Trail Updates
Even the latest guides and maps can't always keep up with quickly changing Trail conditions. Check here for information on current conditions, relocations, and other big changes along the Trail.
Have you noticed a problem on the Trail that requires attention? Please contact us.
Local weather reports, including watches, warnings, and advisories, are available from the National Weather Service.
Notable recent posts: Fire damage north of Bearwallow Gap/VA 43 (Central Virginia)
I-81 overpass repair work (Pennsylvania)
Tennessee-North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains conditions and closures - Seasonal and temporary closures of park facilities and backcountry water source updates can be found on the Great Smoky Mountains NP website. (Posted 10/18/07)
New Wayah Shelter - Located 1 mile north of Wayah Bald, the Nantahala Hiking Club completed this new shelter in May 2007. Privy on-site; water source is nearby spring. (Posted 06/20/07)
Bear activity at Roaring Fork and Walnut Mountain Shelters: Recent reports indicate problem bears frequently visiting both shelter sites, taking hikers' food bags improperly hung too close to the ground. Hikers using these sites should be extra cautious and follow proper Leave No Trace practices: maintain a clean camp and hang food bags properly (at least 10 feet off ground, 6 ft. away from tree trunk, 6 ft. down from branch, and 200 ft. from sleeping/eating areas). If available, use food-hanging cable systems installed near shelters. More detailed info on wildlife safety can be found on Health and Safety. (Posted 04/25/08)
New Mountaineer Shelter - Shelter located 8.5 miles north of US 19E, 1.7 miles south of Walnut Mountain Road. Water source (spring) available; no privy. The 2006 Damascus Hard Core Trail Crew, under the leadership of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club, constructed this shelter in 2006. (Posted 05/02/07)
(SERVICE UPDATE) Abby's Place hostel closed (`08 Companion pg. 55) - Due to the passing of Ron Frey "Van Go", the hostel will not be open this season. (Posted 02/12/08)
Southwest Virginia
Vehicle thefts in the Mt. Rogers area - According to the Mt. Rogers NRA, 100 vehicle thefts have been reported in the area since 1999. Authorities believe a highly organized ring of theives is responsible, targeting mostly 4WD trucks and SUVs. Frequently targeted A.T. parking areas include US 58 at Straight Branch, VA 600 at Elk Garden, and VA 603 at Fox Creek. Hikers should use caution when leaving vehicles at any local trailhead; suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail. Safer hiker parking is available at some locations in Damascus, as well as the Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters (when construction work is completed - see update below). (Posted 07/12/07)
Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters temporary parking restriction - Due to construction work at the headquarters building, overnight parking will not be permitted at the Mt. Rogers NRA headquarters on VA Rt. 16 near the town of Marion. Day parking will still be permitted, and the visitor center will remain open during the construction work. Overnight hikers may leave vehicles parked on the north side of VA Rt. 16 (across from the headquarters entrance) during this time. (Updated 05/12/08)
(SERVICE UPDATE) New hostel in Rural Retreat, VA (near Atkins/Groseclose) - Located 6 miles Trail east (compass north) of the US 11/I-81 A.T. crossing, this new hostel is operated by the Rural Retreat Historical Society. No set rates, but donations appreciated. One large room with bunk space for 20 persons. Hostel also has kitchen and restrooms with hot water (no showers). Dogs are ok; alcohol/drugs are NOT ok. No outdoor camping. No maildrops (use P.O.). Nearby services in the town of Rural Retreat include post office (zip 24368), grocery store, laundromat, restaurants, and library with internet. Call Gail Hall at (276) 686-6347 for availability of bunk space and potential shuttles. Website is www.ruralretreathistoricalsociety.com. (Posted 03/20/08)
Davis Path Shelter removal - In May of 2008, this shelter was converted to a tent platform by removal of the roof and walls. Tent pads will soon be constructed nearby (using logs from the shelter walls), and the platform will then be demolished. (Posted 05/12/08)
Laurel Creek footbridge closure - Located at VA 615 6.9 miles south of US 21/52 near Bastian, VA, the A.T. footbridge across Laurel Creek is closed for repairs. Hikers may ford the creek, or follow a blue blazed side Trail which leads to/from an alternate crossing on VA 615. Signs have been posted to direct hikers onto the temporary route. Note that the formerly blue-blazed high water route just south of VA 615 has recently been changed to white-blaze. The formerly white-blazed route along Little Wolf Creek has been re-painted blue. This A.T. route change may be temporary -- check back for future updates. (Updated 1/31/08)
Central Virginia
Pine Swamp Branch Shelter closed due to storm damage – A storm in 2007 brought a tree down on the shelter, heavily damaging the structure. Shelter should be considered closed to use until repairs can be made. Camping is still permited in the vicinity of the shelter, and privy and spring are not affected by the storm damage. (Updated 08/30/07)
