Trail Updates

03/27/2026

A reminder for Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers and visitors that both Virginia and Pennsylvania have annual seasonal burn bans. In Pennsylvania, a burn ban is in place each year from March 1 through May 25 on state forest lands, which includes most of the A.T. from the PA-MD state line to Hunters Run, north of Pine Grove Furnace State Park (NOBO miles 1,068.1 to 1,114.5).

In Virginia, there is a statewide ban on open fires before 4:00 p.m. from February 15 through April 30. Open fires (including campfires) are only permitted between 4:00 p.m. and midnight when fire danger is lower.

Other temporary burn bans may go into effect any time there is high fire danger. Always check our Trail Updates page and with land managers for local burn bans before you hit the Trail. For more information about campfire regulations along the A.T., visit our Camping Regulations table.