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)

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.

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

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

Shenandoah National Park  

Big Meadows Wayside Seasonal Re-opening Delayed
(Updated 4/22/19) The historic wayside, located at Skyline Drive Milepost 51, A.T. mile 926.2 from Springer Mtn. (0.9 east of the A.T.), which offers meals, groceries, and other services, is undergoing comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation. 

The campstore at the Wayside is now expected to open the second week of May.  For thru-hikers and campers in need of camping supplies and groceries, the Lewis Mountain campstore, located 7.8 miles south of Big Meadows (by trail) is currently open for the season. Due to delays caused by winter weather, other services such as meals provided at this 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. Additional info can be found here.

Skyline Drive Status
(4/22/19)  Skyline Drive is currently open in the north and central districts and the south district through Skyline Drive Mile 80.  Be mindful that winter weather can still persist well into April and additional closures are possible. The best way to check on the status of Skyline Drive is to call 540-999-3500, option 1, option 1. 

South District - A.T. updates, Skyline Drive Remains closed from Milepost 80-105
(4/22/19)  The Skyline Drive in the South District from mile 80 to mile 105 has remained closed since November due to downed trees on the roadway; be aware that rescue efforts will be severely impacted by the 25-mile road closure of this section of the Drive that will likely remain after snow and ice melts and other sections of the Drive re-open. For more information on park alerts and updates, click here.

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

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).

Pennsylvania

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

Prescribed Burn 3.5 miles south of Boiling Springs
(4/22/19) The PA Game Commission plans to conduct a 272-acre prescribed burn on a portion of state game lands 305 this spring sometime between late April and mid-May, 2019. The burn location is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail in the vicinity of Center Point Knob and Alec Kennedy Shelter approximately 3.5 miles south of Boiling Springs, PA. The A.T. will remain open, however hikers in the area at the time of the burn will likely experience smokey conditions.

Prescribed Burn - 4.5 miles south of Swatara State Park
(4/22/19) The PA Game Commission plans to conduct a 726-acre prescribed burn on state game lands 211 between late April and June 1, 2019. The "Beaver Dam" burn unit is located directly adjacent to, and northeast of, the A.T. near Rausch Gap Shelter, approximately 4.5 miles south of Swatara State Park. The A.T. will remain open, but due to the close proximity of the burn, hikers will likely experience smoky conditions.

Antietam Shelter -- Removal planned for May
(updated 4/22/19) The Antietam Shelter (mile 1073.5 from Springer Mtn., GA) is now slated to be removed sometime in early May.

New Jersey

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
(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

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 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

New Hampshire

Maine

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 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

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.