Stony Creek footbridge out – This bridge just south of VA 635 was washed out by heavy rains from the 2004 hurricanes. Construction has begun on a new bridge, but has encountered delays. Until the new structure is complete, hikers should use VA 635 (temporarily white-blazed) as an alternate route to cross Stony Creek on a road bridge. Fording the stream is not recommended due to highly variable water levels after rains. (Updated 05/29/08)
Relocation at Bearwallow Gap/VA 43 – Minor A.T. relocations on both sides of VA 43 have eliminated the short road walk. The Trail now directly crosses the road. (Posted 02/05/08)
Forest fire damage north of Bearwallow Gap - A wildfire over the July 4 weekend has now been contained, but numerous trees were damaged over a 1.5 mile section of the A.T. starting roughly 1.5 miles north of Bearwallow Gap/VA 43. This section is open for use; however, falling timber may present a safety hazard. During periods of high winds hikers are advised to use an alternate route to bypass the burned area Camping is prohibited in the burned area due to the danger of falling timber. Cove Mountain Shelter is slightly north of the burned area, and is not affected by the camping ban. Alternate route, Bearwallow Gap to Jennings Creek: Follow VA 43 0.5 mi. east to reach Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). Follow BRP north 2 mi. to reach VA 618 (aka McFalls Creek Rd.). Turn left and follow VA 618 for 4 mi. to reach VA 614 (aka Jennings Creek Rd.). Turn left and follow VA 614 for 1.5 mi. to reach A.T. crossing (just past Middle Creek Picnic area). Southbounders should follow the reverse of these directions. This alternate route will add 1.5 mi. to the normal Trail distance for this section. (Posted 07/07/08)
Shenandoah National Park
Marys Rock A.T. trailhead and parking temporarily closed - Shenandoah NP has begun construction of new visitor facilities at Thornton Gap/US 211, starting with the demolition of the old Panorama Restaurant building. During the construction period, both the upper and lower parking lots on the south side of US 211 along with the A.T. access trail near the old Panorama building will be closed. These closures only affect A.T. access; the A.T. itself will not be closed. Backcountry permits and a water faucet are available from the Skyline Drive Entrance Station on the north side of US 211. (Updated 06/06/08)
Northern Virginia and West Virginia
Ovoka Farm relocation near Ashby Gap/US 50 - This relocation, 1.4 miles long, replaces a 2.0 mile long section of the Trail, making the length of the Ashby Gap to Manassas Gap section 0.6 mile shorter. This relo was constructed to bring the Trail out of the forest and through open ridgeline meadows to the east of the former A.T. route. The former route will be maintained as a lavender-blazed side trail. Learn more.
Linden area trailhead parking closure – VA 638 trailhead parking area closed. Recommend using parking area off VA 55 on VA 725 (just north of I-66).
(SERVICE UPDATE) New hostel near Linden - Private cottage will sleep up to 4 hikers in any season. $100 for cabin per night also includes shower and dinner for each guest, plus Internet access, satellite TV, and swimming pool (during summer). Maildrops accepted. No dogs. Will pick up at Tucker Road trailhead (I-66 underpass at Manassas Gap). Call Brandt at (304) 279-4361 for more info. (Updated 10/15/07)
VANDALISM ALERT: Keys Gap parking area -This parking area, located on Rt. 9 at the Virginia-West Virginia state line, has a long history of break-ins and vandalism. Two recent incidents occured over the weekend of Feb. 16-17; another was reported two weeks earlier. Leaving cars here overnight is not recommended; suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail. (Updated 02/20/08)
Overnight use closure at Keys Gap - Illegal activity in the Keys Gap area has not involved direct threats to hikers (only hikers' vehicles). However, to promote the security of Trail users and assist law enforcement, camping is now prohibited within the 1.5 mile section from WV Rt. 9 north to the powerline cut, and within 0.5 mile south of Rt. 9. (Posted 11/09/07)
(SERVICE UPDATE) Hilltop House Hotel closed until 2011 - Hotel and restaurant are undergoing a complete renovation and will be closed until 2011. (Posted 02/20/08)
Maryland
VANDALISM ALERT: Keep Tryst Road parking area - Three vehicles reported vandalized in one incident during February 2008. Weverton Rd. (0.4 mi N) is preferable for day parking. For longer-distance hikers, Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center (5.0 mi N) allows parking for up to two weeks and is very secure. (Posted 04/03/08)
Bear sightings at Maryland campsites - Black bears have not traditionally been a problem at overnight sites in Maryland, but a couple recent sightings prove that BEARS DO EXIST along that section. Bears can become a problem if they lose their fear of humans and become accustomed to hikers as a source of food. Food supplies hung inside a shelter are within easy reach of a bear; "bear-bagging" is highly recommended when camping anywhere along the A.T. More info on proper food storage can be found on Health and Safety. (Posted 06/20/07)
Weverton Campsite closure - The C&O Canal National Historic Park has closed this campsite. Located 2.5 miles north of Harpers Ferry along the section of the A.T. on the C&O Canal, this former campsite is still described in the current edition A.T. Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia. Dispersed camping is not permitted along the A.T. in Maryland; the closest designated campsite is the Ed Garvey Shelter, 3.5 miles north.
