Trail Updates

04/16/2026

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is enacting a forest-wide burn ban starting tomorrow, April 17, 2026, until further notice due to elevated wildfire risk. Under the ban, campfires are prohibited along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Georgia, but camp stoves are allowed.

Last week, ATC ridgerunners encountered 10 unattended campfires on the A.T. Always make sure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving it unattended.

A.T. hikers should always refrain from having campfires during times of high fire danger, regardless of whether an official burn ban is in place. Periods of hot, dry, windy weather mean high fire danger. Note that short periods of rain do not necessarily lower fire risk.

The ATC urges hikers to not have campfires at any time in areas damaged by Hurricane Helene (Davenport Gap near I-40 to Pearisburg, VA), due to the heightened fire risk posed by downed trees and storm debris.

Several other states and sections of the A.T. have burn bans in effect already, including North Carolina.

Learn more about wildfire risk on the A.T. and safety when hiking through Helene-damaged areas.