Trail Updates

Updated 03/03/2026

Prescribed burns that are planned on or adjacent to the Trail are listed at the bottom. Remember that prescribed burns are weather dependent. There are also many more burns planned for other parts of the national forests that the A.T. passes through, and burns planned in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Prescribed burn season has begun along the southern part of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Prescribed burns are important conservation tools for combatting invasive species, preserving successional habitat, and overall forest health. They are weather dependent and advanced notice of burns is not always possible.

Most closures related to prescribed burns only last a few hours, but longer closures may be required for public safety. Hikers should always follow instructions from posted signs and fire crews. Hikers may also see and smell smoke during burns and for several days after (for burns both on and off the A.T.).

Prescribed burns at Licklog Gap in North Carolina, at Max Patch along the NC/TN border, and at Walnut Mountain, also along the NC/TN border, may happen as early as this week.

If you see or smell smoke while hiking and are not sure if it is from a prescribed burn, call 911 to report the fire. Dispatchers will know or be able to find out if the smoke is from a prescribed burn or a wildfire. For more information about wildfire safety, what to do if you see/smell smoke on the A.T., and prescribed burns, visit our Wildfire page. 

Planned Burns in Georgia:

• Puncheon Gap Burn: adjacent to the Trail at Hawk Mtn Shelter and Hightower Gap (NOBO miles 7.4 and 8.6)
• Justus Creek Burn: on the Trail at Justus Creek (NOBO mile 14.3)
• Grapevine Burn: adjacent to the Trail near Indian Grave Gap (NOBO mile 55.3)

North Carolina:

• Steeltrap Burn: adjacent to the Trail at Betty Creek Gap (NOBO mile 97.4)
• Deweese Ridge Burn: on the Trail at Licklog Gap (NOBO mile 121.9)

North Carolina/Tennessee Border:

• Cherry Creek & Max Patch Burns: adjacent/on the Trail at Max Patch (NOBO mile 255.5)
• Walnut Mtn Burn: on the Trail at Walnut Mtn (NOBO mile 291.9)
• Bell Cow & Spring Mtn Burns: adjacent to the Trail from Hurricane Gap to Little Paint Creek Trail (NOBO miles 284.5 to 288.0)

Tennessee:

• Cedar Gap Burn: adjacent to the Trail at the side trail to Coon Den Falls (NOBO mile 418.6)

Virginia:

• An unnamed burn: on the Trail at Hog Camp Gap (NOBO mile 816.2)