Hiking & Helene: Storm Damage Info for 2025 Hikers

November 7, 2024

Updated 01/31/2025

Hurricane Helene, which hit the southern Appalachians in late September 2024, caused widespread destruction. Some sections of the A.T. in North Carolina and Tennessee remain officially closed by the U.S. Forest Service. 2025 hikers will need to be flexible with their plans. Continue reading for the best ways to plan your 2025 A.T. adventure with the information we currently have and learn about how to stay safe in areas with storm damage. We will continue to update our Helene Trail Alert with the latest closures and conditions. 

LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

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Info for 2025 Early Starters

I’ve started my 2025 hike, but I don’t see any information about the official route of the A.T. or detours. What should I do?

As of early January 2025, the ATC is still working diligently with the U.S. Forest Service and Clubs to determine official detours around severely damaged and closed sections of the A.T.

There is an official detour around the Nolichucky River. The Chestoa Bridge that the A.T. followed across the river was washed away during the storm. 

Nolichucky River Detour

We will share other official detours as soon as possible. If no official detour exists for a section, hikers should shuttle around closed sections. Hikers that need to skip around closed sections are still eligible for our 2,000-miler program.  

Some hikers that were out in late 2024 or are out now have been using road walks to detour around closed sections of Trail. We strongly urge hikers not to use road walks until official detours are in place and, for now, to shuttle, aqua-blaze, etc. around closed sections instead. However, if you decide to walk along roads to go around closed sections: 

  • Confirm that the road you want to use is (1) open, (2) a public road, and (3) safe to walk along. We’ve heard that some hikers are using roads with narrow shoulders and/or shoulders that are covered in storm debris. 
  • Exercise extreme caution on roads and do not use roads with fast-moving traffic, like state highways. Walk against the flow of traffic, wear bright colors, and do not walk along roads at night. Wear and turn on your headlamp, even during the day, to make yourself more visible to cars.
  • Get a good estimate of how long the road walk will be so you’re not unexpectedly stuck off the A.T. at night.  

Why haven't you shared detours and/or opened the Trail yet?

We now have a detour around the Nolichucky River. You can read the details and see the route here.  

For other detours, the short answer is that we are still working with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and A.T. Clubs to figure out the route. 

Helene was a catastrophic and widespread natural disaster and had devastating impacts to life and safety and critical infrastructure. While the A.T. is an important recreational resource, it is one of many resources and habitats that the USFS manages in the storm-damaged areas. 

The severity and complexity of the damage from Helene has made clearing some sections slow-going. Some areas require professional arborists crews with heavy equipment to come clear. Winter conditions and the availability of funding and contractors further slow this work. 

In addition, some re-openings and detours will be dependent on other Helene-related recovery projects happening on National Forest land. And we always need to make sure proposed detours are ok with all of our neighbors/partners before publishing. 

The ATC, Trail Club volunteers, USFS, and NPS have all been working extremely hard since the storm to assess damage, clear the Trail, and gather funding and resources to restore the Trail. Given the scale of Helene, hikers must be patient.  Thru-hikers that want to start early this year should flip flop from a spot north of the storm damage. 

I've heard from other hikers that the Trail is passable. Why are some places still closed?

Just because other hikers say that area is passable, does not mean that it is safe or that hiking through that section does not damage the fragile environment. Storm-damaged areas are dynamic: trees continue to fall and these areas are at a high-risk of landslide.

Sections are closed for hiker safety, the safety of first-responders should an emergency happen, to protect the damaged environment from further impacts and erosion, and to give crews room to work. Stay out of all closed sections. 

Official closures from the U.S. Forest Service are legally binding, meaning that you can be fined and/or arrested for being in closed areas

Pack Flexibility, Patience, & Good Judgment

Besides the 10 Essentials, the most important things to pack for your 2025 A.T. hike are flexibility, patience, and good judgment. Conditions will continue to evolve, and you may have to make last-minute changes to your hiking plans.  

  • Understand that areas with severe storm damage are dynamic. The forest has been completely changed, with some areas losing more than 90% of their tree cover (no more long Green Tunnel in storm damaged areas – so pack extra sunscreen!). Just because a section is open when you start your hike does not mean it will stay open and vice versa. 
    • Trees will continue to fall as they die and rot,  
    • Rain could lead to landslides now that these areas no longer have roots holding the soil in place,  
    • Storm debris unfortunately makes great fuel for wildfires. 

Storm damage in southwest VA. Photo by Jim Baum.

