Great Smoky Mtns NP – Shelter Closed – Mollies Ridge, 6/3/25
nc
|gsmnp
|tn
|bear-activity
|shelter-closure
|Alert
06/03/2025
Officials with Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed Mollies Ridge Shelter due to bear activity (NOBO mile 178.0). Reports indicate that a bear stalked a hiker near the shelter and stole hiker gear from the shelter.
Hikers should exercise caution in this area and avoid the shelter, including not stopping here for breaks or to eat.
Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers in the park should always properly store all food and scented items at night using the provided bear cables, keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended – even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.
The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the A.T. Since all food and scented items must be hung from the provided bear cables while in the park, hikers using bear canisters should hang their canisters inside their packs. Never tie ropes to your bear canister – this can allow a bear to carry it away.
Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here. Report bear encounters via ATC’s Bear Encounter Report Form.
For the latest alerts and park conditions, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.
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