Trail Updates

01/30/2026

Update: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch and winter storm warning for north Georgia starting today through Sunday. Windchill values as low as -19°F are forecast for the top of Springer Mountain.

The extreme cold and snow will likely further delay recovery work and road clearing, and emergency services may not be available or could be significantly delayed.

Visit weather.gov for the latest forecast.

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01/29/2026

Update: USFS partners report that Forest Service Road 42, which serves the Springer Mountain Trailhead, is in very rough shape following the storm, and Highway 348/Richard Russell Scenic Highway is impassable. Highway 348 provides Trail access at Tesnatee Gap and Hogpen Gap (NOBO miles 37.3 and 38.2).

Given the poor road conditions, emergency services and shuttle services may not be available or may be significantly delayed. More snow and freezing temperatures are forecast this weekend, which means that recovery work may be delayed further. A winter storm watch is in effect for the A.T. from Georgia through central Virginia starting tomorrow through Sunday.

Hikers and visitors can support efficient recovery efforts, improve safety for both themselves and crews working, and avoid the worst of the impacts by postponing trips until conditions improve. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website also has information about storm impacts, including details about recreation site closures and tips on how to prepare for winter conditions.

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01/28/2026

Update: Our U.S. Forest Service (USFS) partners on the ground in Georgia report that Winter Storm Fern has left downed trees, unstable footing, and other hazardous conditions along portions of the A.T. from Springer Mountain to the Georgia state line (NOBO miles 0 to 78.3).

Hikers and visitors can support efficient recovery efforts, improve safety for both themselves and crews working, and avoid the worst of the impacts by postponing trips until conditions improve, which will likely take a week or two of warmer weather. Trail crews are actively assessing conditions and working to remove storm debris, but this work takes time and requires heavy equipment and saw operations in the corridor. Work may be further delayed since some trailheads are still inaccessible.

We’re coordinating closely with our USFS partners and will provide updates as conditions change. Thank you for your patience and for helping protect both the Trail and the crews working. 

If you choose to visit the Trail before conditions improve, be prepared for dangerous, icy conditions into early next week, and be ready to wait for work to pause when encountering crews. Also be prepared for blowdowns that could slow your pace and look up before stopping or setting up camp. Never stop near dead, diseased, or damaged standing trees, or trees that are heavily weighed down by ice, as these can fall/snap suddenly and be extremely dangerous. 

Planning to start a thru-hike in the next few days? If postponing is not possible, consider a Flip Flop thru-hike and start north of the damage. Contact us for help planning. 

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website also has information about storm impacts.

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01/21/2026

A widespread winter storm is expected to impact much of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) starting Friday and into the weekend. The National Weather Service predicts that the storm will bring "great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain" to much of the east coast through Sunday.

Heavy snow and ice can make hiking difficult and may cause trees to fall and tree branches to break, creating dangerous conditions and making the footpath hard to follow. Dangerous "hazard" trees are a particular concern in areas that were damaged by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Hikers should always looks up before stopping or setting up camp, and never stop or camp under damaged, diseased, or dead standing trees.

Winter conditions may also close access roads to the A.T., limiting hikers' ability to leave the Trail.

Always check the forecast before leaving for the Trail or leaving town, and consider postponing your hike if severe weather is predicted for your area. Visit weather.gov for updated forecasts and more information about the winter storm, and visit our Hiking & Helene page for more information about what to expect in storm damaged areas.