NC,TN,VA – Hurricane Helene Conditions, Updated 5/22/25
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Current Conditions
05/22/2025, Updated at 10:45 a.m.
See the Detailed Trail Conditions for the most recent information.
The storm debris removal project on the closed section of the A.T. at Iron Mountain Gap is ongoing. The heavy equipment being used for the project is extremely dangerous, and it is very hard for equipment operators to see or hear hikers approaching.
It is illegal to enter the closed section, and hikers may be fined by the Forest Service for entering the closed section. Hikers must use the posted Iron Mountain Gap detour.
Please note that crews will be working closer to Iron Mountain Gap, so northbound hikers may not see or hear equipment when approaching the start of the detour. However, this does not mean it is safe to enter the closed section. Once past the detour, there is no safe way to bypass the work area.
The storm debris removal project will reduce the risk of wildfire by removing fuel (downed trees). Storm debris removal will also make it easier for landscape rehabilitation work to begin after the project is complete. Anticipated project completion is Fall 2025.
Just because a section of the A.T. is open does not mean it is safe and returned to pre-Helene conditions. Since there is a high risk of wildfires in storm-damaged areas, the ATC strongly urges hikers to not have campfires from Davenport Gap to the New River at Pearisburg, VA (NOBO mile 239.4 to 637.8), regardless of whether there are official burn bans in place, because all of the downed trees left by Helene create perfect fuel for wildfires to spread quickly. Always follow instructions from official burn bans.
For information about what you may encounter and how to stay safe, visit our blog post about hiking the A.T. in 2025. See also ATC’s Hurricane Helene’s resource page.
Closed Sections & Detours
| A.T. NOBO Mileage | Waypoint(s) | Detour? |
|---|---|---|
| 344.6 | Chestoa Bridge over the Nolichucky River. | Nolichucky Ferry. Alternative: Nolichucky River Detour. Use extreme caution when walking along roads. |
| ~360.6 to 366.1* | ~1 mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to ~1.3 mile north of Iron Mtn Gap | Iron Mountain Gap Detour Signs are on the Trail at either end of the detour. |
If there is a discrepancy between the map and this alert, this alert should be considered correct.
*Important Notes:
- The A.T. follows the NC/TN border for most of its length between Davenport Gap, at the northern end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Doll Flats, just south of U.S. 19E outside the towns of Elk Park and Roan Mountain.
- Pisgah National Forest land is on the NC side and Cherokee National Forest land is on the TN side. The state line is not clearly marked on the Trail. It is not possible to do an extended hike in this section without crossing from one forest to another, and back again. So, a closure in this section of the Trail in one National Forest should be treated as a complete closure. Hikers should stay out of closed sections.
- Day hikes may be possible on open Cherokee National Forest land. It is up to you to know whose land you are on. Official maps will show National Forest boundaries.
Road Conditions
Access roads for the A.T., many of which are Forest Service roads, may be damaged or closed. For Forest Service road conditions:
- Pisgah National Forest (NC)
- Cherokee National Forest (TN)
- George Washington & Jefferson National Forests (VA)
For state roads:
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