Category: Appalachian Trail

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Appalachian Trail – Hurricane Helene Recovery Update

Current Status:

Closure notice for the Appalachian Trail (link to Forest Order# 08-11-08-25-01) designated within the Appalachian Ranger District (ARD) of the Pisgah National Forest (PNF, North Carolina) continues (last updated 3/14/2025) to remain officially closed from Indian Grave to to Hughes Gap (AT NOBO mileage 352.9 to 374.2).  However, a detour (link) has been established around Iron Mountain Gap (NOBO mileage 360.6 to 365.9) which is marked with temporary plastic white blazes and maps at each end.  The bypassed section is blocked with excessive downed timber slated for removal this summer, thus hikers are not to be in this closed areas due to its hazards. 

A new PNF/ARD Forest Order No. 08-11-08-25-02 (not yet publically posted at the time this update was written) prohibits campfires within the Roan Mountain area (Hughes Gap to Doll Flats). Camp stoves are allowed if the area is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet.  It is effective until 9/8/2025 unless lifted earlier.  Enforcement will begin with a fire prevention tech talking to folks up in this high use spots within the closure area.  Everyone should emphasize that campfires are not be used through any Helene damaged areas. 

New:  A no-charge ferry service has been established by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) for hikers across the Nolichucky River at the Chestoa Pike bridge which was washed away by Hurricane Helene. (Link) It will operate between 9am to 2pm from March 17th to June 15th, unless inclement weather conditions pause the service.  Hikers are required to sign a release form, wear a life jacket, and follow instructions.  Alternative is an official 3.6 mile road walk detour.  Please be careful as the roads are not hiker-friendly, missing sidewalks with vehicle traffic on some sections.  The plan to replace the bridge has been announced, thus is in the early design phase.

The Moreland Gap Shelter is open.  The metal roof has been covered with a heavy tarp, but could leak in a heavy rain.  Long-term plans will be discussed for the shelter

Continuing Efforts:

While the A.T. is “Open”, it does not mean it is completely safe or cleared to all locations.  Dead trees will continue fall.    Please watch out for hazard trees at bridges, shelters, campsites, and water sources; reporting any to the club and/or forest service to give priority for removal.  The focus is transitioning from punching through the primary path to the subsequent priorities of removing blowdowns from key campsites, around shelters, and on blue blaze trails to water.   The club will also be repairing the deep holes in the tread caused by the many root balls pulled out of the ground.

The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) have provided a path through the Pond Mountain Wilderness (between Dennis Cove Road and US321) and Big Laurel Branch Wilderness (containing Vandeventer shelter).

While the trail club continues regular weekly crews with some weekend trips, the weather forecast will impact the actual workdays and locations.  Bad weather has delayed twice a joint effort with the Elizabethton High School Mountain Club. At the meeting location (frequently the Roan Mountain Community Park), volunteers will be divided into small groups for the assignments.  Third Saturday trail maintenance is also being done at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport.

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TEHCC End of 2024 Update for Appalachian Trail/Hurricane Helene Recovery

Updates from late November post below.

  • A.T. designated within North Carolina (Doll Flats south to just north of Iron Mtn Gap) remains CLOSED.  Do not enter this stretch of trail.
  • As of December 23rd, the Appalachian Trail is now clear and open from Iron Mtn Shelter to TN/VA border (444.8 mi NOBO to 467.3 mi per 2024 AT Data Book). 
  • However, trees will continue fall over the next year.  Please watch out for hazard trees at bridges, shelters, campsites, and water sources; reporting any to the club and/or forest service to give priority for removal.
  • Along the Elk River from Jones Branch (~399.2 mi NOBO) to Sugar Hollow (400.9 mi) is still severely damaged through erosion.
  • Caution: Iron Mtn Gap to Unaka Mtn is really is impassible in any reasonable time.
  • Repair of shelters at Moreland Gap (may remove damaged roofing) and Cherry Gap will likely not be pursued during 2025.
  • Planned workdays during the winter will drop Tuesdays to continue on Thursdays plus 2nd and 4th Saturdays, with adjustments for weather announced at the start of each week.
  • USFS fire fighters did not get to work in December as they had to perform their primary role (fight fires) elsewhere.
  • Three weeks of Konnarock Crew is being scheduled for March-April, with option for another three weeks at the end of the work season in July-August

As of December 31, 2024, our club maintenance reports indicated that 57.3 miles or 43% of our 134 designated miles have been cleared. Volunteers contributed 4,054 hours across 87 outings, including 554 hours by chainsaw sawyers.

