Trail Updates

Pennsylvania – Wildfire – Birch Run Area, Updated 4/29/25

04/29/2025

Update: As of yesterday, the Thompson Hollow Fire was 42% contained and had burned over 2,200 acres (note that our previous update mistakenly put the fire at 2,700 acres. That is the approximate total acres burned by both the Thompson Hollow Fire and Hammond Rocks Fire, which is burning elsewhere in the state forest).

As of yesterday, authorities reopened Shippensburg Road to the public (NOBO mile 1,096.8). The latest report from the incident command on use of the A.T.:

• Backpackers and thru-hikers can proceed on the Trail in the area but should avoid staying at Birch Run and Toms Run Shelters out of an abundance of caution.
• Day hikers are asked to continue to avoid the area to reduce vehicle traffic since there is still heavy incident-related traffic on Shippensburg Road. 

Hikers should exercise extreme caution when hiking through this area and may encounter heavy smoke. Follow all instructions from posted signs and fire crews. Campfires are not allowed in Michaux State Forest until May 25.

For more information about the Thompson Hollow Fire, including a detailed map, visit the State of PA’s website.

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04/27/2025

Update: The Thompson Hollow Fire continues to burn and has grown to 2,700 acres. We’ve also received reports of very poor air quality in the area due to smoke. ATC still recommends that hikers avoid the area to give fire crews room to work. We recommend that long-distance hikers skip the A.T. between U.S. 30 at Caledonia State Park and Boiling Springs (NOBO miles 1,085.5 to 1,124.7). Hikers who need to skip this section due to the fire are still eligible for ATC’s 2,000-miler program.

We will continue to update this notice with more information as we receive it.

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04/25/2025

Update: The Thompson Hollow Fire grew overnight to 1,000 acres and firefighters are actively working to suppress the fire. We’ve received reports that Michaux State Forest has closed access to local trails, but are waiting on official confirmation of closures. Out of an abundance of caution, the ATC recommends that hikers avoid this area for now to give crews room to work.

We will update this notice with more information as we receive it.

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04/24/2025

A wildfire has been reported in Michaux State Forest in the area near Birch Run Shelter and Shippensburg Road (NOBO miles 1,095.5 and 1,096.8). The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in the area remains open and fire crews are responding. Hikers in this area should use caution and follow all directions from fire crews and posted signs.

Spring often brings high fire danger along the A.T. Campfires are prohibited in Michaux State Forest from March 1 to May 25 each year. The A.T. is almost entirely in the state forest from PA Route 16 to approx. PA 94 (NOBO miles 1,070.2 to 1,115.8).

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