Is Appalachian National Scenic Trail open today?

Park Lookout is an independent site, not the National Park Service. We are not affiliated with NPS. Confirm conditions on nps.gov before you go: official Appalachian National Scenic Trail page.

Current NPS alerts (2)

Park Closure

List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene

Many closures remain on the Trail following Hurricane Helene's devastation. This will remain true for the foreseeable future. Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website for an up-to-date list of closures. OBSERVE ALL CLOSURES. Stay safe!

Last updated by NPS: Feb 7, 2025 · NPS alert source

Caution

Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia

Human-habituated bears have been frequently spotted in the McAfee Knob Area. Allowing bears access to human food or garbage causes it to lose its fear of humans. Follow all food storage regulations, use provided food lockers and never feed a bear.

Last updated by NPS: Sep 6, 2024 · NPS alert source

Weather alerts (National Weather Service)

No active NWS watches, warnings or advisories for the forecast zone and county at the park's central point.

About this site

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.

Type: National Scenic Trail
States: Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia
Address: Appalachian Trail Park Office, P.O. Box 50, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

From the NPS Data API. Official NPS page →

Hours

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

In general, the Appalachian Trail is open year-round. The northern terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine is within Baxter State Park, which may be closed in winter months, depending on weather conditions. Particular sections of the Trail, and less-developed roads accessing the Trail, may be closed temporarily for a number of reasons, but otherwise the trail is open.

Monday	All Day
Tuesday	All Day
Wednesday	All Day
Thursday	All Day
Friday	All Day
Saturday	All Day
Sunday	All Day

Entrance fees

No entrance fee.

The Appalachian Trail is free for all to enjoy. No fees, memberships, or permits are required to walk on the Trail. However, the A.T. passes through numerous state and national parks, forests and public lands, a few of which charge fees or require permits or reservations to park or to stay overnight in shelters or campsites.