NC/TN – Shelter Closed – Clyde Smith, 6/13/25

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Alert

06/13/2025

Due to several reports of food conditioned bears in the area, officials with the Cherokee National Forest have temporarily closed Clyde Smith Shelter (NOBO mile 370.8). Hikers must plan to camp elsewhere. ATC recommends hikers not stop here for lunch or breaks, too.

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

  • Respecting bear-related closures like this one, which help encourage bears to return to foraging and wild behaviors by removing human food sources,
  • Exercise caution in this area,
  • Keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs. 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 unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view.

The ATC recommends using a bear canister no matter where you are on the A.T., since they have shown to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food. It is difficult to do a proper bear hang (at least 12 feet high and at least 6 feet from the trunk and any branches), and ATC has received reports of bears on the Trail defeating even proper PCT-style 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.

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