Trail Updates

03/12/2026

Update: The Max Patch Burn was completed last week. However, the Cherry Creek Burn, which is very close to the A.T. just south of Max Patch Road, is still planned for this spring. This burn is not on the A.T. and the A.T. will likely not close. However, hikers will likely see and smell smoke during the burn, and encounter fire crews.

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03/06/2026

Update: USFS will go ahead with the Max Patch prescribed burn today. Hikers will be rerouted to Lemon Gap along Max Patch Road (Max Patch Road is NOBO mile 254.7 and Lemon Gap is 260.8). The road walk is 3.9 miles.

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03/05/2026

Update: USFS is planning to conduct the Max Patch prescribed burn tomorrow, pending a final call in the morning based on the weather. When the burn occurs, the A.T. on Max Patch will be temporarily closed. Hikers will be rerouted to Lemon Gap along Max Patch Road (Max Patch Road is NOBO mile 254.7 and Lemon Gap is 260.8). The road walk is 3.9 miles.

Always use caution when walking along roadways and make sure cars can see you. Hikers should follow all instructions from fire crews and posted signs.

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03/03/2026

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plans to conduct a prescribed burn at Max Patch later this week, depending on weather (NOBO mile 255.5). USFS fire crews may ask hikers to wait for short periods of time during the burn.

Prescribed burns are weather dependent and advanced notice of burns is not always possible. Hikers should always follow instructions from posted signs and fire crews. Hikers may also encounter smoke effects for several days after the burn. For more information about the benefits of prescribed burns, visit the USFS website.