Government Shutdown Information for Hikers and A.T. Visitors

Yes. 

Emergency response will still be available. However, response to emergencies in the backcountry can take many hours. Hikers should always know what to do in an emergency on the Trail. 

Emergencies on the A.T.

Closures and restrictions that were in place before the shutdown are still in effect. Visit our Trail Updates page for more info and the latest Trail conditions.

Trail Updates

Yes.

However, while volunteer activities have resumed on National Park Service Appalachian Trail and state lands associated with the A.T. during the shutdown, not all volunteer activity has resumed on on Trail lands. As a result, some Trail maintenance done by volunteers could be delayed. Take extra care to practice Leave No Trace, pack out all trash and food waste (including any left by other visitors), and follow instructions posted in privies. 

Leave No Trace on the A.T.

Services may be impacted in the following areas due to the shutdown (services = emergency response, visitor centers, some roads, waysides, and some parking areas): 

• The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey 
  • The AMC’s Mohican Center will remain open (self-service year-round)
• The C&O Canal Towpath in Maryland 
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia 
  • The bookstore in lower town will remain open, but all exhibits and the park’s main visitor center will close.
• Shenandoah National Park in Virginia  
  • Lodging, dining, and waysides are fully open until their scheduled seasonal closures. Visitor centers may be closed.
  • Skyline Drive will remain open except during normal seasonal closures for inclement weather.
  • Backcountry permits remain available.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway in northern Virginia 
  • The parkway will remain open except for normal seasonal closures due to inclement weather and planned constructions projects.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina/Tennessee 
  • Some areas of the park and visitor centers are closed.
  • Backcountry permits remain available.

There are ~1,100 miles of the Trail on USFS land from New Hampshire to Georgia. The following sections are on USFS land and are open to visitors, but services may be unavailable like fee campgrounds, visitor centers, and information on current conditions from district offices.

Closures and restrictions that were in place before the shutdown remain in place. This includes burn bans in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Roan Highlands, as well as the Iron Mountain Gap Detour. Visit our Trail Updates page for more information.

• New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest
  • All of the Trail in the state
• Vermont: Green Mountain National Forest
  • All of the Trail in the state
• Virginia: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  • Most of the Trail in the state south of Shenandoah National Park
• North Carolina and Tennessee: Nantahala, Pisgah, and Cherokee National Forests 
  • Almost all of the Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee except Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Georgia: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest 
  • All of the Trail in the state

The entire footpath remains open. Volunteers on National Park Service A.T. and state lands associated with the Appalachian Trail can return to work during the shutdown. However, not all volunteer activity has resumed on all Trail lands. As a result, some Trail maintenance done by volunteers could be delayed

It is critical that all visitors practice Leave No Trace. We are all stewards of this special place.

Leave No Trace on the A.T.

Yes. The ATC is a private, nonprofit organization and the visitor center buildings are either owned by the ATC or leased from municipal entities. This includes: 

• The Monson A.T. Visitor Center in Monson, ME  
  • The Monson Visitor Center closes for the 2025 season on October 13. 
• The ATC Headquarters & Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, WV  
• The Damascus Trail Center in Damascus, VA 

Visitor Center Hours

Visitor centers and facilities on federal lands may be closed. Private concessions operated on federal lands are allowed to continue their services in most instances. Parking areas and roads may be closed or gated. We do not have a comprehensive list of such closures. 

See FAQ 3 and 4 for links to more resources.

Law enforcement, fire suppression, and other essential services continue to be provided despite furloughs of most federal employees. However, emergency response in the backcountry can take many hours. Hikers should always know what to do in an emergency while hiking and be prepared.

Trail volunteers on National Park Service A.T. and state lands associated with the Appalachian Trail have been told to return to work during the shutdown. However, not all volunteer activity has resumed on all Trail lands. 

Anytime there is an emergency on the A.T., including threats to your personal safety, call 911. 

Emergencies on the A.T.

For the most part.

Effective 10/3, A.T. volunteers may return to work on National Park Service and state lands associated with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail during the shutdown. However, not all volunteer activity has resumed on all Trail lands. Volunteers with concerns or questions should contact their club leadership or ATC Regional Office staff. 

Since the Trail may not be maintained as usual, it is critical that visitors follow Leave No Trace if they choose to visit the Trail during the shutdown. We are all stewards of this precious resource. 

If this FAQ did not answer your questions, please contact us anytime or stop in at one of our visitor centers.