Trail Updates

03/09/2026

The ATC received a report of a bear cub sighting near Tray Mountain Shelter (NOBO mile 58.4). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources was notified - thank you to the hiker who reported the cubs to the ATC! While the cubs were quite young and did not exhibit any food conditioned behavior, it is crucial that hikers in this area practice good food storage since bears have been spotted close to the shelter.

You can help keep bears, yourself, and other hikers safe by following these guidelines:

• Exercise caution when hiking through this area. If you encounter a mother bear with her cubs (or any bear on the A.T.), give her plenty of room. Even it means turning around.
  • If you encounter cubs that are alone, leave the area and do not approach them; the mother bear is likely nearby. Never approach or touch wildlife on the A.T. If you encounter cubs that are alone and seem in distress, submit a Bear Encounter Report.
• Keep a clean camp and trail. Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Cook and eat at least 200 feet from campsites and the shelter.
• Properly store all food and scented items overnight in a bear canister.
• Never leave food and scented items unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view.

The ATC recommends using a bear canister since they have proven to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food. ATC has received reports of bears on the Trail defeating even proper PCT-style bear hangs.

Learn more about bear safety, proper food storage on the A.T., and what to do if you encounter a bear on our Bear webpage.

Report all bear encounters via our Bear Encounter Report form.