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Hurricane Helene Update (as of 10/22/2024)

All sections of the Appalachian Trail within the Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina) remain closed, specifically TEHCC Maintenance Sections 14a-16b from Doll Flats to just north of Iron Mountain Gap. North Carolina Dept. of Transportation asks the public to limit travel in Western North Carolina to essential traffic only.

Over the past three weeks, Cherokee National Forest staff, along with out-of-state crews, have been assessing the storm’s impact. On October 15, access to significant portions of the Appalachian Trail within the Cherokee National Forest was restored, though the area between US19E and US321 remains closed, specifically TEHCC Maintenance Sections 9a-12d from Shook Branch to east of Roan Mountain. The USFS warns that “portions of the Appalachian Trail remain closed or inaccessible with hundreds of trees per mile blocking the route”.

A few volunteer groups are now being organized by the club for work in Tennessee to obtain more details about access routes, trailheads, bridges, shelters, and tread damage – and perform minor maintenance activities with hand tools only. No individual should enter the forest alone.

As the situation on the ground evolves, more updates will be provided for the Appalachian Trail recovery efforts.

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Roan High Knob shelter closed for repairs to be made in 2025

The Roan High Knob shelter is shifting on its foundation due to several rotting logs, thus is closed for safety reasons until extensive repairs can be made in 2025 which could take through October.  The USFS closure notice also includes a 60-foot buffer for no camping around the shelter.  Please stay away from the shelter which has its door bolted shut and first floor removed.

Camping is available at Ash Gap.

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Laurel Fork Shelter damaged by fire

Today (8/15/2024), Cherokee National Forest personnel reported that this shelter was damaged by fire, thus closed to use. The site does not really have good campsites, so please bypass on your journey. Once an incident investigation is completed, the plans for its future will be discussed.

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Overmountain Shelter retired

Built in 1975 as barn for the private farm on the North Carolina side of Yellow Mountain Gap, the property was acquired by the US Forest Service in 1979. TEHCC converted the barn in 1986 to be the largest shelter on the Appalachian Trail with great view down into Roaring Creek Valley. Unfortunately, in 2016, the downhill side of the barn was observed to be almost two feet out of plumb. The cause was suspected due to frost heave of the support posts. In May 2019 a primary support beam for the upper floor failed. Stabilization of the building was explored but deemed unworkable, so a temporary closure notice was issued in September 2019 to allow for a NEPA review of options. In November 2023, the published decision notice selected dismantling the structure which has been completed.

The Yellow Mountain Gap campsite with its good water source and pit privy remains available to enjoy the great view. The improvement in backpacking gear over the decades now allows those on long-distance treks to have greater personal responsibility for their overnight accommodations. Leave No Trace principles are best practices for minimizing impact on the land.

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TEHCC and Roan Highlands in local news

Local writer John Thompson (jthompson@sixriversmedia.com) has created a short series of well-written articles about the Appalachian Trail, including TEHCC’s roles as a designed trail-maintaining club. The first, published October 31st (link to Johnson City Press), outlines the basic history of the A.T. and the routing of the trail through the region, particularly across the Roan Mountain. The second, appearing November 6th (link to Johnson City Press), continues with the challenges of maintaining the A.T. in the Roan Highlands. Carl Fritz cited three main reasons: the traffic on the trail, the climate and the soil. The third installment, shared on November 14th (link to Johnson City Press), finished with Carl reviewing his favorite parts of the A.T. in this region.

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Alert – Storm Damage – North side of White Rocks

Report received that the Monday (8/14) storms devastated the north side of White Rocks with huge tree tangles and root balls for about three miles somewhere between from Moreland Gap Shelter to Dennis Cove Road (AT MM 414-420). TEHCC sent eight to ten sawyers Thursday (8/17) to clear a path. No immediate trail rehab needed although there are some root ball holes. Expectation is that the trail will need to be rebuilt over the long term due to the damage.

September update:  All storm damage has been cleared by club volunteers and US Forest Service.  Trail repairs were quickly made as less than expected.  Many thanks to the all involved with the rapid response… until the next squall passes through the area.

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USFS Notice for Bear Activity at Abingdon Gap Shelter

Update: A new encounter report on 5/16 about an aggressive bear at a quick gallop charging a pair of hikers two miles north of the shelter, then following for another 0.1-mile. New signs will be posted between Damascus and the shelter.

Original Post: Watauga Ranger District is hanging signs today (April 26th) on the Appalachian Trail at US421, McQueen Gap, at the shelter and maybe in Damascus warning about reported bear activity at Abingdon Gap Shelter.  This notice is NOT a camping closure as experienced during the past few years, but a warning to alert hikers. (It could later escalate.)

A small/ young bear chewed on a secured Ursack and moved two bear canisters.  It was observed again on the following night hanging around the shelter.  Bear was not intimidated with yelling, waving, and clapping.

The posted signage asks hikers to hang all food (including canisters) if they are going to be at the shelter.

Refer to the prior posts about bear activity for recommendations… best would be to not camp in the Abingdon Gap Shelter or nearby site.

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A.T. Camping Closure – Spivey Gap to Chestoa

Per US Forest Service/Unaka Ranger District, this closure notice has been lifted!!

On October 29, 2022, the US Forest Service announced the following: NOTICE – CAMPING IS CLOSED On the Appalachian Trail from Chestoa to Spivey Gap at 19W until further notice. DUE TO AGGRESSIVE BEAR ACTIVITY.

A very aggressive young (2-3 year old, 200 lb range) bear was reported getting into and destroying three Ursacks at No Business Knob Shelter (NOBO mile 338.0). Cherokee National Forest/Unaka Ranger District has posted the closure notice signs on both end (331,1 to 344.3).

All area visitors should use caution, pack out all trash and food scraps, and never leave food unattended. Overnight hikers should plan their itineraries accordingly to avoid camping in these sections.

Bears are more active along the A.T. this time of year as they try to build fat reserves for the winter and are more likely to be protective of food sources. Make sure bears do not have the chance to access human food by keeping a clean camp and properly storing all food and “smellables” (cookware, toothpaste, lotion, etc.) at night. The ATC recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their trip on the Appalachian Trail. 

For more information on bear safety, proper food storage, and bear canisters, visit https://appalachiantrail.org/bears and BearWise. 

With the 10/28 post below, this section is currently the third are closed to camping. Proceeding to Erwin is appropriate for NOBOs and getting into North Carolina for SOBOs.