Trail Updates

Virginia – Shelter Closed – Bailey Gap, Updated 6/23/25

06/23/2025

Update: Due to escalating hiker encounters with food-conditioned bears in this area, officials with the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests have temporarily closed Bailey Gap Shelter (NOBO mile 660.9). Hikers must camp elsewhere and should not stop here for breaks or to eat. 

You can help keep A.T. bears, yourself, and other hikers safe by following these guidelines: 

• Respect bear-related closures, which help encourage bears to return to foraging and wild behaviors by removing human food sources. 

• Exercise caution when hiking through areas with closures. 

• Keep a clean camp and trail. Pack out all trash and food waste. 

• Cook and eat at least 200 feet from campsites and the shelter. 

• Properly store all food and scented items overnight in a bear canister. 

• Never leave food and scented items unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view. 

The ATC recommends using a bear canister no matter where you are on the A.T., since they have proven to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food. ATC has received reports of bears on the Trail defeating even proper PCT-style bear hangs. 

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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06/18/2025

The area around Bailey Gap continues to see heightened bear activity, including a report of a food-conditioned bear continuing to circle the shelter despite hikers using bear spray. Hikers should be extremely careful in this area and may want to consider not camping at this shelter or in the immediate area.

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06/03/2025

The ATC received reports of a food conditioned bear at Bailey Gap Shelter (NOBO mile 660.9). It appears to be a young bear who stays close to the shelter and shows little fear of people, despite hikers yelling and throwing rocks.

Hikers in this area should exercise extreme caution, keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs, cook and eat at least 200 feet from campsites and the shelter, and 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.

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 on the Trail defeating even proper PCT-style hangs.

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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