Trail Updates

03/26/26

Update, 4:00 pm: The U.S. Forest Service has reopened the road closures at the intersection of Rock Creek Road/TN 395 and NC 197/Poplar Creek Road. They advise to use caution and lower your speed while driving. Firefighters and fire vehicles remain in the area while containing the Poplar Fire.

Hikers should continue to exercise caution and follow all instructions from posted signs and crews.

 

---

03/25/2026

Update, 3:20 pm: The fire has grown to about 200 acres and is 40% contained. The A.T. remain open for now, but the road at Indian Grave Gap is closed. From the U.S. Forest Service: "The Appalachian Trail near Indian Grave Gap (NOBO mile 352.9) is experiencing impacts, so hikers should exercise caution and follow all instructions from posted signs and fire crews. From the intersections of Rock Creek Road/TN 395 to NC 197/Poplar Creek Road is closed for firefighter and public safety. Poplar Creek Road may be temporarily closed."

---

03/24/2026

Update, 1:40 pm: Now called the Poplar Fire, the wildfire continues to burn east of the A.T. and has grown to approximately 100 acres. NC Highway 197 is closed for about 3 miles between Indian Grave Gap and Poplar Creek Road. The same road (which changes to TN Highway 395 at Indian Grave Gap on the state line), may also close. Hikers should not expect to get on or off the Trail at Indian Grave Gap.

Fire crews are currently allowing hikers through, but that could change at any time based on conditions and fire containment. Continue to follow all instructions from fire crews. The Mitchell County Fire Marshal/Emergency Management is posting regular updates on their Facebook page.

---

03/23/2026

6:30 pm: ATC has received a report of a wildfire burning east of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) near Indian Grave Gap (NOBO mile 352.9). Firefighters are responding. The A.T. is currently open in the area, but fire crews may stop hikers from continuing if they feel there's danger of the fire spreading onto the Trail.

Hikers should exercise caution and follow all instructions from posted signs and fire crews. Learn what to do if you encounter a wildfire on the Trail here. We will update this notice with more information as we receive it.