February 19, 2021

Trailway News: How Many Weeks Until Spring?

With a massive winter storm, an emergency closure of a section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia (more on that below), and the ongoing pandemic, 2021 has made at least one thing very clear: it’s important to be prepared for anything. As you plan your upcoming hikes on the A.T., be sure to check our Trail Updates page and our COVID-19 info page for the latest updates on Trail conditions, closures, health and safety guidance, and other essential information for a prepared and enjoyable hike.

Lead image courtesy of Lukas Chin

Emergency Trail Closure on Peters Mountain, Virginia

The A.T. from VA641/Clendennin Road (northbound mile 641.4) to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (northbound mile 656.7) will be closed until further notice for an emergency power line repair. Due to safety concerns, hikers should not hike this section until repairs have been completed. We will provide more information at appalachiantrail.org/updates when available.

Visit Trail Updates


 

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Camping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a personal shelter is more than a place to sleep after a long day of hiking. Whether it’s a tent, tarp, hammock, or bivouac (bivvy), packing your own personal shelter is one of the most important steps for preventing the spread of the virus on the A.T.

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The A.T. and Race

For five years, George Mason University history professor Mills Kelly combed through thousands of historical documents to study the role race has played in the history of the A.T. In describing what he found — and didn’t find — Mills explains how reckoning with the past opens the door to an equitable future.

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Community Spotlight

Want to be featured in our community spotlight? Follow us on Instagram at @appalachiantrail and use #atcspotlight in your post!

Happy Trails!

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