post Office Changes - Sharon, Connecticut
Reduced hours: M - F 9:30 am - 4:30 pm; Saturday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Guinea Brook (just north of Conn. 4/Cornwall Bridge) – Stepping stones washed away
The rock stepping stones across Guinea Brook are no longer safe to use. Crossing Guinea Brook requires fording or utilizing the blue blazed bypass trail. Use the “high water bypass” or the Mohawk Trail, or continue S on RT 4 to the Breadloaf Mountain parking area and take the blue trail to rejoin AT. The bypass is strongly recommended during periods of high water or icing.
Iron Bridge, Housatonic River - Closed to motor vehicles
The Iron Bridge across the Housatonic River at Fall Village near the power plant has been closed to motor vehicles by the Town of Salisbury. Pedestrian use is allowed at this time, but eventually the bridge will be closed to hikers when renovations begin. A relocation marked by orange blazes, involving a road walk on RT 128 and Dugway Road, will be instituted when the bridge officially closes during construction. (9/10/12)
MASSACHUSETTS
Upper Goose Pond Cabin Opening
The cabin will be opened on Saturday, May 18th for hikers to stay with a caretaker present until closing on October 20th (last night to stay in the cabin Saturday, October 19th). Hikers are advised to use the bear boxes to store their food as bears are active in the area. Also, no cooking is allowed on the porch. Please use the cook table under the pavilion roof behind the cabin or the picnic tables at the tent sites.
VERMONT
In September 2011, Hurricane Irene caused damage all along the A.T., but Vermont was hit hardest - extensive damage to the footpath, bridges, and access roads is still being addressed. Some bridges are still out so be careful when crossing streams; river crossings can be deceptively hazardous. Read
Safety Tips for Fording Streams and Rivers for more information.
For a list of extensive road and facility closures and other updates, visit the Green Mountain Club's Trail Updates page.
Post Office Changes - Danby, Vermont
Hours likely to be reduced to six hours each day; no specific schedule confirmed yet.
Tyringham Fire Company Pavilion: Hikers are again being allowed to camp at the pavilion in the center of town. From the Jerusalem Rd crossing hike downhill to the center of town, then left on Tyringham Main Rd just past the Fire House to the pavilion.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Post Office Changes - Lyme, New Hampshire
Hours likely to change; projected schedule unknown at this time.
Post Office Changes - Wentworth, New Hampshire
Reduced hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 11:00 pm, 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm; Saturday, 7:15 am - 12:00 pm.
Ore Hill Shelter – Burned down The Ore Hill Shelter, along Dartmouth Outing Club's section (NH/VT guidebook section 7) burned down sometime in late October 2011. ATC, DOC and Forest Service partners are investigating the cause and local situation. There are no current plans underway to replace it; however, as many A.T. club maintainers know, our system of continuous overnight shelters, lean-tos and campsites requires continuity. ATC will inform the public about the club's and partners' plans as soon as they are known. Post Office Changes - Warren, New Hampshire
Reduced hours: M - F 7:30 am - 9:30 am and 3 pm - 5 pm; Saturday 7:30 am - 11:30 am. This change took affect Jan. 12, 2013.
Post Office Changes - Glencliff, New Hampshire
Current hours are Monday - Friday 7 am - 10 am; 2 pm - 5 pm; Saturday 7 am - 1 pm. Projected hours (tentative) will be 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Cascade Brook Bridge out
The bridge on the A.T. (also known as the Cascade Brook Trail) over Cascade Brook was washed out during a spring 2011 flood. A short distance upstream from the former bridge site there is a rock hop crossing suitable at low to moderate water levels. During high water, the rock hop crossing is not safe and hikers should seek alternate routes. Heading northbound: It is recommended to leave the A.T. at Lonesome Lake and take the blue-blazed Lonesome Lake trail to the Pemi Trail (at the Lafayette place campground) and rejoin the A.T. just before going under Franconia Parkway (I-93/NH Rt.3). Heading southbound: Take the Pemi Trail after going under the Parkway to the Lonesome Lake Trail. See the A.T. New Hampshire-Vermont guidebook and map #3 or AMC's White Mountain Guide and Franconia-Pemigewasset map #2.
MAINE
Post Office Changes - Oquossoc, Maine
Expected to be reduced; no projected schedule confirmed.
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.
Kennebec Ferry Service – 2013 Schedule
May 24 – July 11: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. only
July 12 – September 30: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 1 – October 14: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. only
Click here or contact David P. Corrigan, ferry contractor, at (207) 672-4849 for details and current information regarding the ferry service.
Post Office Changes - Monson, Maine
Tentative projected schedule: M - F 8 am - 12 pm, 2:15 pm - 4:15 pm; Saturday 7:30 - 11:00 am. Date to take place not confirmed - likely fall 2013.
Gulf Hagas side trail – Footbridge washed out
The Gulf Hagas Brook bridge was washed out by spring high water. This does not affect the A.T. itself, but does affect access to a popular side trail. A replacement bridge will likely not be installed until fall (at the earliest). Until the bridge is replaced, hikers using the Gulf Hagas side trail will need to wade across the brook. Please cross at the designated ford rather than trampling brush up and down the banks of the stream.
Baxter State Park
Visit www.baxterstateparkauthority.com for closures and important information.