Seasonal Update
Important End-of-Year Closure Dates for 2023 A.T. Hikers
September 12, 2023
The end of the warm weather hiking season will be here soon along many parts of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Many roads that provide important Trail access close for the winter season, with specific closing dates dependent on region and weather. Below is our end-of-season round-up of important closing dates that may affect Trail access and hiker resupply plans. Other hiker services (hostels, shuttles, outfitters, etc.) may also close for the season — be sure to check the availability of local services before you go.
Along with checking for seasonal and local closures, hikers should also be prepared for cold and unpredictable weather on the A.T. Learn more about what to expect on the Trail during fall and how to prepare for winter hiking.
Photo by Katie Farrar
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.
Maine
| What | Closing On | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| The A.T. up Katahdin (called the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park) will close for the season depending on the arrival of snow in the park. Baxter strongly encourages hikers to summit by 10/15 each year. | 10/21/2023 | Baxter State Park |
| Katahdin Stream Campground, Daicey Pond Campground, and Kidney Pond Campground in Baxter State Park | 10/22/2023; earlier closure is possible depending on weather | Baxter State Park |
| All other Baxter State Park campgrounds | 10/15/2023 | Baxter State Park |
| The Kennebec Ferry’s regular, free service ends on 9/30/23. Hikers may be able to arrange a private ferry in advance after this date. | 9/30/2023 | Maine Appalachian Trail Club |
| The ATC’s Monson Visitor Center | 10/9/2023 | Appalachian Trail Conservancy |
New Hampshire
| Location/Service | Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Mountain Club full-service huts. Lake of the Clouds closes first on 9/16. 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 | Variable, though most close on either 10/15 or 11/15 | White Mtn. National Forest |
Vermont
| Location/Service | Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Green Mtn. National Forest Seasonal Roads | 12/15/23-5/1/24 | Green Mtn. National Forest |
Massachusetts
| Location/Service | Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Greylock Auto Road | 10/29/2023 | Mt. Greylock State Reservation |
New Jersey
| Location/Service | 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. Closed Jan. 1 - snowmelt (mid-April) | Delaware Water Gap NRA |
Virginia
| Location/Service | Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline Drive is open year-round but may temporarily close due to winter weather. | N/A | Visit Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park’s recorded information line: (540) 999-3500 |
| Shenandoah National Park Waysides. Earliest closure is Loft Mountain Wayside on 11/5/2023 | 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. | N/A | Blue Ridge Parkway National Park website |
North Carolina & Tennessee
| Location/Service | 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) | 9/29/2023 | National Forests in North Carolina |
| Clingman’s Dome Road | 11/30/2023 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park website |
| Nantahala National Forest Seasonal Roads | Variable | National Forests in North Carolina |
Georgia
| Location/Service | Date | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Seasonal Roads | 01/16/2024 | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
Discover More
Hiking Tips
What to Know Before You Go
Wide-open views, crisp air and solitude make for a cool hike, but when winter hiking, being prepared is key.
Plan and Prepare
Hiker Resource Library
A collection of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the Appalachian Trail.
BY CAITLIN MILLER
11 Easy Ways to Improve Your Leave No Trace Footprint
A collection of simple and seemingly small ways you can practice Leave No Trace and help protect the A.T. experience.