GA-VA – Hurricane Helene, Updated 3/13/25
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Current Conditions
03/13/2025, Updated at 9:30 a.m.
See the table below for details on current official A.T. closures from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and for information about detours.
3/13 Update: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will provide a free daily ferry service starting March 17 to transport A.T. hikers across the Nolichucky River near the former site of the Chestoa Pike Bridge (NOBO mile 344.6). The bridge was destroyed during the storm.
The ferry service, made possible thanks to donations to the ATC’s A.T. Resiliency Fund, is the official route of the A.T. at this time. Hikers should not attempt to ford, swim, or otherwise cross the Nolichucky River on their own. Dogs and children are allowed on the ferry with their owner/adult.
The ferry, provided by Wahoo’s Adventure Nolichucky, will operate between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily from March 17 to June 15.
The 3.6-mile road walk detour that was previously shared as the official route of the Trail should be used when the ferry is not operating: Nolichucky River Road Walk Detour. Flip-flop, southbound, and other A.T. hikers who will arrive at the Nolichucky after June 15: please check this alert for updates or use the road walk.
This ferry service is possible with support from the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel Cabins & Camping, and the Erwin and Unicoi County community.
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.
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.
Table 1: Closed Sections*
| 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. |
| 352.9 to 374.2* | Indian Grave Gap to Hughes Gap, including Cherry Gap Shelter (which was destroyed)* | No – hikers should plan to skip around this section. |
| 414.0 | Moreland Gap Shelter (damaged) | N/A |
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 on 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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