Category: Uncategorized

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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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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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AT Vista (August 4-7, 2023)

The A.T. Vista event will have hikes, excursions, exhibits, workshops, and a pair of dinners using East Tennessee State University at the venue. Early Bird tickets for admission to all aspects over the long weekend are available through 5/31/23 at $100 adults, $50 Youth (ages 16 & under).

Schedules for hike and workshops are being assembled for selections starting in May. If interested in being a hike leader or making a presentation, please contact TEHCC or register at Volunteer | AT Vista 2023. More details will be available closer to the event.

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Road from Carver’s Gap up to Cloudland/ Rhododendron Gardens REOPENED

Sometimes things happen faster than expected. Reports are in that this road has been repaired and the gate is open. Please remember to bring your $3 day use fee to drop into metal tube at parking area entrance.

Rhododendron is shared to be in very early bloom.

Original post: US Forest Service announced that the paved road from Carver’s Gap up to the Cloudland parking lot and Rhododendron Gardens and Roan High Knob overlook is temporarily closed to the public due to having a big hole. The access gate will be locked, although walking or cycling up the road is allowed. USFS does not expect the road will be repaired in time for the big Rhododendron Festival later in June so please adjust your plans.

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Bear Activity at Iron Mountain Shelter – July 2020

A hiker who stayed at the shelter on July 6th said a large black bear came
four times during the night. A temporary sign has been posted to say to not camp at Iron Mountain Shelter. This encounter has been reported to ATC.

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, scroll down ATC’s safety page. Video for PCT Method for hanging your food.

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High Water at Watauga Lake and Laurel Fork Gorge – February 2020

March 13 Update:  Lake and river levels have returned to normal thus reroutes no longer required.  Signs have been taken down.

Two sections of the Appalachian Trail have been temporarily rerouted due to the recent heavy rains.

First, Watauga Lake (TVA level info) is 1965′ on 2/14 morning which is above 1961′ trigger for rerouting. Trail bridges are flooded so the trail will temporarily follow the blue blaze path along US 321 and Oliver Hollow Road. If heading trail north on Shook Branch Road, cross US 321 and walk left or west along US 321 for about a quarter mile and then go right along Oliver Hollow Rd. Follow the road for a third of a mile and take the short woods path to the right back to the A.T. If lake level continues to rise, some sections of the trail north of Oliver Hollow Road will also be under water.

Second is for Laurel Fork Gorge as the ledge along the stream is fully under water, so the A.T. will follow the High Water Trail. Signs have been posted.

1964 ft lake level later in year

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North Carolina USFS Proposes Bear-Resistant Food Container Requirement for A.T.

In mid-August, the US Forest Service announced that is seeking input on a proposal to require bear-resistant food containers for all overnight campers on the Appalachian Trail located in the North Carolina National Forests. The obligation would also be applied to the Panthertown Valley near Cashiers, NC. The backpacking public is encouraged to submit written comments by September 19, 2018 to comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us email address. Please reference “Bear-Resistant Food Container Requirement” in your subject.

Context for the need is that visitors to the NC National Forests have experienced an increasing number of black bears encounters involving food over the past few years. Most are at places where the public repeatedly camps in the general forest, such as along the A.T., rather than at campgrounds that are equipped with bear-proof trash cans. The incidents include bears taking food and backpacks, damaging tents, and staying near inhabited campsites for hours. While the loss of food is inconvenient for humans, the potentially serious encounters with bears needs to be addressed by eliminating human behaviors which lead bears to see people as a source of food. Secure storage for food and scented items (toothpaste, deodorant, beverages, or snacks) which is then placed away from the immediate camping location can help discourage this conduct.

Georgia National Forests already require the use of bear-resistant food containers when overnighting in a designated A.T. section during the spring months with a $5,000 fine per individual and $10,000 per organization. The proposal by North Carolina Forests is continuation of that approach as overnight use of the Appalachian Trail is typically dispersed.

North Carolina has not yet established a list of approved storage systems (would be part of the next phase once a decision is made to proceed). Here is a list certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

Pro or con… now is the time to provide specific comments to determine if and how this policy proposal proceeds.