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 approved bear-resistant storage containers 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. For more information, 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.

Seasonal Road Closure of Deep Gap Road/USFS 71
Deep Gap Road (US FS71, south of Standing Indian), is closed seasonally from roughly 1/1 to 3/31.

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

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. 

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.

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
Hikers should use caution near Watauga Dam as bears are active in this area; hikers should be alert for and keep a respectful distance from bear(s) with cubs.
Watauga Lake Shelter - Closed
Watauga Lake Shelter closed to all entry due to bear activity.

No picnicking, lingering or overnight camping. Hiking the Appalachian Trail only. BEARS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA. Please continue through the area without stopping. Closure Order: National Forest System lands Oliver Hollow Rd. to Wilbur Dam; closed until further notice.
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

Overnight Camping Re-Opening in Mt. Rogers High Country; Advisories still in effect
(Revised 10/2/2018) The USDA Forest Service has reopened the portions of the A.T. in the Mt. Rogers NRA High Country (Elk Garden/VA-600 to Fox Creek/VA-603, mile 494.3 to 511.3) that had been temporarily closed to camping due to bear activity. Since the time of the closure on August 30, the Forest Service and partner agencies have monitored the area and have seen no further issues with black bear activity and human encounters. However, habituated bears may still be active in the area, so visitors should remain alert.

All campers should carry and store their food in bear canisters or store their food in established bear boxes or electric fences out of bears reach. Bear boxes are located at Thomas Knob Shelter, Wise Shelter, and near the A.T. just west of Rhododendron Gap on the Crest Trail. Electric fences are located near Rhododendron Gap. Additional bear boxes will be installed soon.

Visitors are advised to use all precautions to avoid attracting bears during their visit. This is especially important during the fall season when bears are in search of food to prepare for winter.

The Forest Service is continuing to work with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Grayson Highlands State Park, the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club to evaluate options to address the human-bear conflict issue.

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

Ice Storm Damage Report*
(Updated 12/6/2018) Downed trees and broken limbs may be blocking the Trail or creating overhead hazards in areas in the wake of an ice storm on November 14-15. Some areas may be impassible; access roads to the Trail may be blocked. Downed trees can create a variety of hazards. Hikers are advised to choose areas that have been cleared or where there is no suspected damage. If you do hike affected areas, be prepared for your pace to be much slower than normal, or to backtrack. Volunteers have begun to clear sections but some areas remain inaccessible to conduct assessments.
 
*Expect areas below with no reports to have damage

734.2 - 740.4 Fullhardt Knob Shelter to Wilson Creek Shelter - Heavy damage (hiker report 11/23/18)

742.8  - 750.8 Blackhorse Gap to Cove Mountain Shelter - Cleared (updated trail club report 12/6/18)
757.4 - 761.2 Jennings Creek/Va. 614 to Bryant Ridge Shelter - a couple blockages involving multiple trees, but not widespread ice damage (trail club report 11/29/18)
761.2 - 768.8 Bryant Ridge Shelter to Parkers Gap Road/USFS 812; BRP mp 78.4 - Some damage (hiker report 11/27)
768.8 -  771.6 Parkers Gap Road/USFS 812; BRP mp 78.4 to 1/4 mile north of Thunder Hill Shelter - Heavy damage (hiker report 11/27)
771.6 - 773.0 - Thunder Hill Shelter to Thunder Hill Overlook; BRP mp 74.7 - Cleared (trail club update 12/6/18)
773.0 - 777.3 Thunder Hill Overlook to Highcock Knob - Heavy damage (hiker report)
778.8 - 785.8  Sulphur Spring Trail (south junction) to James River Foot Bridge - Cleared except for one large tree (trail club update 12/6/18)
785.8 - 816.3 James River Foot Bridge to Salt Log Gap (north) – Cleared (trail club update 12/4/18)
824.6 - 826.6 Spy Rock 1 mile north - Fair amount of blowdowns (hiker report 11/22/18)
826.7 Cash Hollow Road – Large Blowdowns in both directions (trail club report 11/20/18)
843.9 - 852.5 Reids Gap to Humpback Rocks side trail - most major blowdowns cleared (trail club report 12/2/18)
852.5 - 863.0 Humpback Rocks side Trail to Rockfish Gap -  Extensive damage (club report 12/2/18)

Blue Ridge Parkway Real Time Road Open-Close Status (this does not necessarily correlate with trail conditions for A.T. sections in the vicinity). Many portions paralleling the A.T. from Rockfish Gap to Roanoke are closed.

Blue Ridge Parkway Facebook Page - Check here for additional updates. A.T. conditions may differ from the nearest parkway conditions. 

