Trail Updates

02/22/2026

A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) from where it runs along the North Carolina-Tennessee state line up through Maine. Accumulations of anywhere from 10 inches of snow in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee (particularly Unaka and Roan Mountain north of Erwin) to 22 inches in northern Pennsylvania and New Jersey are expected. Blizzard warnings are in effect for the A.T. in northern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

The ATC Harpers Ferry Visitor Center may be closed tomorrow due to the storm. We will post a separate notice if the visitor center is closed.

Heavy snow can make hiking difficult and may cause trees to fall and tree branches to break, creating dangerous conditions and making the footpath hard to follow. Dangerous "hazard" trees are a particular concern in areas that were damaged by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Hikers should always looks up before stopping or setting up camp, and never stop or camp under damaged, diseased, or dead standing trees.

Winter conditions may also close access roads to the A.T., limiting hikers' ability to leave the Trail.

Always check the forecast before leaving for the Trail or leaving town, and consider postponing your hike if severe weather is predicted for your area. Visit weather.gov for updated forecasts and more information about the winter storm, and visit our Hiking & Helene page for more information about what to expect in storm damaged areas.