Trail Updates

Virginia – Burn Bans UPDATED 11/15/23

11/15/2023

Update: All Appalachian National Scenic Trail National Park Service lands in the Triple Crown Region (VA 624 to VA 652; NOBO miles 704.6 to 732.3) are closed to fires due to extreme fire danger. This closure prohibits the building, maintaining, or attending of a campfire, wood stove, or charcoal fires. Petroleum-fueled stoves and enclosed lanterns are still permitted.

With the addition of this burn ban, all A.T. lands in Virginia are under a burn ban. A.T. hikers in Virginia should avoid having a campfire and exercise extreme caution when using camp stoves.

For more information, visit the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Park service website.

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11/09/2023

2:50 p.m.

Update: Grayson Highlands State Park has also banned all open fires until further notice. Propane stoves are allowed. The ban impacts all areas of the park including campgrounds, cabins, and day-use areas, and includes fire rings and charcoal grills.

With the addition of this burn ban, effectively all A.T. lands in Virginia are under a burn ban. A.T. hikers in Virginia should avoid having a campfire and exercise extreme caution when using camp stoves.

For more information about Grayson Highlands State Park and their burn ban, visit the park’s website.

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11/09/2023

1:45 p.m.

Update: The Blue Ridge Parkway (BLRI) is also now temporarily banning backcountry campfires effective immediately. To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, this fire restriction will be in effect until further notice.

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) winds in and out of BLRI land north of Roanoke. Fire restrictions apply to all backcountry campsites and shelters.

For more information about the national forest fire restrictions, visit the BLRI’s website.

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11/09/2023

11:10 a.m.

Update: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests has implemented forest-wide fire restrictions through December 31, 2023. Open fires may not be ignited or maintained at any dispersed recreation site, including along the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. This includes all wood, charcoal, coal, or other solid-fuel open-air fires. Propane and other fuel-powered camp stoves are still permitted.

The A.T. is on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest land through almost all of Virginia outside of Shenandoah National Park. There is still a burn ban in effect in Shenandoah National Park and several county burn bans remain in place throughout Virginia. A.T. hikers in Virginia should avoid having a campfire and exercise extreme caution when using camp stoves.

For more information about the national forest fire restrictions, visit the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest website.

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11/08/2023

Due to dry conditions and the increased risk of wildfires, the Virginia Department of Forestry has implemented burn bans in several counties, including the following counties that the A.T. passes through/skirts: Washington, Giles, Montgomery, Rockbridge, Bedford, Albermarle, and Madison. The governor has also declared a state of emergency in response to the threat of wildfires and there is a burn ban in effect in Shenandoah National Park.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Hikers on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in these counties should avoid having campfires and exercise extreme caution when using camp stoves.

Even in areas without a burn ban, dry conditions are prevalent along the A.T. from Georgia to Virginia. To be safe, hikers should consider forgoing a campfire and exercise extreme caution with camp stoves in dry areas regardless of active burn bans. Always check for local burn bans before you start your hike.

If you come across a smoldering campfire or a wildfire, call 911.

For more information, including a burn ban map, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry’s website. 

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