Trail Updates

05/08/2026

The U.S. Forest Service has issued fire restrictions for the Mount Rogers High Country between Beech Mountain Road and Massie Gap (NOBO mile 489.4 to 502.4). Creating and maintaining campfires is prohibited. Hikers should use extreme caution with camp stoves and when smoking. Pack out all trash.

This area is home to rare and critically imperiled southern spruce-fir forest. A host of rare, threatened, and endangered species depend on this forest. Storm debris and downed trees left by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024 create the perfect fuel for wildfires to spread quickly, putting this unique ecosystem at risk. Help protect this special place by following the fire restrictions.

The ATC strongly urges all A.T. hikers to not have campfires anywhere between Davenport Gap and the New River at Pearisburg, VA (NOBO miles 239.4 to 637.8) due to all the downed trees from Helene, regardless of whether an official burn ban is in place. Learn more about Helene's impact on the A.T. and how to stay safe in storm damaged areas on our Helene page.

For more information about the fire restrictions, visit the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests' website.