New Rocky Run Shelter now open - The Potomac A.T. Club has completed work on the new Rocky Run Shelter, and it is now open for use. New shelter structure is located very close to the original Rocky Run Shelter, built by the CCC in 1941. The old shelter remains closed for restoration work. (Updated 06/17/08)
Pennsylvania
Darlington Shelter spring dry - The spring serving as the water source near the Darlington Shelter is known to be unreliable. An alternate water source is a more reliable spring located 1 mile south of the shelter.
Repair work on I-81 overpass starting early July - Located 9 miles north of the town of Boiling Springs, this bridge carries both the A.T. and Bernhisel Road (also called Bernhisel Bridge Rd.) over Interstate 81. Beginning on or about July 7, the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow for a repair/rehab project lasting about two months. During most of this project, the contractor will provide a safe, marked path for A.T. hikers to cross the bridge 24 hours a day. However, there will be a roughly 10 day period when the bridge will be barricaded, and no pedestrian traffic will be permitted to cross at any time, day or night. During this closure period, the contractor will provide a free shuttle around the bridge between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and signs will be posted to direct night hikers around a 3.1 mile road walk detour. I-81 is a busy, high speed corridor -- under no circumstances should hikers attempt to walk across the I-81 travel lanes. As it becomes available, more information about the closure will be posted both here and at shelters and road crossings north and south of the bridge. (Posted 05/29/08)
Backpack stolen in Duncannon - On the morning of May 26, a hiker's backpack was stolen from Duncannon Park, an area next to US 11/15 on the south side of town. Left unattended, the pack was missing when the hiker returned. The pack was later found stashed nearby, but some valuable items had been removed. Equipment such as backpacks should never be left unattended while in a town. If possible, have another trustworthy hiker watch over your gear while you visit stores and other establishments. More security tips can be found on our Personal Safety page. (Posted 05/29/08)
Rausch Creek bridge closed, temporary relo in place - Used by the A.T. to cross Rausch Creek, this 150-year old former railroad bridge has begun to collapse. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has closed and barricaded the bridge, and the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club has constructed a temporary A.T. relocation. This relo is marked by signs on both ends, and temporary white metal blazes nailed to trees. Directions (going south to north): Upon reaching the blue-blazed side trail to Rausch Gap Shelter, turn left and proceed downhill to Rausch Creek. Cross creek on rocks, then proceed uphill on old woods road, bearing to the right and heading back downhill before rejoining A.T. northbound (near barricaded bridge). This relo does not greatly change the length of this section. The Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to rebuild the former railroad bridge. (Updated 05/07/08)
VANDALISM ALERT: PA Rt. 309 parking area - An attempted break-in was reported here in mid-June. Local law enforcement reports an auto theft ring is operating in the area, and the Little Gap parking area (north of Lehigh Gap) has also been targeted. Suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail. (Posted 06/25/08)
Temporary relocation at Palmerton remediation project - Zinc smelting plants (now shut down) in Palmerton have left Blue Mountain nearly devoid of vegetation in the Lehigh Gap area. A long-term remediation project was begun in March. As part of this project, a temporary A.T. relocation has been constructed around a section of old road that will be rebuilt and used for vehicle access for the remediation activity. This relo begins at Little Gap and continues south for approximately 1 mile, following the boundary between Pennsylvania Game Commission land and NPS A.T. land. The relo is marked with normal 2 x 6 inch white A.T. blazes; hikers should be aware that Game Commission boundaries are also marked with white paint blazes, but those are generally less defined (not as square shaped and varying in size). As another part of the project, material (seed, fertilizer, and lime) will be applied to certain areas using aircraft. Some short-duration Trail closures may be necessary during spreading operations, during which personnel will be stationed on the Trail to advise hikers. (Updated 03/28/08)
VANDALISM ALERT: (town of) Delaware Water Gap - Recently reported was a vehicle break-in at the A.T. parking lot on Mountain Road near the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA. Suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail. (Posted 01/16/08)
New Jersey
New York and New Jersey updates - The NY-NJ Trail Conference website contains info on current Trail Conditions. (Updated 04/10/08)
Illegal ATV activity near Unionville and Vernon - Hikers can assist Trail-corridor law enforcement by reporting any illegal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) usage observed along the A.T. in the Unionville, NY and Vernon, NJ area. This section includes the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge and the Pochuck boardwalk. Use the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference's illegal usage report form, and/or e-mail incident@appalachiantrail.org. If possible, note numbers of riders, model and color of ATVs, places where tire tracks enter/exit the Trail, damage, etc. Do not be confrontational -- just make notes, take photos if possible, and report your observations when you return home. (Posted 04/07/08)
Relocation near Wawayanda Shelter - The route of the A.T. was recently changed through the area around Wawayanda Shelter, just south of Warwick Turnpike. The Trail now passes compass south of the shelter; the blue blazed side trail now turns Trail west to reach the shelter, not east as described in the current A.T. Guide to New York-New Jersey (and other A.T. guides). More details and a map showing the new route can be found on the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference website. (Updated 04/30/08)
New York
(SERVICE UPDATE) Bear Mountain Inn closure - The Bear Mountain Inn is currently closed while building renovations take place. The Inn plans to re-open in 2008.
