Important Start-of-Season Opening Dates for 2024 A.T. Hikers
May 16, 2024
Spring has ushered in the hiking season along all but the northern reaches of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Many roads and other services that provide important Trail access close seasonally, with specific re-opening dates dependent on region and weather. Below is our start-of-season round-up of important opening dates that may affect Trail access and hiker resupply plans. Other hiker services (hostels, shuttles, outfitters, etc.) may also have varied hours throughout the year — be sure to check the availability of local services before you go.
Photo by Marian Orlousky
Along with checking for seasonal and local closures, hikers should also still be prepared for cold and unpredictable weather along the A.T. in New England, and northbound (NOBO) hikers should keep their cold weather gear until they are north of the Grayson Highlands in southwest Virginia.
Bears are also becoming more active along the A.T. as they feed their voracious, hibernation-fueled appetites. The ATC has already received several bear encounter reports so far this spring. Please report any bear encounters via our form and learn about bear safety on the Trail.
No matter the time of year, check our Trail Updates page and subscribe to our social media channels for important alerts about Trail conditions, bear activity, shelter and campsite closures, and more. Thru-hikers, section hikers, and groups can opt-in to receive urgent Trail alerts when they register on ATCamp.org.
For more information or for questions, contact us via email or phone.
| What | Opening On | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| The A.T. up Katahdin (called the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park) will open for the season depending on weater. The ATC recommends that SOBO hikers do not plan to begin their hikes before June 1. | Dependent on weather | Baxter State Park |
| Katahdin Stream Campground, Daicey Pond Campground, and Kidney Pond Campground in Baxter State Park | Dependent on weather | Baxter State Park |
| Baxter State Park and park roads. | 5/15/2024 (with limited access to some sections) | Baxter State Park |
| The Kennebec Ferry. | 5/24/2024 | Maine Appalachian Trail Club |
| The ATC’s Monson Visitor Center | 6/1/2024 | Appalachian Trail Conservancy |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Mountain Club full-service huts. Some huts have self-service seasons in the winter and spring (the hut is open for sleeping, but meals are not served). Reservations are recommended. | Variable | Appalachian Mountain Club |
| White Mtn. National Forest Seasonal Roads | Most on 5/15/2024 | White Mtn. National Forest |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mtn. National Forest Seasonal Roads | 5/1/2024 | Green Mtn. National Forest |
| The A.T. in Vermont does not close seasonally, but it is strongly recommended that hikers stay off of high elevation trails (above 2,000') during spring | Memorial Day | Mud Season Info |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Greylock Auto Road | 5/18/2024 | Mt. Greylock State Reservation |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline Drive access to Crater Lake in Delaware Water Gap NRA | Closed to motor vehicles from Friday at dusk through Monday at noon from May 21 through Oct 2. Opens after winter closure around mid April each year. | Delaware Water Gap NRA |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline Drive is open year-round but may temporarily close due to winter weather during the cold months. | N/A | Visit Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park’s recorded information line: (540) 999-3500 |
| Shenandoah National Park Waysides. Earliest opening is Skyland on 3/25/2024 | Variable | Shenandoah National Park |
| George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Roads | Variable | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests |
| The Blue Ridge Parkway (VA & NC) is open year-round, but may temporarily close due to winter weather during the cold months. | N/A | Blue Ridge Parkway National Park website |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee National Forest Seasonal Roads | Variable | Cherokee National Forest |
| Pisgah National Forest Seasonal Roads | Variable | National Forests in North Carolina |
| Roan Mountain Day Use Area (Tollhouse Gap parking) | Closed for repairs for the summer of 2024 | National Forests in North Carolina |
| Clingman’s Dome Road | 4/1/2024 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park website |
| Nantahala National Forest Seasonal Roads | Variable | National Forests in North Carolina |
| Location/Service | Opening Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Seasonal Roads | Variable | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
