Trail Updates

06/16/2026

Update: The ATC received a report of a mother bear and cubs getting hiker food at Catawba Mountain Shelter (NOBO mile 713.3). The bears were not scared of the people present, stole their dinner, and got into trash that had been left behind by others. Hikers should be extremely careful in this area. Always store your food properly overnight and pack out all trash. See below for more important food storage and bear safety guidelines.

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2026 Reminder:

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) near McAfee Knob has been a hot spot for bear activity in the last few years, including food conditioned bears showing little fear of humans. Bears are especially active around Campbell Shelter and Pig Farm Campsite. Bears live along the entire Trail through Virginia.

Before you leave for your hike and while on the A.T.:

• Educate yourself on bear safety and proper food storage before leaving for the Trail.
• Exercise caution in areas with frequent bear activity
• Properly store all food, trash, and scented items at night in the provided bear boxes or a bear canister
• Keep a clean camp by picking up crumbs and cleaning up spills.
• Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Never leave unsecured food unattended - even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view. 

Per a National Park Service regulation, A.T. hikers in the Triple Crown area of Virginia are required to properly store food, trash, and scented items in one of the following ways overnight:

• Using official storage devices (bear cables, bear boxes, or bear poles)
• Within a bear resistant container approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
• Using a bear hang that is at least 12 feet off the ground and at least 6 feet from the tree trunk and branches.

The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for their trips, no matter the area or time of year. Never sleep with your food or trash.

Did you encounter a bear acting strangely along the Trail (showing little fear of humans, entering a campsite, stealing food, acting aggressively, etc.)? Report the encounter here.