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Trail Updates

Keep up-to-date with the latest conditions on the Trail.
Report Trail conditions: [email protected]

alerts and trailwide updates

Backcountry conditions change constantly. It is your responsibility
to be prepared for the unexpected.

NOTICE: RESTRICTION ON BACKCOUNTRY CAMPFIRES IN SMOKIES, POTENTIALLY DRY WATER SOURCES IN MANY AREAS
(Updated 10/11/2019) Backcountry fires are temporarily prohibited in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to dry conditions.

Fire danger is elevated in many other areas; use extreme caution with campfires. Note that a fire ban is in place in Bland County in southwest Virginia but does not apply to the federal lands of the A.T.  Fire bans may be announced  by land managers in dry areas along the A.T. if drought conditions worsen. For info on regulations pertaining to campfires in the backcountry along the A.T. and tips for reducing wildfire risk, visit our campfire safety page.

Seasonal springs can be expected to be dry. Due to drought conditions in many areas, the springs or streams at overnight sites may also be dry or with very slow flow. A number of springs in Georgia especially have been reported to be dry. Hikers are advised to carry extra water, allow additional time to collect water (which should always be treated--click here for more info), and be prepared to follow the watercourse below springs downhill for some distance to find water. Reports of water scarcity are posted in the state-by-state section below where reports have been received; no mention of dry water sources does not mean that scarcity does not exist.

Backpackers are advised to be prepared for these conditions by carrying extra water containers and collecting and filtering and/or treating water whenever they find it. Consider alternate plans if you are not prepared to potentially carry several liters of water.

View U.S. Drought Monitor maps to get a general sense of conditions in states and counties along the A.T. 

VERMONT - NEW FOOD STORAGE REQUIREMENT
(7/2/82019) A new forest order by the Green Mountain National Forest requires hikers to store food and refuse in a canister or hang it following prescribed specifications. See the Vermont section below for more information.

BEAR WARNINGS
Improper food storage can lead to human/bear conflicts on the A.T.  Carry a bear-resistant personal food storage container to reduce negative human/bear interactions and keep you, your food, and bears safe when camping on the A.T. For more information, visit our black bear page. Please use the Bear Incident Report Form form to report any bear incidents. Your report will help reduce human/bear conflicts on the A.T.  

Current overnight site closures, warnings and cautions (See state-by-state sections below for more detail):
View a summary of 2018 Reported Bear Incidents.

TO REPORT AN INCIDENT
To report incidents or something suspicious, visit our Reporting Incidents page.

Report any notable trail conditions to [email protected]. Photos are helpful. 

DAMAGED TREES FROM MULTIPLE RECENT STORMS MAY PRESENT CAMPING HAZARDS
Recent storms and hurricanes that included ice, high winds, or heavy and prolonged rains have created hazards from damaged or unstable trees due to saturated soils. These will remain a concern in many areas for some time. Dead and diseased trees and limbs can be present under any conditions. Campers need to be extremely vigilant about inspecting overnight sites for trees and limbs around and above them that could fall, even in completely still conditions. Be vigilant about your surroundings and stay safe.

TRAILHEAD VANDALISM REPORTS
Although trailhead areas are generally safe, vandalism or car break-ins can potentially occur at any remote trailhead. Never leave valuables visible in your vehicle. Recent incidents and areas with ongoing problems are noted below. For more tips and a list of areas with known incidents for the last several years, visit the vandalism section of our Transportation & Parking page.

HIKER SERVICES UPDATES 
This link provides listing of changed or new services for hikers along the Trail or in A.T. communities since the 2019 A.T. Thru-Hikers' Companion was published.

See below for a state-by-state listing for more details and updates.

 
 
 
 
 
 

​trail updates by state

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Georgia

Water source information
(9/30/19) Many springs and even some creeks have been reported to be dry. Plan to carry significantly more water than usual, and allow extra time to collect water. Bear in mind that when springs are dry, sometimes water can be found by following the watercourse downhill. Before hitting the trail, check the link below for updates. 

Info on the status of water sources in Georgia:

     Georgia A.T. Club - Water Sources & Availability

Bear Activity/Canister Recommendation -- Bull Gap and Baggs Creek Gap Campsites 
(9/25/19) Bears are stealing food in the area of Bull Gap Campsite (mile 32.4) and Baggs Creek Gap Campsite (mile 35.5). Bear canisters are highly recommended for storage of food and other smellable items.

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.