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Hurricane Helene Recovery for the Appalachian Trail

Current Status:

All sections of the Appalachian Trail within the Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina) officially remain closed, specifically TEHCC Maintenance Sections 14a-16b from Doll Flats to just north of Iron Mountain Gap.

While the A.T. is shown as “Open” for Cherokee National Forest (Tennessee), it does not mean it is safe and/or cleared for passage.  Some sections yet to be reached are reported to take four to five hours just to travel two to three miles.

Moreland Gap Shelter is closed due to roof damage.  Cherry Gap Shelter is smashed down to the sleeping platform.

Progress as of mid-November:

Club trip reports indicated that over 2,000 volunteer hours have been invested in 48 events to clear a basic path through 33 miles of the A.T.  Sections that have been touched include:  2.3 miles north of Abingdon Gap Shelter to McQueens Gap, US421 to Iron Mtn Shelter, Wilbur Dam Road to 2.75 miles north, Bitter End to Elk River, Curley Maple Gap Shelter to the former Chestoa Pike bridge, Nolichucky River to Cliff Ridge, and just south of No Business Knob Shelter to Devils Creek Gap.  Note that these are not continuous and with the difficult tangles left for professionals to resolve.

Near-term efforts:

Weather permitting (especially with winter approaching), crews of 4-10 members with multiple sawyers and swampers are being dispatched on Tuesdays, Thursdays, plus 2nd and 4th Saturdays to not wear out the volunteers.  Sawyers must have current first aid training and certification by the US Forest Service.  Typically 35-50 blowdowns are cut per day per crew with some filling in of holes caused by root balls torn out of the ground.  Specific plans are not made until the week (or maybe two) prior.  Volunteers are added to a distribution list, then reply when available (no need for regrets) to allow for right group size and equipment.  Inquiries have been received, including OH and VT.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is hiring a four-person professional saw crew (USFS fire fighters) for first two weeks of December to clean up some of the challenging damage. 

Ongoing plans:

Four weeks of Konnarock Crew to be scheduled for 2025. 

Volunteers from other A.T. clubs could be organized into crews, especially sawyers. 

It is currently uncertain, especially with winter weather, if the entire A.T. path along NC/TN border will be opened when 2025 NOBO hikers begin to pass through the region, thus may recommend a partial “skip and return” hike.

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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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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.

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A.T. Camping Closure – VA-TN border to Low Gap-Hwy 421

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

On October 27, 2022, the US Forest Service announced the following: NOTICE – CAMPING IS CLOSED On the Appalachian Trail from the VA-TN border south to the Low Gap-Hwy 421 Intersection until further notice. DUE TO AGGRESSIVE BEAR ACTIVITY.

Because of a reported human encounter with an aggressive bear around Abingdon Gap Shelter (NOBO mile 460.5), the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is closed to camping between Low Gap/U.S. 421 (mile 455.7) and the Tennessee/Virginia state line (mile 467.0).

This section is similar to the camping closure notice experienced in 2021. Far Out app has reported bear sightings around Abington Gap Shelter in June and September,

The USFS camping closure between U.S. 321 (mile 428.6) and Wilbur Dam Road (mile 433.0) is still in effect.

Please take necessary precautions to limit risk of encountering a bear,  Hikers should camp 200 feet away from where their food and “smellables” are stored for their own safety. For most adults, 200 feet is about 80 steps.  Bear canisters should be sealed correctly and not stored in shelters. (Certified list)  Proper use for Ursacks are to tie securely to the trunk of a tree.  (Link to their How to Use page) For more information about bear safety, see ATC’s safety page on bears where there is a video for PCT Method for hanging your food.