Relocation south of Telephone Pioneers Shelter - Volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference are working on a short relo between West Mountain and Telephone Pioneers Shelter. A portion of this relo was recently opened, and the remainder should be open by then end of the summer. This relo adds switchbacks to a steep hill; mileage change will be a 0.2 mi. increase. (Posted 07/07/08)
Connecticut
Falls Village Iron Bridge closed to vehicles - Used by the A.T. to cross the Housatonic River, the Iron Bridge (also called Amesville Bridge) in Falls Village is currently closed to vehicle traffic. Pedestrians are still permitted to cross the bridge. (Posted 06/25/08)
Massachusetts
Planned Mt. Greylock road closure - There is currently no vehicular access to the summit of Mt. Greylock. The roads leading to the summit are closed while re-paving work is completed. Bascom Lodge is closed, and hikers should not plan on any water or services being available at the summit. Re-opening of the roads and Bascom Lodge is planned for 2009. (Updated 08/30/07)
Vermont
Caughnawaga Shelter closed - Due to its deteriorating structural condition, the Caughnawaga Shelter has been closed to hiker use. The neighboring Kid Gore Shelter (just south of Caughnawaga) remains open. Next closest designated overnight site south on A.T. is Goddard Shelter at 4.3 miles; next closest north is Story Spring Shelter at 4.6 miles. (Posted 09/19/06)
Lost Pond Shelter burned - Recently the shelter was completely destroyed by fire. An investigation in underway; Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont State Police are offering a reward for information. The tentsites at the Lost Pond Shelter site are still available for use. Next closest designated overnight site south on A.T. is Griffith Lake Campsite at 4.2 miles; next closest north is Big Branch Shelter at 1.7 miles. (Updated 12/22/06)
VANDALISM ALERT: VT Rt. 140 and Rt. 103 parking areas - Serveral incidents of vehicle vandalism/break-ins have been reported at these two trailheads during 2006 and 2007. Suggestions for vehicle security can be found on Getting to the Trail. (Updated 06/20/07)
Governor Clement Shelter re-opened, gate installed - Formerly accessible to vehicles, a gate has now been installed across the dirt road leading to the Gov. Clement Shelter site. Gate will be locked between April 15 and September 15. (Posted 06/19/08)
Thundering Falls relocation opened - Trail Crews from the Green Mountain Club along with Vermont Youth Conservation Corps have relocated a section of the A.T. just north of Gifford Woods State Park, eliminating a 0.5 mile roadwalk on Thundering Brook Road across the Ottauquechee River. The relo does not significantly change the length of this section. The A.T. now crosses the Ottauquechee River floodplain on an 850 foot boardwalk, which will be will be handicapped accessible when additional work is completed in 2008. A short side trail south of the boardwalk provides access to the base of Thundering Brook Falls. (Updated 11/14/07)
New Hampshire
(SERVICE UPDATE) Tigger's Treehouse hostel in Etna (`08 Companion pg. 216) - Will pick up hikers at Etna General Store or DOC in Hanover. Phone is (603) 643-9213. Please call at least one day in advance; this is our home and not a business. Showers and laundry available; will also shuttle hikers into town for restaurants and re-supply. Dogs are welcome. Not a party place. No set fee, but donations are welcome. (Posted 04/07/08)
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