  • Remain flexible and be ready to change your plans quickly. We know that many thru-hikers and long-distance hikers have their hearts set on a continuous NOBO (northbound) hike. It is too soon to know when the A.T. will be fully reconnected and where temporary detours will be required. 
    • It is much easier to mentally prepare for changes before you leave for your hike. Take time while you prepare to think through what it would look like to skip sections, skip north of the worst storm damage, or end your hike early. 
    • Budget for the possibility of changing plans. Skipping sections and flip-flopping will add transportation, lodging, and other costs. Having emergency funds built into your hike budget will let you be flexible when you need to be. 
  • Exercise good judgment and err on the side of caution. If you come across an open stretch of the A.T. that has severe storm damage and you are unsure if it’s safe to go through, turn around. We know that it is deflating to backtrack or turn around before your destination, but nothing is worth your safety. The Trail will be waiting for you once it is cleared and repaired. 
  • Please be patient. Again, areas with severe storm damage are dynamic. Conditions will change. Many Trail towns and sections of the A.T. will still bear the scars of the storm. You can show your care for the A.T. and the Trail community by giving others grace as we all rebuild.  
    • Stay out of closed sections. Sections of the A.T. are rarely closed and only for very good reasons, usually for hiker safety. Staying out of closed sections protects you, protects the Trail from further damage, and protects first responders if there is an emergency. Official closures from the U.S. Forest Service are also legally binding, meaning that you can be fined and/or arrested for being in closed areas.

Consider a Flip Flop Thru-Hike

Planning a traditional NOBO thru-hike in 2025? Consider flip flopping instead! A Flip Flop hike is when you start somewhere in the middle of the Trail, hike north or south to the end, and then flip back and finish the rest. You can also flip anytime during your hike! If you start NOBO and get to a closed or damaged section, you can flip farther north. 

We cannot guarantee that the entire Trail will be open in 2025. However, flip flopping in 2025 and saving southern sections until the last leg of your hike will give volunteers and staff more time to repair the Trail and Trail facilities and establish official detours. This also gives A.T. Communities and hiker services more time to get back up and running. 

Flip flop hikes also have other benefits! These include choosing to start your hike in more mild terrain than what is in Georgia and having a longer weather window in which to finish the Trail. 

LEARN MORE

flipflop2023

Attend the 2025 Flip Flop Kickoff!

The ATC encourages flip flop thru-hiking to help reduce overcrowding on the A.T. To celebrate these alternative itineraries, we host the Flip Flop Kickoff each April in Harpers Ferry. We hope you’ll join us April 25-27 for the 2025 Kickoff, even if you’re not starting your 2025 Flip Flop in Harpers Ferry! 

FLIP FLOP KICKOFF

Storm Damage: What to Expect and How to Stay Safe

The A.T. north of the Smokies into southwest Virginia saw the worst impacts of Helene. Some areas are still closed. Learn about the conditions you may encounter in open sections with severe storm damage and how to stay safe. 

helene-blog-blowdowns-1-landscape

Downed Trees, pt. 1

  • Also called “blowdowns,” these will range from only a few trees across the Trail to hundreds in a mile or two. They can slow you down to a mile or less an hour and are exhausting to go over, under, and around. Climbing through can be extremely dangerous due to hidden tension points that can cause branches and trunks to snap suddenly. Turn around instead. 
  • There may be big tangles of blowdowns that completely hide the Trail and cause you to lose the footpath. Bring a map and compass and know how to use them together. Apps like FarOut are not sufficient – apps can have glitches and phones can die. Turn around if you come to a section and cannot easily see the Trail in front of you.  

Click here for a larger, printable version of the graphic. 

Essential Skill: Map & Compass

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helene-blog-blowdowns-2-landscape

Downed Trees, pt. 2

  • Know that trees will continue to fall as they die and rot and the ground settles. Trees that have already fallen will also continue to settle and move. Look for dead, leaning, snagged, or damaged trees (large cracks in the bark, dying or dead branches, fallen trees caught in others). Standing dead and damaged trees are especially dangerous during windy weather. 
  • Know that downed trees make the perfect tinder for wildfires, which the A.T. is at risk of throughout the hiking season. 
  • Again, some areas have lost 90% of their tree cover. This means that you’ll be much more exposed to the sun and heat, so be sure to pack sunscreen and consider bringing other sun protection like a sun hoodie, wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses. 

Click here for a larger, printable version of the graphic. 

Essential Skill: Hazard Tree ID

helene-blog-erosion-2

Erosion & Unstable Ground

  • Sections of the footpath (also called the tread or treadway) may be washed away. Other sections will be soft and unstable. 
  • There may be large craters in the treadway due to uprooted trees. These will be especially hard to see in snow.  
  • Moderate to heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides in areas where lots of trees were blown down since their roots no longer help hold the soil in place.  
  • Rocks and boulders may slide or fall out of place. 

Click here for a larger, printable version of the graphic. 

Essential Knowledge: Weather Forecast

Essential Knowledge: Helene Landslides

helene-blog-erosion-2
helene-blog-damaged-structures-roads-2

Damaged Structures & Roads

  • Shelters and privies may have been damaged, causing them to have structural issues and leaks after trees and debris are cleared.  
  • Bridges may be damaged, making them unsafe, or may be gone. 
  • Signs and Trail markers may also be gone. 
  • Roads may still be closed, and open roads may have soft shoulders or eroded edges. 

