A.T. COVID-19 Updates & Restrictions

Trailwide – UPDATE: Shelters Reopen on APPA Lands

(3/25/2022) 55 shelters located on National Park Service – Appalachian National Scenic Trail (APPA) lands are now open. The shelters located in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine were previously closed to encourage social distancing of trail users. Hikers are still encouraged to recreate responsibly, maintain a safe social distance, and follow health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities.

UPDATE: July 27, 2021

In light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued on July 27, 2021, regarding breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals, the rise of coronavirus infections across the United States, and to protect vulnerable community members, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is requiring masks to be worn inside all of its visitor centers regardless of vaccination status. The sites include the Monson Visitor Center, Boiling Springs Visitor Center, Harpers Ferry Visitor Center and Damascus Trail Center.

UPDATE: May 11, 2021

With a widely available and distributed COVID-19 vaccine in the United States and the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ATC has updated its guidance for long-distance hiking and visitor centers. Long-distance hiking on the A.T. is now considered to be a safer activity, especially for those who have received one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. The ATC 2,000-Miler Recognition Program has resumed, and A.T. 2021 hangtags will be distributed when designated A.T. visitor centers reopen. Some COVID-19 safety recommendations are still in place. For more information, visit appalachiantrail.org/covid-19.