Virginia – Bear Activity – Tom Floyd Wayside, 8/4/25

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Alert

08/04/2025

Bears have been active at Tom Floyd Wayside, the shelter just north of Shenandoah National Park.

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

  • Exercise caution when hiking through this area. 
  • 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 or use the provided bear pole.
  • 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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