Trail Updates

08/11/2026

The ATC has received two reports over the last week of concerning bear activity around Rhododendron Gap in southwest Virginia (NOBO mile 500.2). One report described a large bear that showed little fear of humans and came within 10 feet of people. The other reported that a bear defeated a 10-foot-high bear hang and stole hiker food.

Before you leave for your hike and while on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.):

• Educate yourself on bear safety and proper food storage before leaving for the Trail.
• Exercise caution in areas with frequent bear activity
• Properly store all food, trash, and scented items at night in the provided bear boxes or a bear canister
• Keep a clean camp by picking up crumbs and cleaning up spills.
• Pack out all trash and food waste.
• Never leave unsecured food unattended - even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.
• Never sleep with your food or trash.

The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for their trips, no matter the area or time of year. Bear canisters have shown to be the most effective and reliable method of food storage on the A.T. The ATC's Damascus Trail Center now has a bear canister lending program.

Did you encounter a bear acting strangely along the Trail (showing little fear of humans, entering a campsite, stealing food, acting aggressively, etc.)? Report the encounter here. Reporting bear encounters helps keep bears and hikers safe.