Trail Updates

NC/TN – Severe Damage – Davenport Gap & I-40 Area, Updated 6/20/25

06/20/2025

Update: Reports today tell us that the A.T. immediately north and south of Interstate 40 only saw severe damage in a few spots. The A.T. further south into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and north toward Brown Gap has not been assessed.

Much of the debris as been removed from Green Corner Road where it passes under Interstate 40. Hikers should continue to be extremely cautious in this area and watch out for heavy equipment, especially along roads and around the Interstate 40 overpass. Backpackers, section hikers, and day hikers may want to consider hiking elsewhere until repairs are complete.

Standing Bear Farm Hostel, a popular resupply stop for A.T. hikers, was severely damaged. Call ahead to check on availability of services. Hikers should not plan to resupply in this area for now.

—

06/19/2025

Update: Reports this morning indicate that the A.T. is passable, but likely saw severe damage and erosion in some spots. The A.T. is open in this area, but hikers should exercise extreme caution and watch out for heavy equipment, especially along roads and around the Interstate 40 overpass. Backpackers, section hikers, and day hikers may want to consider hiking elsewhere until repairs are complete.

Standing Bear Farm Hostel, a popular resupply stop for A.T. hikers, was damaged and may be inaccessible. Hikers should not plan to resupply there or anywhere else in this area for now.

Interstate 40 remains closed from the the Hartford Exit 447 to Harmon Den.

We will continue to update this alert as we receive more information.

—

06/18/2025

A microburst storm has caused severe local flooding and a possible rockslide along Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Reports indicate that the Trail is impassable from approximately Davenport Gap to Brown Gap/Forest Service Road 148A (NOBO mile 239.4 to 251.9). The interstate is also closed in both directions. Hikers should avoid this section. 

While the A.T. remains officially open through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is unclear if Davenport Gap is accessible due to damage. Northbound hikers should consider finding an alternative route from Newfound Gap (NOBO mile 208.0). 

The A.T. is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap (NOBO miles 166.7 to 239.4). 

We will share more information about Trail conditions and access when we receive it. 

For more information on the status of Interstate 40, visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation or the North Carolina Department of Transportation website. 

Back