Tennessee – Bear Activity – Low Gap Area, 5/29/25
Tennessee
bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
05/29/25
The ATC received a report of a food conditioned bear at a campsite approximately two miles north of Low Gap/U.S. 421 (NOBO mile 456.0). The bear destroyed a hiker’s gear in search of food and has likely stolen hiker food in the past, indicated by strewn food wrappers in the area.
This area of the Trail has historically had a high number of bear encounters and food conditioned bears taking hiker food.
The ATC recommends using a bear canister no matter where you are on the A.T., since they have shown to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food. It is difficult to do a proper bear hang (at least 12 feet high and at least 6 feet from the trunk and any branches), and ATC has received reports of bears defeating even proper PCT-style hangs.
Hikers in this area should exercise extreme caution, keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs, properly store all food and scented items overnight in a bear canister. Never leave food unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view. Learn more about bear safety, proper food storage on the A.T., and what to do if you encounter a bear on our Bear webpage.
Report all bear encounters via our Bear Encounter Report form.
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