Click here for a larger, printable version of the graphic. 

Essential Skill: Safely Ford Rivers

helene-blog-limited-emergency-services-2

Delayed Emergency Services

The same conditions listed above that make hiking difficult or dangerous may also slow down emergency services. Backcountry search and rescues can already take many hours (rescues in remote areas of the Trail routinely take 10+ hours) and can be even more delayed in areas with storm damage that are hard to get to. Always stay out of closed sections of the A.T. Emergency services may not be available or will likely be delayed even longer in closed sections, and you can put rescuers in danger if they have to come assist you in closed sections. 

Click here for a larger, printable version of the graphic. 

Essential Knowledge: A.T. Emergencies

Essential Knowledge: First Aid Kits

helene-blog-limited-emergency-services-2

What to do if you run into a Trail crew

A.T. Maintaining Clubs, USFS staff, and ATC crews will be hard at work throughout the 2025 season repairing damage from Helene. You can support their efforts and the Trail’s recovery by giving them room to work and making sure it is safe to pass before continuing on your way. 

Volunteers and ATC Staff at Trimpi Shelter clearing storm damage. Photo by Pete Irvine.

Consider flip flopping or saving storm-damaged sections until the fall to give crews more time and space to work this spring and summer.  

  • Never try to pass a working crew or Trail maintainer until you are certain that they know you are there and have paused work to let you pass. This is critical for crews using chainsaws and heavy equipment like rigging. 
    • Stay as far away as possible from saw crews until you are certain that they know you are there. Make sure you get a response from them indicating that they see you (hand wave, a call out, etc.) and that they turn their chainsaw off/stop sawing before you continue.  
    • If the crew cannot see you unless you get close because of the terrain, wait for a pause in work and yell out. Do not continue until you get a verbal response back letting you know it’s safe to approach.  
  • Listen for the sound of folks working. If you hear the buzz of chainsaws or clanking of tools up ahead, slow down and approach with caution. Some crews may put out signs at either end of the work area letting you know they are ahead. 
  • Some crews may also have folks posted at either end of the work area to stop hikers. Respect these crew members and wait until they give you the all-clear to proceed. This is also a great chance to ask questions about upcoming shelters, water sources, and towns! 

Last but not least, please say thank you! Many of the crew members you’ll run into on the A.T. are volunteers. Everyone you meet working on the Trail is there because they love it and want to keep it open for everyone. A simple thank you goes a long way toward making these folks feel appreciated for their hard work! 

Want to give back to the Trail by volunteering?

A.T. Clubs welcome volunteers to join them on a workday or you can sign up for a multi-day volunteer trail crew experience. Check out all our volunteer opportunities and sign up for our volunteer newsletter by clicking the button below. 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

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Trail Days is still on for 2025!

The A.T.’s most popular celebration is still on for 2025! The Town of Damascus is still facing a long road to recovery from Helene, but is open for business and looks forward to welcoming hikers and the A.T. community back for Trail Days on May 16-18, 2025!

LEARN MORE

 

 

Trail Towns and Giving Back

Support Local Businesses

Many small mountain towns along the Trail rely on hiker business during the spring, summer, and fall months. As communities along the A.T. in the south rebuild, you can help recovery efforts by patronizing local businesses!  

Be sure to call ahead to make sure services are still available and that towns are welcoming visitors again. If your budget allows:

Helene damage in Damascus, VA. Photo by Drew Hines.

  • Buy gear and gear replacements from locally owned outfitters along the way. 
  • Schedule rides with shuttle providers instead of hitchhiking or yogi-ing a ride at the trailhead (this is also a much safer option!). 
  • Plan zero days in impacted towns. Hikers tend to spend more money in town the longer they are off Trail, so picking your zero days in places like Erwin and Damascus will help give the local economy a boost. 
  • If you need to skip closed sections, lean on local hiker businesses to get around! 
    • Pay a local shuttle driver, 
    • Aqua blaze or pay for a guided paddle where available, 
    • Look into local bike tours, etc.  
    • These are all acceptable alternatives for skipping around closed sections and still mean you are eligible for our 2,000-miler program.   

Volunteering for recovery efforts in towns

If you’d like to help with recovery efforts in towns or at hostels along the way, please call ahead first to ask about opportunities. Help will be welcomed in many places, but showing up unannounced or self-deploying can take up valuable resources, create confusion, or slow things down. 

Give Back

The ATC and our partners are already posting volunteer opportunities to help rebuild the A.T. and will continue to do so into 2025. Sign up for our volunteer newsletter to receive information about opportunities, including our Trail crews. 

Receive Volunteer Opportunities

You can also donate to the A.T. Resiliency Fund to give directly to efforts to clear and reconnect the Trail.

A.T. Resiliency Fund

Even though the 2025 hiking season will require more flexibility and patience than other years, remember that we are all stewards of this special place.  

The A.T. has flourished for 100 years and, with your help and careful planning, will remain a premier National Scenic Trail for another 100 years and more!