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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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Temporary Ban on Backcountry Campfires
(9/26/2019) A temporary ban on backcountry campfires in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is effective immediately. Due to abnormally dry weather conditions, the potential for wildfires to occur in the backcountry has dramatically increased. Use of backpacking stoves that utilize pre-packaged compressed gas canisters is still permitted at backcountry campsites. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice.

Bear activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Closures & Cautions 
Every year problematic bear activity has been reported at some overnight sites, trail sections, 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 (Updated 9/16/2019)
- Cosby Knob Shelter (mile 231.1) - CAUTION
 

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 

Roan Highlands Water Report
(10/1/19) Hiker report from trip taken 9/21-9/23/2019, from WhiteBlaze.net:
- Roan High Knob Shelter: The piped spring is not flowing. Near the pipe is a clear pool of water where a liter or two of water may be obtained by dipping a few ounces at a time.
- Carvers Gap spring: Pipe not flowing. Dry.
- Piped spring just north of Grassy Ridge Trail intersection: Flowing. 1 liter - 45 seconds to fill.
- Stan Murray Shelter: Not flowing; just a drip.
- Overmountain Shelter: Flowing well. 1 liter - 15 seconds to fill.
- Piped spring before Bradley Gap: Not flowing; just a drip.
- Doll Flats spring: Flowing slowly. 1 liter - 2 minutes 15 


Dry Section (15.9 miles) between Spring Mountain Shelter and Jerry Cabin Shelter
(9/21/19) A dry section has been reported between Spring Mountain Shelter (285.9) and Jerry Cabin Shelter (mile 301.8), with no water at Little Laurel Shelter (294.5)--hiker report.

Overmountain Shelter - Closed Until Further Notice
(9/4/19) In order to protect public safety, the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest has closed the Overmountain Shelter (mile 386.0). Forest Service engineers have determined that the building has become structurally unsound and cannot safely accommodate people. Further evaluations will occur to identify viable management options for the site. The fields around the shelter remain open for tent camping; hikers are asked not to pitch their tent within 40 feet of the shelter in the event there is a structural failure. For more information, view our press release here.

 

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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.
 

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Southwest Virginia

(9/18/19) Trail Closure & Temporary Re-Route near Dickey Gap (Mount Rogers National Recreation Area)
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) footbridge over Comers Creek is unsafe due to a structural fault and will be removed. The previous route of the A.T. is currently CLOSED for two miles, until a safe crossing of Comers Creek is established. The closed section is between Comers Creek Road/VA-650/Dickey Gap and the junction with the Dickey Gap Trail.

A temporary re-reroute of the Appalachian Trail (now following VA-650/Comers Creek Road, the Hurricane Campground Road, and Dickey Gap Trail) has been marked with white blazes and is the official route of the A.T. until the closed section is re-opened. Directions are below.

SOUTHBOUND
Starting at Dickey Gap A.T. trailhead, mile 520.1 (near the junction of VA 16 and VA 650/Comers Creek Road):

Turn RIGHT on gravel Comers Creek Road (VA 650), away from paved VA 16. Follow the gravel road for 1.5 miles to the paved road opposite Hurricane Campground. Turn LEFT on paved road opposite Hurricane Campground, and follow it for 0.3 miles. Look for the wooden signpost for the Dickey Gap Trail on your left. Turn LEFT onto Dickey Gap Trail and follow it 0.4 miles to where it ends at the A.T. junction. Turn RIGHT to continue southbound on the Appalachian Trail.

NORTHBOUND
Starting at A.T. junction with Dickey Gap Trail, mile 518.1 (please note wooden signpost at the junction reads "Hurricane Campground 0.4 miles" but does not say "Dickey Gap Trail"; also, note some sources refer to this trail informally as the “Hurricane Campground Trail.”):

Turn LEFT on the Dickey Gap Trail. Follow Dickey Gap Trail 0.4 miles until it ends at the paved road opposite Hurricane Campground. Turn RIGHT on the paved road and follow it for 0.3 miles until it ends at Comers Creek Road/VA 650, which is a gravel road. Turn RIGHT on the gravel road and follow it for 1.5 miles until you reach the A.T. near the junction of VA 650 and paved VA 16. To continue northbound, rejoin the A.T. on the same side of the road as the parking lot and information kiosk.