Shenandoah National Park 

Ice Storm Damage
(Updated 11/28/18) In the southern section of the park, numerous downed trees and broken limbs are blocking the Trail or creating overhead hazards in the wake of an ice storm on November 14-15. Many areas of the A.T. in this section are likely to be impassible or hazardous. Long-distance hikers are advised to walk on Skyline Drive instead of the A.T. until further notice.

Hikers are advised to consider alternate sections of the A.T. as hiking and camping conditions can be dangerous. If you are injured, help may not be able to reach you. For more information on the status of Skyline Drive, the Appalachian Trail, and other trails in the park, click here.

Big Meadows Wayside Seasonal Re-opening will be delayed in 2019
(February 5, 2019) The historic wayside, which offers meals, groceries, and other services, is undergoing comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation. Due to delays caused by winter weather, the facility which was scheduled to re-open March 29 could remain closed as late as May 15, 2019. The gas pumps will still be accessible but no parking will be available. A.T. hikers should have back-up plans for the Big Meadows area, in the event the Wayside is not operational during their trip. Check goshenandoah.com/dining/food-groceries to confirm whether or not the Big Meadows Wayside is open. The facility is located at Skyline Drive Milepost 51, A.T. mile 926.2 from Springer Mtn. (0.9 east of the A.T.)

Calf Mountain Shelter to Jarman Gap - Temporary Relocation
(Updated 12/10/18) 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 May of 2019.

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

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.

 

Dahlgren Backpackers Campground—Closed for the season
(12/12/2018)  The Dahlgren Backpackers Campground seasonal bathroom and showers operated by South Mountain Recreation Area are closed for the winter; a portable toilet is in place..

Water source update
(10/6/18) 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).

Pennsylvania

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
(11/1/18)  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.

A.T. Midpoint (approx.)—Dead Woman's Hollow Prescribed Burn and Temporary Reroute Pending
The A.T. north of Dead Woman’s Hollow Road may be rerouted  for short durations during prescribed fire operations. Hikers should observe signage and follow any re-routes as directed and be aware that conditions may be very smoky. The PA Bureau of Forestry (PA BOF) in cooperation with ATC, PATC and the Western PA Conservancy, are conducting a 500+ acre project aimed at restoring a Scrub Oak/Pitch Pine Barrens ecosystem within the Big Pine Flats eco-region. The project began in the spring of 2016 and includes approximately 2 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) and its associated corridor in Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest near Dead Woman’s Hollow Road. This area is a critical reference site for pitch pine/scrub oak habitat. It will be treated using prescribed burning, a commercial timber sale, and mechanical mowing of the forest understory and some portion of the overstory tree layers. For more info, contact: Roy Brubaker, District Forester, Michaux State Forest, (717) 352-2211.

Pine Grove General Store Closed for the season
(11/9/18) The store, located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, has closed for until next spring.

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

High Point Shelter - Closed for Repairs
(10/4/18) The High Point Shelter (mile 1339.1) will be closed as soon as an extended period of dry weather is forecast so that repairs can be made. However, while the repairs are taking place, the area around the shelter will be available for overnight use.

Worthington SF/Delaware Water Gap NRA - no A.T. access at Kaiser Road (from east side of ridge) Sept-Dec.
(6/19/18) Public access to recreation facilities at the Yards Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric facility will be closed from September to December 2018 for construction activities. Access to the Kaiser Road Trail (approx. mile 1303.3) on the east side of the Kittatinny Ridge will be unavailable during this closure. Access to the Appalachian Trail and other side trails to the A.T., including the Kaiser Road Trail from Old Mine Road on the west side of the ridge, are not affected by this closure.
 

Water source update
(11/9/2018) Info on the status of water sources in the NJ state:

Water sources flowing well.

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

Bear Mountain – Relocation Complete
(11/9/2018) This remarkable 12+ year long trail design and construction project is finally done.  Over 3,000 volunteers helped with the project by contributing 85,000 hours. The Trail at Bear Mountain transformed from a wide, eroded and overused footpath into a sustainable ascent, including 1,298 steps (not including base steps).   

Connecticut 

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
(5/21/2018) River Road in Kent, CT (trail north of Saint John's Ledges Parking) is closed to vehicular traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. Minimal parking is available at Saint John's Ledges parking area. The A.T. remains open as usual for foot travel only.

Massachusetts

Shaker Campsite—regular bear activity
The Shaker Campsite (mile 153.3 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

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

Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Monson, ME
(Updated 7/30/18) Everyone is welcome. Long-distance hikers are able to obtain information about the 2018 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: 8-11, 1-5 every day (June 6 to Oct 14) Address: 6 Tenney Hill, Monson, ME 04464 Phone: (207) 573-0163  (active as of June 6) 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.

 

Kennebec Ferry Service
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. 2018 Kennebec Ferry schedule. 

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.