Trail Updates

05/20/2026

2:40 pm Update: Icewater Springs Shelter is now closed due to bear activity. Hikers should avoid this shelter and plan to camp elsewhere, including not stopping here to take a break or eat lunch. Respecting bear-related closures like this one helps bears return to their natural, wild behaviors by removing human food sources.

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05/20/2026

The ATC received a report of a persistent bear at Icewater Springs Shelter (NOBO mile 211.1). The bear did not show much fear of humans and stole a hiker's boot.

You can protect yourself, other hikers, and the bears by doing the following:

• Educate yourself on bear safety and proper food storage before leaving for the Trail.
• Exercise caution in areas with frequent bear activity.
• Properly store all food, trash, and scented items at night in a bear canister. Never sleep with your food or trash.
  • In the park, hikers are required to hang food from the provided bear cables at overnight sites. If you use a bear canister, hang the canister in your pack at night from the cables.
• Keep a clean camp by picking up crumbs and cleaning up spills.
• Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Never leave unsecured food unattended - even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.

Please report bear encounters on the A.T. using our Bear Encounter Report form. Early intervention when there's a bear becoming conditioned to human food protects hikers and the bears.