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

Dry/Low Water Sources in McAfee Knob Area
(9/21/2019) Report from Roanoke A.T. Club 9/18/2019: Johns Spring Shelter (mile 710.9) and Catawba Shelter (mile 711.9) are dry; Pig Farm Campsite (714.2)/Campbell Shelter (714.3) has a trickle from both hoses, Lamberts Shelter/Campground (720.3) has dwindling puddles, low flow, best at the camp ground. Check Roanoke A.T. Club Facebook page for possible updates.
Brown Mountain Creek - Temporary Relocation
A 0.7-mile section of the A.T. has been temporarily relocated due to damage to the lower Brown Mountain Creek bridge. The relocation is blazed and signed at both ends. The relocation is approximately 0.1 shorter, on an old roadbed. The bridge is expected to be replaced in 2020.

Pearisburg/Peters Mountain – Mountain Valley Pipeline Construction
(6/29/18) A.T. hikers should be alert for construction-related activity in the vicinity of Pocahontas Road (mile 640.9) and Symms Gap Meadow (mile 648.3), on Peters Mountain north of Pearisburg, VA. The Appalachian Trail will remain open during construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Parking at the junction of Clendennin Road/Va. 641 and Pocahontas Road (mile 640.8) is more limited than usual, and hikers may be approached by a security guard with information about construction activities. 


Shenandoah National Park

Water Source Updates
A listing of water sources and their conditions along the Appalachian Trail and Skyline Drive, including numerous year-round frost-free hydrants, can be found here.

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. 

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West Virginia


Loudoun Heights - A.T. Relocation and Loudoun Heights Trail changes
(10/7/2019) A 0.4-mile A.T. relocation toward the top of Loudoun Heights not changed the mileage significantly; however, the A.T. now reaches the ridgetop about 0.4 south of its former location. The new location is just north of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park southern boundary and a few hundred feet north of the Virginia/West Virginia border.

The Split Rock overlook at the north end of the blue-blazed Loudoun Heights Trail can now be accessed from the A.T. only via the Orange Trail, which connects to the northern half of the blue-blazed Loudoun Heights Trail. The Loudoun Heights Trail south of the Orange Trail has been closed. To see the current trail route, view this Loudoun Heights Hike Map.

Harpers Ferry Lower Town Stone Steps - Temporary Closure and Re-Route
(10/7/2019) Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will close the 1810 Stone Steps in Lower Town from October 7 to November 15 for masonry repairs and conservation treatment. Barricades will be placed at the top and bottom of the steps and signs will re-route visitors and hikers around the closure. 

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Maryland

Dahlgren Backpackers Campground—Facilities remain open but will close in coming weeks
(9/30/2019)  The Dahlgren Backpackers Campground seasonal bathroom and showers operated by South Mountain Recreation Area will remain open for the near future but will be winterized before below-freezing temperatures become frequent.

Water source update
(9/30/2019) Info on the status of water sources in Maryland:

The following sources are reported dry; all others are flowing:

Crampton Gap Shelter spring
Pine Knob Shelter spring
Ensign Cowall Shelter spring
Black Rock Creek

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.

 

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Pennsylvania

Pine Grove General Store open weekends only 
(10/1/2019) The store, located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, has changed to fall hours, open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm weekends only.

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

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.  

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New Jersey

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Road Closure
(9/3/19) Starting 9/9/19, one mile of Old Mine Road between Millbrook Village and Flatbrookville (mile markers 13 to 14) will be closed during the week for extensive road repairs. The road will re-open each Friday at 7:00 pm and be open over the weekend. Blue Mountain Lakes Road will be closed during the week as part of this project, limiting access to the A.T. via Blue Mountain Lakes Road to weekends. This closure is expected to last through mid-November.

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.

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New York

Fingerboard Shelter - Aggressive Bear
(5/27/2019) There have been multiple reports of habituated bears stealing hikers' food at the Fingerboard Shelter site (mile 1390.1), including ripping tents in search of food. Hikers are advised to avoid camping at this shelter unless they are carrying a bear-resistant canister or other approved food storage container that is used according to manufacturer's directions. Food should never be taken or stored inside a hiker's tent. See www.appalachiantrail.org/bears for more tips on storing food and staying safe from bears.
Shenandoah Tenting Area Alert - Water source contaminated (Pump Closed)
(Updated 12/20/2018) The well at this campsite has been closed due to microbial contamination and will remain in effect until further notice.

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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.

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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.

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    New Hampshire


    No updates at this time.

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    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 8/26/19) 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).
    		 monsonvc2019


    Baxter State Park

    (Updated 8/26/19) 2019 Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hiker Permit: A free A.T. long distance hiker permit is 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 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 2019 are limited by a Baxter State Park quota: 3150 A.T. hikers. If all available permit cards have been issued for 2019, "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 FAQs below. 

    Baxter Quota FAQs

    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.